SCSI: An Enterprise Foundation

S torage interfaces have been a necessary component of computer systems since computing’s inception. At a basic level, a storage interface functions like any generic interface, defining the boundary between two dissimilar surfaces or systems. In a computer system, a storage interface defines both the boundaries between storage devices—such as hard drives, tape drives, or similar media—and how those dissimilar computing resources engage one another to work as a coherent system. Today’s storage interface arena consists of diverse industry standards combined with R&D investments from major industry players who continue to aid in the evolution of these numerous technologies. Although SCSI—the Small Computer System Interface—is probably the most pivotal standard in use today, other crucial storage protocols include Fibre Channel, IEEE 1394, Serial ATA, and iSCSI. Backed by strong industry support, SCSI, Fibre Channel, IEEE 1394, Serial ATA, and iSCSI provide the technologies to meet IT’s diverse storage interface needs.