Norsam Technologies Inc. in Albuquerque, N.M., is developing a CD-ROM technology that would enable users to store up to 165 gigabytes on a single disk &£45;- almost 10 times as much data as can be stored on digital video disks. The additional capacity is made possible by replacing the prevailing 800- and 350 nanometer laser writing technology with a more powerful 50-nanometer particle beam.

"The Norsam HD-ROM will ... be a major competitor in the high-availability data arena," says the company's president. The HD-ROM disks will be the same size as current CD-ROMs, but will require users to install high-density readers in their devices.

(c) InternetWeek