The PCMCIA announced today that the ExpressCard standard is getting updates to allow for faster speeds. The ExpressCard standard is currently at Release 1.2. PCMCIA made the announcement at CeBIT today.

The update is being done to bring the ExpressCard standard into compliance with the recently released PCI Express V 2.0 specification. The new update will allow for speeds of up to 5Gbps. Also announced was a new USB 3.0 specification.

“We are inviting all ExpressCard product developers to join in our activities as we formalize the requirements of the new standard," said Brad Saunders, chairman, PCMCIA. "We hope to build on the solid foundation set by the ExpressCard 1.0 Standard and encourage developers to provide feedback and comment for improvements. This is a terrific opportunity for notebook and module developers to take advantage of the ExpressCard 2.0 Standard to create new, innovative consumer products that leverage these significant performance improvements.”