More than a memory

Solid-state is being touted as a catalyst for change in the memory market - are more disruptive technologies coming our way?

I think this is a transition year. Next-generation DDR3 memory uses less voltage and generates less heat, which means you won't burn your lap using your notebook. It's the same in the server room - users will get an even greater return from this crossover. There will still be a price premium on DDR3 this year, but system rollouts from leading vendors like HP will drive the change.

Solid-state will be adopted - there's no question about that - but there's a huge gap between the cost per megabyte of solid-state versus hard disk.

What's the biggest achievement of your career?

It was more of a personal journey, but making the decision to go back to school five years ago. I finished my masters in management and really enjoyed it - it was a research-based degree and I did a lot of interactive work around Kingston and our business with Ingram Micro.

Do you have any dislikes in the industry?

As a sales engineer, I dislike hype and people jumping on things just so they appear to be saying the right things. The green issue is one example - a lot of people are reacting to green computing because it's a feel-good, but organisations need to look at their own backyard first.

What will be the next big thing?

Sixty-four-bit computing. We're going to get there. The technology has been there on the processor side, but you need to have a combination of hardware and applications to drive take-up. I think we're seeing that now.

What do you do when you're not at work?

I spend most of my time golfing. My handicap is an eight and the desire is to get down to scratch in the next year or so. I have teenage boys now and spend time with them travelling, fishing and so on. I also love to cook.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

Something related to flying. My grandfather, father and brothers went into the military, but I didn't.

What's your biggest ambition?

My ambition changes. Early on it was to be responsible for the kids - now it's to ensure the boys I've raised are fine men. Jobs are a way to make a living but it's not who you are. I had some good mentors who told me to keep the balance because the next generation is what it's all about.