I'd pointed this out before -

''SMART Modular Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:SMOD) today announced the introduction of a 32-Mbyte Flash Miniature Card based on the new Intel StrataFlash(TM) Flash memory chips.

'SMART initially introduced its line of Flash Miniature Cards in November 1996, beginning with 2-MB and 4-MB products. The small form factor, matchbook-sized, removeable digital media can store voice, image, or text data. The Cards provide ruggedness and reliable operation in conditions that can normally be hostile to data.''

Expected to impact powerfully the rapid extension of Flash memory applications, Intel StrataFlash technology depends on varying threshold voltages to store reliably two bits of information in each transistor cell and can be used in either code or data applications. The technology is anticipated to increase the functionality and quality of end products while reducing flash component costs by one third. The Intel StrataFlash devices operate at 5V Vcc with 6 uS/Byte effective write speed. ''
http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-19758313.html

Intel Technology Journal Q4'97

''Research was started in 92 on strataflash went into production in 97.''
Its MLC is now a big part of their SSDs
Read - The 1992 View of MLC, link below

http://download.intel.com/technology/itj/q41997/pdf/overview.pdf

Better by design

''Drawing from decades of memory engineering experience, and now on new, industry-leading compute-quality 34nm NAND flash memory manufacturing processes, Intel® Mainstream SATA Solid-State Drives are designed to deliver outstanding performance, featuring the latest-generation native SATA interface with an advanced architecture employing 10 parallel NAND flash channels equipped with multi-level cell NAND flash memory. With powerful Native Command Queuing to enable up to 32 concurrent operations, Intel Mainstream SATA SSDs deliver higher input/output per second and throughput performance than other SSDs on the market today – and drastically outperform traditional hard disk drives. These drives also feature low write amplification and a unique wear-leveling design for higher reliability, meaning Intel drives not only perform better – they last longer.''

http://www.intel.com/design/flash/nand/mainstream/index.htm

emit...