(By Balaseshan) Software major Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) said it licenses the latest Extended File Allocation Table (exFAT) file technology to Japan's Sharp Corp. for use in products including Android phones.
exFAT is a modern file system that facilitates large files for audiovisual media and enables seamless data portability for an easy interchange of files between desktop PCs and other electronic devices.
exFAT improves on its predecessor, the FAT file system, and greatly expands the size of files that flash memory devices can handle, by more than five times over the previous technology. It also greatly increases the speed with which those files can be accessed.
Microsoft has entered into an Intellectual Property licensing agreement with Sharp to use the latest exFAT. The agreement covers the use of exFAT in smartphones distributed by Sharp based on the Android platform. Microsoft said the deal marks continued momentum for its exFAT technology licensing program.
The agreement allows Sharp to incorporate the latest file system from Microsoft in its product portfolio and deliver faster response times and greater storage capabilities to consumers around the globe.
Since launch of Microsoft's IP licensing program in December 2003, the company has entered into more than 1,100 licensing agreements and continues to develop programs that make it possible for customers, partners and competitors to access its IP portfolio.
Microsoft has entered into similar exFAT patent licensing agreements with several leading consumer electronics manufacturers through its IP licensing program, including Panasonic Corp. (NYSE:PC), SANYO Electric Company Ltd., Sony Corp. (NYSE:SNE) and Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ).
MSFT is trading up 1.12% at $30.28 on Tuesday. The stock has been trading between $23.79 and $32.95 for the past 52 weeks.