Electronic Disks in the 1980´s

In forecasting future types and uses of electronic disks one must consider processing unit architecture and software systems, as well as trends in computer memory technologies. This paper will concentrate on projections of memory technology, including computer architecture and software trends where relevant to these projections. Technologies which have the potential to result in standard commercial products are addressed rather than those which will result only in laboratory prototypes or militarized equipments designed for unique application environments. For example, a technology which may be uniquely suited for space applications may be much too expensive to compete as a commercial product. Bit densities, costs, access times, and other characteristics have been projected as representative of products which are in production, are available in quantity from several vendors, and are therefore competitively priced.