Kingston Digital said on Tuesday that it is currently working with Microsoft to create a Windows To Go-compatible USB 3.0 Flash drive. Called the Kingston DataTraveler Workspace USB Flash drive, the device is slated to arrive this October -- likely alongside the release of Windows 8 although no specific date has been set.
Windows To Go (opens in new tab) is a new feature in Windows 8 Enterprise that is a fully manageable corporate Windows 8 desktop on a bootable external USB stick. This feature will allow IT organizations to support the "Bring Your Own PC" trend, and businesses can give contingent staff access to the corporate environment without compromising security.
Kingston said its new USB stick will be fully bootable and incorporate SSD technology in a small USB form factor so users can access their enterprise system from a portable device. Kingston currently has a beta version of the drive (DTU30) available for enterprises or organizations in need of evaluating the Windows To Go feature of Windows 8 Enterprise.
"This bootable USB drive for Windows 8 is a specialized drive like no other Kingston USB Flash drive," reads the product page. "Currently, this drive is a Beta version available only directly from Kingston. U.S. customers can order from here; others should email us for ordering information. Please do not attempt to purchase this drive through other channels as you may not receive the correct USB drive."
The final version of the USB stick will arrive in three flavors: 32 GB (KW-U4132-1FA) for $75, 64 GB (KW-U4164-1FA) for $140, and an unlisted 128 GB version (prices subject to change). Technical specs include data transfer rates up to 80 MB/s for read and 60 MB/s for write across a USB 3.0 port, and 30 MB/s for read and 30 MB/s for write across a USB 2.0 port.
"We are excited to have Kingston as an associate on Windows To Go. Our joint innovation will further enable mobile work styles. Kingston’s DataTraveler Workspace will give our customers the performance and endurance required to deliver a great experience when running Windows 8 Enterprise from a USB drive," said Karri Alexion-Tiernan, Director of Product Marketing, Windows Enterprise, Microsoft.
For the Windows 8 GA release in October, Kingston will launch the actual drive, DataTraveler Workspace, to replace the current customized DTU30 beta, the company said. For more information about the upcoming USB stick, or to get your hands on the beta device, head here.