1. IDENTIFICATION OF PROPOSED PROJECT 1.1 Title SCSI Common Access Method 1.2 Proposer This project is proposed by X3T9.2. 1.3 Date Submitted June 22, 1990 2. JUSTIFICATION OF PROPOSED PROJECT 2.1 Needs SCSI is a widely-used interface which provides common attachment for a variety of peripherals. Unfortunately, there is no common way to provide access to SCSI peripherals. The purpose of the Common Access Method is to define a standard for the support of Host Bus Adapters and the like by device driver software to simplify the integration of products. 2.2 Recommended Scope of Standard The application environment for CAM is any computer addressing a SCSI peripheral through a protocol chip on a motherboard, an ATA interface, or a Host Bus Adapter. Requests for SCSI I/O will be made through a specified structure so that the request(s) may be executed directly or passed on to an I/O driver. This standard will specify a routing service via the operating system or through chaining when multiple drivers are loaded into the system. 2.3 Existing Practice in Area of Proposed Standard There is no standard software interface defined to operate over a wide range of computer equipment from different manufacturers. There are proprietary interfaces which offer similar capabilities but are not widely applicable across many system types. 2.4 Expected Stability of Proposed Standard with Respect to Current and Potential Technological Advances Projections of the market growth for computers using SCSI are in terms of millions, and providing a common software interface will expand the market further and ease the difficulties of product integration. 3. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT 3.1 Type of Document (Standard or Technical Report): Standard. 3.2 Definition of Concepts and Special Terms None. 3.3 Expected Relationship with Approved X3 Reference Models The Common Access Method interface is for use in closed systems. 3.4 Recommended Program of Work The following program of work is planned for the Common Access Method standard: o Solicit participation by press release and invite proposals o Investigate existing standards and standards projects to determine if they are applicable to the development effort. If appropriate, liaison will be established with other standards committees. o Establish functional requirements. o Prepare a draft standard based on proposals submitted and other information gathered during the initial investigation. o Testing of the standard will be done by individual and cooperative efforts by the participating membership. o Submit the proposed standard to X3 for approval. 3.5 Resources - Individuals and Organizations Competent in Subject Matter The current membership of X3T9.2 includes representatives from all parts of the computer industry from semiconductor chip manufacturers to large mainframe system manufacturers as well as Government agencies. Active participation and co-operation will be provided by members of X3T9.2. There are sufficient resources to complete the definition of the Common Access Method without delaying work on other standards. 3.6 Recommended X3 Development Technical Committees It is recommended that the development work be done in task group X3T9.2 which was responsible for developing the ESDI and SCSI standards. 3.7 Anticipated Frequency and Duration of Meetings Task group X3T9.2 meets formally every two months and holds informal working groups between the formal meetings. 3.8 Target Date for Submission of dpANS to X3 Submission to X3 of the dpANS is targeted for August, 1991. 3.9 Estimated Useful Life of Standard It is anticipated that this standard will have a life of over 10 years. 4. IMPLEMENTATION IMPACTS 4.1 Impact on Existing User Practices and Investments By providing a definition of how to attach SCSI peripherals, the Common Access Method will provide users with a low cost means to attach peripherals both inside and outside the chassis of computers. 4.2 Impact on Supplier Products and Support By providing a standard to define the Common Access Method, manufacturers will be able to reduce the amount of product-specific software variations that exist in presently implemented products. 4.3 Techniques and Costs for Compliance Verification The verification methods and costs associated therewith will be borne by individual manufacturers. 4.4 Legal Considerations A call for patents related to Common Access Method, in accordance with Milestone 7 of X3/SD-2 will be made. 5. CLOSELY RELATED STANDARDS ACTIVITY 5.1 Existing Standards X3.131-1986 Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) X3.131-1990 Enhanced Small Computer System Interface (SCSI-2) 5.2 X3 Standards Development Projects None 5.3 X3/SPARC Study Groups None. 5.4 Other Related Domestic Standards Efforts None. 5.5 ISO Standards Development Projects Projects in ISO JTC 1/SC25 WG4 will be established. 5.6 Other Related International Standards Development Projects None outside of X3T9. 5.7 Recommended for Close Liaison ISO JTC 1/SC25 WG4 5.8 Recommendations for Coordinating Liaison Continued participation in ISO JTC 1/SC25 WG4 meetings by X3T9 members appointed as U.S. delegates.