Microsoft working on Startkey flash drive software platform

by Brad Linder Mar 3rd 2008

Microsoft is reportedly working on a system that will allow users to run software and store system settings on USB flash drives. Microsoft is working with SanDisk to develop something called StartKey, which will be a replacement for the U3 software that allows users to install and run applications from a flash drive.

StartKey will allow for further integration with Windows than you get from U3 or other portable application technologies. For example, you'll be able to store things like your desktop wallpaper, icons, and contact lists which means you can plug a StartKey drive into any computer and experience your familiar desktop environment.

For the most part, it feels to us like Microsoft is reinventing the wheel here. You can already install Firefox, Thunderbird, Pidgin, and OpenOffice.org on a flash drive. Do you really care that much about carrying your wallpaper around? On the other hand, we're sure there would be some folks who would prefer to install Outlook, Office, and maybe even Internet Explorer on a flash drive, so if that's what Microsoft has in mind, StartKey could be something to keep an eye on.

Tags: portable-apps, startkey

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Doug said 12:38PM on 3-03-2008

I, for one, have absolutely no interest in anything that Microsoft is doing with USB drives, until they fix Vista so that I can work from files on my USB drive without the OS irrevocably deleting them.

James said 2:23PM on 3-03-2008

Can you not just redirect your Documents and Settings folder to a flash drive using e.g. Group Policy or registry hacks, or maybe an NTFS kludge? I haven't tried it (obviously), but they really ought to let you do it already.

Eric H said 2:24PM on 3-03-2008

I have only had problems with word docs on usb drives. the quick work around is to use save as instead of save.

Kam said 2:25PM on 3-03-2008

Seeking advice from Eric H.:

Hi, can you elaborate on the problems you've had with using Word docs directly from your USB key? Our patrons have reported that they've used our public computers to edit their Word documents, it later becomes 'corrupt' and can't be opened...for no apparent reason! And we haven't been able to find any clues nor can we replicate the problem. Thanks for any advice you can give.

Kam.
kleung@torontopubliclibrary.ca

rossruns said 2:25PM on 3-03-2008

Hrm, sounds suspiciously like products that already exist ( http://www.lexar.com/powertogo/ )...I guess Microsoft likes to wait until they see if the innovative ideas make it in the wild before they roll out their version of the idea?

Andrew Pollack said 2:26PM on 3-03-2008

This is actually important technology, and due to their dominance of the PC platform the truth is that it will need to be Microsoft who does it.

Its a convergence thing. Flash (and all USB) drives are getting bigger, virtual machines are getting commonplace, PC's have gotten more and more standardized, and hardware and networks have gotten more ubiquitous.

Most of us are carrying around 30-60 gigs of data storage already.

Everything that makes your desktop workstation "YOUR" desktop workstation were stored not in "c:\documents and settings\Joe User\" combined with "C:\program Files\" (and, sadly, a bunch of stuff in "C:\windows\system32\")

Now, if that stuff were on a removable USB type drive, and the system for transportability were actually part of the supported operating system.

You'd go to any kiosk workstation which would load a standardized VM. You put your USB key in its place, and two things happen: (1) Your USB validates that the VM its being connected to is in fact a stardardized, certified, untampered with VM; and (2) The VM and your USB key negotiate for their requirements -- network? 3d graphics? Available Ram? Processor load? etc.

If done right, it would mean any kiosk could be your desktop. Your software would load on those with enough capabilities, and would not load where the local limits were too constraining.

Ditch the laptop. Plug into the seatback on the plane and let it serve you up a VM to plug into. Land at the airport and and plug into the car. Get to your company office in the UK, and check out a local laptop or workstation.

All with what's in your pocket.

It will have to happen at the OS level, however.

Eric H said 2:39PM on 3-03-2008

Kam sent you an email about the usb drive question you asked.

Jordan Running said 2:50PM on 3-03-2008

"You can already install Firefox, Thunderbird, Pidgin, and OpenOffice.org on a flash drive."

Brad, this is exactly why Microsoft is reinventing this particular wheel--because that list doesn't say Microsoft Internet Explorer, Microsoft Windows Mail (or Microsoft Outlook), Microsoft Windows Live Messenger, and Microsoft Office.

Jamus said 3:44PM on 3-03-2008

"... further integration with Windows" = "more Windows lock in"?

Making it easier for the John D. User to use a usb drive is great and all, but what about try to make the usb keys carry better cross-platform apps/data and then have true portability?

Jash Sayani said 10:33PM on 3-03-2008

Just another copy of - Mac-on-stick !
M$ keep copying and earning :-)

michael said 7:50AM on 3-04-2008

@Josh Sayani : Mac OS X can go on a USB stick and is portable practically everywhere and loads well on any computer?

If it does, please enlighten me.

Jonathan said 3:14PM on 3-04-2008

Perhaps the direction is or should be taking your personal settings with you wherever you go via the Disk On Key not the generic apps on a drive or data.

But all that work you put into setting up your primary PC to be just the way you want it well, when you plug in the Disk On Key it should "morph" whatever other PC into a clone so you can keep on working as if you are still sitting at home.

All your settings, all your plugins, all your customizations there for you to use wherever you go.

No Name said 3:18PM on 3-04-2008

Well the Outlook stuff is covered with 'USB Suite": http://software.techrepublic.com.com/download.aspx?docid=251429
and it is free. Portableapps.com has the office stuff covered with the portable open office: http://portableapps.com/apps. There is also a great suite you can use to install and uninstall. Microsoft is way behind.

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