AGAIN! ATA Proj. Proposals

Steve Finch TFINCHS%A1.VAX2T.mrouter at vax2t.tus.ssi1.com
Tue Jan 18 07:33:44 PST 1994


My last attempt really messed up some text.  Someday I'll learn how to send 
my files through my system(s) and across internet and not screw it up.  
Here is another try.  Sorry for the inconvenience...

=====================================================================
To: 	X3T10 Membership

From:	    Steve Finch
    	Silicon Systems, Inc.

Date:	    January 14. 1994

Subject:    Proposal for Proposed Project -- ATA3-PH
_______________________________________________________________________
Per the agreement of the ATA Working Group meeting on January 10, 1994, 
I am submitting this project proposal as one of four new projects which 
will constitute the work on ATA-3 standards.  I request that the 
discusion and, hopefully, forwarding of these project proposals be 
accomplished at the March X3T10 plenary meeting.


Respectfully,

Steve Finch
Chair, ATA Working Group 
_______________________________________________________________________
1. Identification of Proposed Project

1.1 Title:  ATA-3 Physical Interface (ATA3-PH)

1.2 Proposer

This project is proposed by the X3T10 Technical Committee.  For 
additional information, please contact John B. Lohmeyer, X3T10 Chairman, 
at NCR Corporation, 3718 N. Rock Rd., Wichita, KS 67226 (Phone: 316-636-
8703 FAX: 316-636-8889) or Dal Allan, X3T10 Vice-Chairman at ENDL, 14426 
Black Walnut Court, Saratoga, CA 95070 (Phone: 408-867-6630 Fax: 408-
867-2115).

1.3 Date Submitted:   January 14, 1994

1.4 Project Type:   Development

2. Justification of Proposed Standard or Technical Report

2.1 Needs

The draft standard for AT Attachment has been completed and the draft 
for the ATA Extensions (ATA-2) is near completion, but as the popularity 
of the interface has increased, its application area has grown outside 
the originally intended purpose of direct attachment of small disk 
drives to desktop computers. 

ATA-3 is needed to continue to broaden the scope and application area of 
the ATA interface and to take advantage of the huge installed BIOS 
(Basic Input/Output System) base, and software.  Support is needed for 
traditional HDD devices plus additional devices such as CD-ROM and tape 
devices.  It is expected that the SCSI-3 command sets can be used for 
these new device types. In addition, support is also needed for 
removable media devices and expanded number of cabling options.  The 
resulting increase in complexity has made it desirable to divide the ATA 
standard into a hierarchical set of standards, of which the ATA-3 
Physical Interface is one.

 +-------------+ +-------------+   +=============+
 | SCSI-3      | | Other       |   |    ATA-3    |
 | Multimedia  | | SCSI-3      |   |     HDD     |
 | Command Set | | Command Sets|   | Command Set |
 +------+------+ +------+------+   +======+======+
        |               |                 |
        +-------+-------+                 |
                |                         |
         +======+======+           +======+======+
         | ATA-3 Packet|           |   ATA-3     |
         | Interface   | - - - - ->| Transport   |
         | Command Set |           | Protocol    |
         +======+======+           +======+======+
                |                         |
                +------------+------------+
                             | 
                             | 
                       *************
                       *   ATA-3   *
         Proposed -->  * Physical  *
         Project       * Interface *
                       *************


2.2 Recommended Scope of Standard or Technical Report

The proposed ATA-3 Physical Interface standard shall maintain a high 
degree of compatibility with the AT Attachment while providing 
documentation for new capabilities including the following candidates:

a)   Provide a means to support the AT Attachment protocol on a variety 
of physical interfaces such as that for the newly-emerging requirements 
for memory cards.

b)   Other capabilities which fit within the general scope of 
implementing the AT Attachment Interface on a broader range of 
applications.

This proposed standard is not intended to require changes to presently 
installed devices or existing software.  It is intended that this 
proposed standard would be used to provide additional capabilities.

2.3 Existing Practice in Area of Proposed Standard or Technical Report

The proposed project involves evolutionary expansion of the draft AT 
Attachment standards to provide additional capabilities.

2.4 Expected Stability of Proposed Standard or Technical Report with 
Respect to Current and Potential Technological Advance

The nature of the proposed project is to insure that the AT Attachment 
has an upward, highly compatible growth path.  This will insure that 
current investments in AT Attachment are provided with more stability in 
the face of technological developments.

3. Description of Proposed Project

3.1 Type of Document (Standard or Technical Report):   Standard

3.2 Definition of Concepts and Special Terms (if any):   none

3.3 Expected Relationship with Approved X3 Reference Models (e.g., DBMS, 
OSI)

The ATA-3 Physical Interface standard is for use in closed systems.

3.4 Recommended Program of Work

The following program of work is planned for the ATA-3 Physical 
Interface standard:

 o Solicit continuing participation by the present AT Attachment 
participants through X3T10 procedures and new participants through press 
releases.  Invite comments by end-user organizations and invite 
proposals from organizations that may have a contribution to a viable 
ATA-3 Physical Interface standard.
 o Establish functional requirements for ATA-3 Physical Interface 
functional additions along with downward compatibility requirements.
 o Prepare a draft standard based on proposals submitted and other 
information gathered during the initial investigation. 
 o Consider the results of ATA3-Physical Interface testing as may be 
available to the committee through the voluntary efforts of the various 
participants in X3T9 and its assigned task group.
 o Submit the draft proposed standard to X3 for further processing.

3.5 Resources - Individuals and Organizations Competent in Subject 
Matter

The current membership of X3T10 includes representatives from all parts 
of the computer industry from semiconductor chip manufacturers to large 
mainframe system manufacturers as well as Government agencies.  The 
members of X3T10 have expressed their desire to participate and 
cooperate in the development of this proposed standard.

There are sufficient resources to complete the development of this 
standard without delaying work on other standards.

3.6 Recommended X3 Development Technical Committees (Existing or New)

It is recommended that the development work be done in task group X3T10 
which is responsible for developing the draft ATA Extensions standard. 

3.7 Anticipated Frequency and Duration of Meetings

Task group X3T10 meets for two days bimonthly.  Specific task ad hoc 
groups are called as may be required for one to three days between the 
regular meetings but their results are not binding.

3.8 Target Date for dpANS to X3 (Milestone 10):   December 1995 

3.9 Estimated Useful Life of Standard or Technical Report

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

The proposed ATA-3 Physical Interface standard will provide an upward 
growth path complementary to the existing practices and investments.  It 
is likely that any isolated negative impacts would occur in any case 
through non-standard evolution or revolution.

4.2 Impact on Supplier Products and Support

The proposed ATA-3 Physical Interface standard will provide an upward 
growth path complementary to the existing practices and investments.  It 
is likely that any isolated negative impacts would occur in any case 
through non-standard evolution or revolution.

4.3 Techniques and Costs for Compliance Verification

The committee will consider the results of ATA-3 Physical Interface 
testing as may be available to the committee through the voluntary 
efforts of the various participants in X3T9 and its assigned task group.  
With this method all costs are borne by the organizations of the various 
participants and have for the most part been mainly an adjunct of their 
normal development costs.

4.4 Legal Considerations

No new legal considerations are expected that are not already attendant 
with AT Attachment and in accordance with accepted X3 patent policies.

5. Closely Related Standards Activities

5.1 Existing Standards:   none

5.2 X3 Standards Development Projects

  X3T9.2/90-058 Attachment Interface
  X3T9.2/91-104 ATA Extensions

5.3 X3/SPARC Study Groups:   none

5.4 Other Related Domestic Standards Efforts:   none

5.5 ISO Standards Development Projects

It is anticipated that this standard will be proposed to JTC1/SC25/WG4.

5.6 Other Related International Standards Development Projects:   none

5.7 Recommendations for Coordinating Liaison:   none

5.8 Recommendations for Close Liaison:   none

==========================================================================T
o:  	X3T10 Membership

From:	    Steve Finch
    	Silicon Systems, Inc.

Date:	    January 14. 1994

Subject:    Proposal for Proposed Project -- ATA3-XPT
_______________________________________________________________________

Per the agreement of the ATA Working Group meeting on January 10, 1994, 
I am submitting this project proposal as one of four new projects which 
will constitute the work on ATA-3 standards.  I request that the 
discusion and, hopefully, forwarding of these project proposals be 
accomplished at the March X3T10 plenary meeting.


Respectfully,

Steve Finch
Chair, ATA Working Group 
_______________________________________________________________________
1. Identification of Proposed Project

1.1 Title:  ATA-3 Transport Protocol (ATA3-XPT)

1.2 Proposer

This project is proposed by the X3T10 Technical Committee.  For 
additional information, please contact John B. Lohmeyer, X3T10 Chairman, 
at NCR Corporation, 3718 N. Rock Rd., Wichita, KS 67226 (Phone: 316-636-
8703 FAX: 316-636-8889) or Dal Allan, X3T10 Vice-Chairman at ENDL, 14426 
Black Walnut Court, Saratoga, CA 95070 (Phone: 408-867-6630 Fax: 408-
867-2115).

1.3 Date Submitted:   January 14, 1993

1.4 Project Type:   Development

2. Justification of Proposed Standard or Technical Report

2.1 Needs

The draft standard for AT Attachment has been completed and the draft 
for the ATA Extensions (ATA-2) is near completion, but as the popularity 
of the interface has increased, its application area has grown outside 
the originally intended purpose of direct attachment of small disk 
drives to desktop computers. 

ATA-3 is needed to continue to broaden the scope and application area of 
the ATA interface and to take advantage of the huge installed BIOS 
(Basic Input/Output System) base, and software.  Support is needed for 
traditional HDD devices plus additional devices such as CD-ROM and tape 
devices.  It is expected that the SCSI-3 command sets can be used for 
these new device types.  In addition, support is also needed for 
removable media devices and expanded number of cabling options.  The 
resulting increase in complexity has made it desirable to divide the ATA 
standard into a hierarchical set of standards, of which the ATA-3 
Transport Protocol is one.

 +-------------+ +-------------+   +=============+
 | SCSI-3      | | Other       |   |    ATA-3    |
 | Multimedia  | | SCSI-3      |   |     HDD     |
 | Command Set | | Command Sets|   | Command Set |
 +------+------+ +------+------+   +======+======+
        |               |                 |
        +-------+-------+                 |
                |                         |
         +======+======+           ***************
         | ATA-3 Packet|           *   ATA-3     * <- Proposed
         | Interface   | - - - - ->* Transport   *    Project
         | Command Set |           * Protocol    *
         +======+======+           ***************
                |                         |
                +------------+------------+
                             | 
                             | 
                       +=====+=====+
                       |   ATA-3   |
                       | Physical  |
                       | Interface |
                       +=====+=====+

2.2 Recommended Scope of Standard or Technical Report

The proposed ATA-3 Transport Protocol standard shall maintain a high 
degree of compatibility with the AT Attachment while providing 
documentation for new capabilities including the following candidates:

a)   Provide a means to support the AT Attachment protocol on a variety 
of physical interfaces such as that for the newly-emerging requirements 
for memory cards.

b)   Provide a means to support a variety of device types on the AT 
Attachment Interface.

c)   Other capabilities which fit within the general scope of 
implementing the AT Attachment Interface on a broader range of 
applications.

This proposed standard is not intended to require changes to presently 
installed devices or existing software.  It is intended that this 
proposed standard would be used to provide additional capabilities.

2.3 Existing Practice in Area of Proposed Standard or Technical Report

The proposed project involves evolutionary expansion of the draft AT 
Attachment standards to provide additional capabilities.

2.4 Expected Stability of Proposed Standard or Technical Report with 
Respect to Current and Potential Technological Advance

The nature of the proposed project is to insure that the AT Attachment 
has an upward, highly compatible growth path.  This will insure that 
current investments in AT Attachment are provided with more stability in 
the face of technological developments.

3. Description of Proposed Project

3.1 Type of Document (Standard or Technical Report):   Standard

3.2 Definition of Concepts and Special Terms (if any):   none

3.3 Expected Relationship with Approved X3 Reference Models (e.g., DBMS, 
OSI)

The ATA-3 Transport Protocol standard is for use in closed systems.

3.4 Recommended Program of Work

The following program of work is planned for the ATA-3 Transport 
Protocol standard:

 o Solicit continuing participation by the present AT Attachment 
participants through X3T10 procedures and new participants through press 
releases.  Invite comments by end-user organizations and invite 
proposals from organizations that may have a contribution to a viable 
ATA-3 Transport Protocol standard.
 o Establish functional requirements for ATA-3 Transport Protocol 
functional additions along with downward compatibility requirements.
 o Prepare a draft standard based on proposals submitted and other 
information gathered during the initial investigation. 
 o Consider the results of ATA3-Transport Protocol testing as may be 
available to the committee through the voluntary efforts of the various 
participants in X3T9 and its assigned task group.
 o Submit the draft proposed standard to X3 for further processing.

3.5 Resources - Individuals and Organizations Competent in Subject 
Matter

The current membership of X3T10 includes representatives from all parts 
of the computer industry from semiconductor chip manufacturers to large 
mainframe system manufacturers as well as Government agencies.  The 
members of X3T10 have expressed their desire to participate and 
cooperate in the development of this proposed standard.

There are sufficient resources to complete the development of this 
standard without delaying work on other standards.

3.6 Recommended X3 Development Technical Committees (Existing or New)

It is recommended that the development work be done in task group X3T10 
which is responsible for developing the draft ATA Extensions standard. 

3.7 Anticipated Frequency and Duration of Meetings

Task group X3T10 meets for two days bimonthly.  Specific task ad hoc 
groups are called as may be required for one to three days between the 
regular meetings but their results are not binding.

3.8 Target Date for dpANS to X3 (Milestone 10):   December 1995 

3.9 Estimated Useful Life of Standard or Technical Report

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

The proposed ATA-3 Transport Protocol standard will provide an upward 
growth path complementary to the existing practices and investments.  It 
is likely that any isolated negative impacts would occur in any case 
through non-standard evolution or revolution.

4.2 Impact on Supplier Products and Support

The proposed ATA-3 Transport Protocol standard will provide an upward 
growth path complementary to the existing practices and investments.  It 
is likely that any isolated negative impacts would occur in any case 
through non-standard evolution or revolution.

4.3 Techniques and Costs for Compliance Verification

The committee will consider the results of ATA-3 Transport Protocol 
testing as may be available to the committee through the voluntary 
efforts of the various participants in X3T9 and its assigned task group.  
With this method all costs are borne by the organizations of the various 
participants and have for the most part been mainly an adjunct of their 
normal development costs.

4.4 Legal Considerations

No new legal considerations are expected that are not already attendant 
with AT Attachment and in accordance with accepted X3 patent policies.

5. Closely Related Standards Activities

5.1 Existing Standards:   none

5.2 X3 Standards Development Projects

  X3T9.2/90-058 Attachment Interface
  X3T9.2/91-104 ATA Extensions

5.3 X3/SPARC Study Groups:   none

5.4 Other Related Domestic Standards Efforts:   none

5.5 ISO Standards Development Projects

It is anticipated that this standard will be proposed to JTC1/SC25/WG4.

5.6 Other Related International Standards Development Projects:   none

5.7 Recommendations for Coordinating Liaison:   none

5.8 Recommendations for Close Liaison:   none

==========================================================================T
o:  	X3T10 Membership

From:	    Steve Finch
    	Silicon Systems, Inc.

Date:	    January 14. 1994

Subject:    Proposal for Proposed Project -- ATA3-PI
________________________________________________________________________
Per the agreement of the ATA Working Group meeting on January 10, 1994, 
I am submitting this project proposal as one of four new projects which 
will constitute the work on ATA-3 standards.  I request that the 
discusion and, hopefully, forwarding of these project proposals be 
accomplished at the March X3T10 plenary meeting.


Respectfully,

Steve Finch
Chair, ATA Working Group 
________________________________________________________________________
1. Identification of Proposed Project

1.1 Title:  ATA-3 Packet Interface (ATA3-PI)

1.2 Proposer

This project is proposed by the X3T10 Technical Committee.  For 
additional information, please contact John B. Lohmeyer, X3T10 Chairman, 
at NCR Corporation, 3718 N. Rock Rd., Wichita, KS 67226 (Phone: 316-636-
8703 FAX: 316-636-8889) or Dal Allan, X3T10 Vice-Chairman at ENDL, 14426 
Black Walnut Court, Saratoga, CA 95070 (Phone: 408-867-6630 Fax: 408-
867-2115).

1.3 Date Submitted:   December 14, 1993

1.4 Project Type:   Development

2. Justification of Proposed Standard or Technical Report

2.1 Needs

The draft standard for AT Attachment has been completed and the draft 
for the ATA Extensions (ATA-2) is near completion, but as the popularity 
of the interface has increased, its application area has grown outside 
the originally intended purpose of direct attachment of small disk 
drives to desktop computers. 

ATA-3 is needed to continue to broaden the scope and application area of 
the ATA interface and to take advantage of the huge installed BIOS 
(Basic Input/Output System) base, and software.  Support is needed for 
traditional HDD devices plus additional devices such as CD-ROM and tape 
devices.  It is expected that the SCSI-3 command sets can be used for 
these new device types.  In addition, support is also needed for 
removable media devices and expanded number of cabling options.  The 
resulting increase in complexity has made it desirable to divide the ATA 
standard into a hierarchical set of standards, of which the ATA-3 Packet 
Interface is one.

    +-------------+ +-------------+   +=============+
    | SCSI-3      | | Other       |   |    ATA-3    |
    | Multimedia  | | SCSI-3      |   |     HDD     |
    | Command Set | | Command Sets|   | Command Set |
    +------+------+ +------+------+   +======+======+
           |               |                 |
           +-------+-------+                 |
                   |                         |
            ***************           +======+======+
Proposed -> * ATA-3 Packet*           |   ATA-3     |
Project     * Interface   * - - - - ->| Transport   |
            * Command Set *           | Protocol    |
            ***************           +======+======+
                   |                         |
                   +------------+------------+
                                | 
                                | 
                          +=====+=====+
                          |   ATA-3   |
                          | Physical  |
                          | Interface |
                          +===========+

2.2 Recommended Scope of Standard or Technical Report

The proposed ATA-3 Packet Interface standard shall maintain a high 
degree of compatibility with the AT Attachment while providing 
documentation for new capabilities including the following candidates:

a)   Provide a means to support a variety of device types utilizing a 
packetized command block in a device independent way.

b)   Other capabilities which fit within the general scope of 
implementing the AT Attachment Interface on a broader range of 
applications.

This proposed standard is not intended to require changes to presently 
installed devices or existing software.  It is intended that this 
proposed standard would be used to provide additional capabilities.

2.3 Existing Practice in Area of Proposed Standard or Technical Report

The proposed project involves evolutionary expansion of the draft AT 
Attachment standards to provide additional capabilities.

2.4 Expected Stability of Proposed Standard or Technical Report with 
Respect to Current and Potential Technological Advance

The nature of the proposed project is to insure that the AT Attachment 
has an upward, highly compatible growth path.  This will insure that 
current investments in AT Attachment are provided with more stability in 
the face of technological developments.

3. Description of Proposed Project

3.1 Type of Document (Standard or Technical Report):   Standard

3.2 Definition of Concepts and Special Terms (if any):   none

3.3 Expected Relationship with Approved X3 Reference Models (e.g., DBMS, 
OSI)

The ATA-3 Packet Interface standard is for use in closed systems.

3.4 Recommended Program of Work

The following program of work is planned for the ATA-3 Packet Interface 
standard:

 o Solicit continuing participation by the present AT Attachment 
participants through X3T10 procedures and new participants through press 
releases.  Invite comments by end-user organizations and invite 
proposals from organizations that may have a contribution to a viable 
ATA-3 Packet Interface standard.
 o Establish functional requirements for ATA-3 Packet Interface 
functional additions along with downward compatibility requirements.
 o Prepare a draft standard based on proposals submitted and other 
information gathered during the initial investigation. 
 o Consider the results of ATA3-Packet Interface testing as may be 
available to the committee through the voluntary efforts of the various 
participants in X3T9 and its assigned task group.
 o Submit the draft proposed standard to X3 for further processing.

3.5 Resources - Individuals and Organizations Competent in Subject 
Matter

The current membership of X3T10 includes representatives from all parts 
of the computer industry from semiconductor chip manufacturers to large 
mainframe system manufacturers as well as Government agencies.  The 
members of X3T10 have expressed their desire to participate and 
cooperate in the development of this proposed standard.

There are sufficient resources to complete the development of this 
standard without delaying work on other standards.

3.6 Recommended X3 Development Technical Committees (Existing or New)

It is recommended that the development work be done in task group X3T10 
which is responsible for developing the draft ATA Extensions standard. 

3.7 Anticipated Frequency and Duration of Meetings

Task group X3T10 meets for two days bimonthly.  Specific task ad hoc 
groups are called as may be required for one to three days between the 
regular meetings but their results are not binding.

3.8 Target Date for dpANS to X3 (Milestone 10):   December 1995 

3.9 Estimated Useful Life of Standard or Technical Report

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

The proposed ATA-3 Packet Interface standard will provide an upward 
growth path complementary to the existing practices and investments.  It 
is likely that any isolated negative impacts would occur in any case 
through non-standard evolution or revolution.

4.2 Impact on Supplier Products and Support

The proposed ATA-3 Packet Interface standard will provide an upward 
growth path complementary to the existing practices and investments.  It 
is likely that any isolated negative impacts would occur in any case 
through non-standard evolution or revolution.

4.3 Techniques and Costs for Compliance Verification

The committee will consider the results of ATA-3 Packet Interface 
testing as may be available to the committee through the voluntary 
efforts of the various participants in X3T9 and its assigned task group.  
With this method all costs are borne by the organizations of the various 
participants and have for the most part been mainly an adjunct of their 
normal development costs.

4.4 Legal Considerations

No new legal considerations are expected that are not already attendant 
with AT Attachment and in accordance with accepted X3 patent policies.

5. Closely Related Standards Activities

5.1 Existing Standards:   none

5.2 X3 Standards Development Projects

  X3T9.2/90-058 Attachment Interface
  X3T9.2/91-104 ATA Extensions

5.3 X3/SPARC Study Groups:   none

5.4 Other Related Domestic Standards Efforts:   none

5.5 ISO Standards Development Projects

It is anticipated that this standard will be proposed to JTC1/SC25/WG4.

5.6 Other Related International Standards Development Projects:   none

5.7 Recommendations for Coordinating Liaison:   none

5.8 Recommendations for Close Liaison:   none

=======================================================================
To: 	X3T10 Membership

From:	    Steve Finch
    	Silicon Systems, Inc.

Date:	    January 14. 1994

Subject:    Proposal for Proposed Project -- ATA3-BC
_______________________________________________________________________
Per the agreement of the ATA Working Group meeting on January 10, 1994, 
I am submitting this project proposal as one of four new projects which 
will constitute the work on ATA-3 standards.  I request that the 
discusion and, hopefully, forwarding of these project proposals be 
accomplished at the March X3T10 plenary meeting.


Respectfully,

Steve Finch
Chair, ATA Working Group 
_______________________________________________________________________
1. Identification of Proposed Project

1.1 Title:  ATA-3 Block Command Set (ATA3-BC)

1.2 Proposer

This project is proposed by the X3T10 Technical Committee.  For 
additional information, please contact John B. Lohmeyer, X3T10 Chairman, 
at NCR Corporation, 3718 N. Rock Rd., Wichita, KS 67226 (Phone: 316-636-
8703 FAX: 316-636-8889) or Dal Allan, X3T10 Vice-Chairman at ENDL, 14426 
Black Walnut Court, Saratoga, CA 95070 (Phone: 408-867-6630 Fax: 408-
867-2115).

1.3 Date Submitted:   December 14, 1993

1.4 Project Type:   Development

2. Justification of Proposed Standard or Technical Report

2.1 Needs

The draft standard for AT Attachment has been completed and the draft 
for the ATA Extensions (ATA-2) is near completion, but as the popularity 
of the interface has increased, its application area has grown outside 
the originally intended purpose of direct attachment of small disk 
drives to desktop computers. 

ATA-3 is needed to continue to broaden the scope and application area of 
the ATA interface and to take advantage of the huge installed BIOS 
(Basic Input/Output System) base, and software.  Support is needed for 
traditional HDD devices plus additional devices such as CD-ROM and tape 
devices.  It is expected that the SCSI-3 command sets can be used for 
these new device types.  In addition, support is also needed for 
removable media devices and expanded number of cabling options.  The 
resulting increase in complexity has made it desirable to divide the ATA 
standard into a hierarchical set of standards, of which the ATA-3 Block 
Command Set is one.

    +-------------+ +-------------+   ***************
    | SCSI-3      | | Other       |   *    ATA-3    *
    | Multimedia  | | SCSI-3      |   *     HDD     *
    | Command Set | | Command Sets|   * Command Set *
    +------+------+ +------+------+   ***************
           |               |                 |
           +-------+-------+                 |
                   |                         |
            +======+======+           +======+======+
            | ATA-3 Packet|           |   ATA-3     |
            | Interface   | - - - - ->| Transport   |
            | Command Set |           | Protocol    |
            +======+======+           +======+======+
                   |                         |
                   +------------+------------+
                                | 
                                | 
                          +=====+=====+
                          |   ATA-3   |
                          | Physical  |
                          | Interface |
                          +===========+

2.2 Recommended Scope of Standard or Technical Report

The proposed ATA-3 Block Command Set standard shall maintain a high 
degree of compatibility with the AT Attachment while providing 
documentation for new capabilities including the following candidates:

a)   Provide a means to support traditional hard disk drives and 
removable media disk drives. 

b)   Other capabilities which fit within the general scope of 
implementing the AT Attachment Interface on a broader range of 
applications.

This proposed standard is not intended to require changes to presently 
installed devices or existing software.  It is intended that this 
proposed standard would be used to provide additional capabilities.

2.3 Existing Practice in Area of Proposed Standard or Technical Report

The proposed project involves evolutionary expansion of the draft AT 
Attachment standards to provide additional capabilities.

2.4 Expected Stability of Proposed Standard or Technical Report with 
Respect to Current and Potential Technological Advance

The nature of the proposed project is to insure that the AT Attachment 
has an upward, highly compatible growth path.  This will insure that 
current investments in AT Attachment are provided with more stability in 
the face of technological developments.

3. Description of Proposed Project

3.1 Type of Document (Standard or Technical Report):   Standard

3.2 Definition of Concepts and Special Terms (if any):   none

3.3 Expected Relationship with Approved X3 Reference Models (e.g., DBMS, 
OSI)

The ATA-3 Block Command Set standard is for use in closed systems.

3.4 Recommended Program of Work

The following program of work is planned for the ATA-3 Block Command Set 
standard:

 o Solicit continuing participation by the present AT Attachment 
participants through X3T10 procedures and new participants through press 
releases.  Invite comments by end-user organizations and invite 
proposals from organizations that may have a contribution to a viable 
ATA-3 Block Command Set standard.
 o Establish functional requirements for ATA-3 Block Command Set 
functional additions along with downward compatibility requirements.
 o Prepare a draft standard based on proposals submitted and other 
information gathered during the initial investigation. 
 o Consider the results of ATA3-Block Command Set testing as may be 
available to the committee through the voluntary efforts of the various 
participants in X3T9 and its assigned task group.
 o Submit the draft proposed standard to X3 for further processing.

3.5 Resources - Individuals and Organizations Competent in Subject 
Matter

The current membership of X3T10 includes representatives from all parts 
of the computer industry from semiconductor chip manufacturers to large 
mainframe system manufacturers as well as Government agencies.  The 
members of X3T10 have expressed their desire to participate and 
cooperate in the development of this proposed standard.

There are sufficient resources to complete the development of this 
standard without delaying work on other standards.

3.6 Recommended X3 Development Technical Committees (Existing or New)

It is recommended that the development work be done in task group X3T10 
which is responsible for developing the draft ATA Extensions standard. 

3.7 Anticipated Frequency and Duration of Meetings

Task group X3T10 meets for two days bimonthly.  Specific task ad hoc 
groups are called as may be required for one to three days between the 
regular meetings but their results are not binding.

3.8 Target Date for dpANS to X3 (Milestone 10):   December 1995 

3.9 Estimated Useful Life of Standard or Technical Report

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

The proposed ATA-3 Block Command Set standard will provide an upward 
growth path complementary to the existing practices and investments.  It 
is likely that any isolated negative impacts would occur in any case 
through non-standard evolution or revolution.

4.2 Impact on Supplier Products and Support

The proposed ATA-3 Block Command Set standard will provide an upward 
growth path complementary to the existing practices and investments.  It 
is likely that any isolated negative impacts would occur in any case 
through non-standard evolution or revolution.

4.3 Techniques and Costs for Compliance Verification

The committee will consider the results of ATA-3 Block Command Set 
testing as may be available to the committee through the voluntary 
efforts of the various participants in X3T9 and its assigned task group.  
With this method all costs are borne by the organizations of the various 
participants and have for the most part been mainly an adjunct of their 
normal development costs.

4.4 Legal Considerations

No new legal considerations are expected that are not already attendant 
with AT Attachment and in accordance with accepted X3 patent policies.

5. Closely Related Standards Activities

5.1 Existing Standards:   none

5.2 X3 Standards Development Projects

  X3T9.2/90-058 Attachment Interface
  X3T9.2/91-104 ATA Extensions

5.3 X3/SPARC Study Groups:   none

5.4 Other Related Domestic Standards Efforts:   none

5.5 ISO Standards Development Projects

It is anticipated that this standard will be proposed to JTC1/SC25/WG4.

5.6 Other Related International Standards Development Projects:   none

5.7 Recommendations for Coordinating Liaison:   none

5.8 Recommendations for Close Liaison:   none

======================================================================
Steve Finch, Silicon Systems, Inc.
PH:  714 573-6808, FX:  714 573-6914, EMAIL:  5723283 at mcimail.com
======================================================================









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