Expandable memory for use with solid state systems and devices

A data storage device, comprising:

• a non-volatile memory (NVM) device;
• and
• a processing circuit configured to
• enable access to a first amount of memory within the NVM device while restricting access to a second amount of memory,
• authorize access to the second amount of memory within the NVM device based on an indication of authorization received from a host device, and
• enable access to the second amount of memory in response to the indication of authorization.

A system, comprising:

• a host device;
• an authorization server;
• and
• a data storage device coupled to the host device, the data storage device including
• a non-volatile memory (NVM) device,
• a memory access enablement controller configured to enable access to a first amount of memory within the NVM device,
• an authorization controller configured to authorize access a second amount of memory within the NVM device based on an indication of authorization received from the authorization server via the host device, and
• a memory access adjustment controller configured to enable access to the second amount of memory in response to the indication of authorization.

A method for use by a data storage device having a data storage controller and a non-volatile memory (NVM) device, the method comprising:

• enabling access to a first amount of memory within a total amount of memory within the NVM device;
• receiving an indication that access is permitted to a second amount of memory within the total amount of memory within the NVM device;
• and
• enabling access to the second amount of memory within the NVM device in response to the indication.

An apparatus for use in a data storage system having a non-volatile memory (NVM) device, comprising:

• means for enabling access to a first portion of memory within the NVM device, the first portion of memory less than a total available memory of the NVM device;
• means for receiving an indication of authorization to expand access to include a second portion of memory within the NVM device;
• and
• means, operative in response to the indication of authorization, for expanding access to include the second portion of memory within the NVM device.