Memory Spot is supplemented with a small reader/writer device that currently is in a prototype phase. The reader/writer technology could be implemented in devices such as a printer, cell phone, or camera.

Security is provided in Memory Spot through technologies such as cryptographic algorithm.

Consumers and businesses will have to wait for Memory Spot technology. It is not expected to be available on the market for two to five years, said Howard Taub, vice president and associate director of HP Labs. An ecosystem of business partners will be needed to provide the technology, he said.

Memory Spot is expected to be available for licensing to other vendors, even to competitors, which would generate royalties for HP, Taub said.

"I would hope that this is not just a licensing play but that we actually use it ourselves because it's important to our businesses," Taub said.'