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It is important to understand differences between the PC expansion bus technologies, especially when purchasing multi-port serial cards, Ethernet controllers, or video cards. PCI Extended (PCI-X) and PCI Express (PCI-E, PCIe) are two technologies in particular with similar names that often get confused with each other.

PCI stands for Peripheral Component Interconnect, and was developed by Intel in 1993. As speeds and performance of personal computers have increased, so has the need for new PCI connection options; PCI Extended and PCI Express are two resulting iterations. They are both high-speed PC expansion interface buses for internal peripherals, but are very different technologies.

PCI-X stands for Peripheral Component Interconnect Extended - a technology developed in 1998 by IBM, HP and Compaq. PCI-X took the PCI standard and doubled the clock speeds from 66Mhz to 133Mhz. PCI-X was designed so all older PCI cards would fit and work in the PCI-X slots that the PC manufactures were shipping, thus saving consumers from having to buy new PCI-X specific cards.

PCIe was created in 2004 by Intel as a replacement for the PCI architecture they designed in 1993. PCI Express is a new PC expansion interface connection that doesn't offer any backward compatibility to legacy PCI cards. Other than the actual connection itself, the technology variation is the biggest differentiator. A PCI Express connection is based on point-to-point connections or "lanes." PCI and PCI-X technology use a bus-based system that shares a 32- bit signal path.

When purchasing a server or a PC, remember to note what slots (PCIe, PCI-X, etc.) are available on the motherboard when shipped. Chances are the slots will be either a singular technology or combination of two current expansion interfaces.

Rob Iten is director of vertical markets and channel sale at Comtrol Corporation, manufacturer of Ethernet device servers and multi-port serial cards Over the past 25 years, Comtrol has evolved its PC expansion bus technologies with PCI-X and PCIe technologies.

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Any promotional items that your company or organization gives out will need to be things that your customers will use on a regularly. You would want your name and logo at the fingertips of your customers, clients, future customers, and even your employees. When it is, they, along with those around them, will think of your name and your business services every time they see the item in their hand.

One such item that will be in your customers' hands frequently is a flash drive. More and more people use flash drives; they are quickly replacing CDs as the favourite method of transferring files from one computer to another. They are becoming indispensable for both business and personal use. A branded flash drive with your logo on it will ensure that whoever is using it will think of your organization every time they see your personalization on it.

One unique type of promotional flash drive is the bamboo flash drive. Instead of being manufactured out of plastic, these little items are made from hardened bamboo. This is a much more ecologically friendly choice than petroleum-based plastics, since bamboo is a renewable resource, unlike petroleum, which is a fossil fuel. Your clients will be impressed that you are responsible enough to choose an earth-friendly option for your promotional products. In addition, they are very attractive items, with the bamboo being offered in both a light and dark finish and your name carved or embossed elegantly on the front.

Branded bamboo flash drives are not only useful and attractive, they offer the same level of storage as other flash drives and are equally easy to use. They come in storage capacities of 64, 128 256, or 512 megabytes or 1 or 2 gigabytes. They are not very expensive, especially considering that people will use them several times a day for years. They can be as low as under 11 each. The area for your logo is 3 centimetres by 1 centimetre, and your name can be carved or embossed in a single colour, though extra colours are often available for an extra charge. They also come with a lifetime warranty to protect against any damage or malfunction. They come on key chains, on strings or lanyards for hanging around your neck, or by themselves, in square edge, round edge, or round shapes. Some companies will even customize the shape of the flash drive casing to suggest your company's logo, so you can get your name out there with more than just words.

Some promotional companies sell these branded bamboo flash drives in corresponding boxes and packaging. This is an excellent idea if you are giving these flash drives as gifts, since your brand will be even more visible on the packaging than on the flash drive. The packaging is also made of bamboo, with all materials being guaranteed to be ecologically friendly and durable. It makes a perfect gift box from a promotional point of view; the box is even a valuable part of the gift!

Matt Franks is director of Fluid Branding, the UK's leading online supplier of Promotional Bamboo Flashdrives and other Promotional Products. You can also find a wide range of Eco Friendly promotional products, including Recycled, Organic and Sustainable items at Eco Incentives.

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