On desktop computers, data that you are working on right now, in an open application, is most likely just stored in RAM. When you are finished, the information is saved to disk for more permanent storage. That is the way it is for word processing, spreadsheets etc.; databases are bit different. The idea of having volatile memory for temporary use – where a power failure can cost you a morning’s work – and disks for persistent data is widely accepted. The only thing that is changing is the use of flash memory to build solid state drives [SSDs] instead of rotating magnetic disks.

Embedded systems seem to have similar needs, but there are key differences … (more…)