Memory makers expect Windows 7 to drive demand for NAND flash chips because the new OS is optimized to take advantage of solid-state drives (SSD).

At the Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC) in November 2008, Microsoft senior lead program manager Leon Braginski claimed that the Windows 7 would work better with SSDs. Optimizing SSDs for the upcoming OS has become focus for SSD manufacturers and notebook makers in the midst of the current market uncertainty.

NAND flash chipmakers are also pinning hopes on the new OS, according to industry sources, with SSDs expected be favored for more new-generation PC models.

DRAMeXchange recently commented that contract prices for mainstream NAND flash chips are stabilizing. In the first half of March, the average contract price of 8Gb MLC chips grew by up to 10% to US$2.86, and the 16Gb MLC segment to US$3.15.

Source- Digitimes