Fibre Channel application profiles, FCSI and FCA

Fibre Channel products and services are beginning to appear in the marketplace. The functions of Fibre Channel industry organizations in developing technical profiles is presented. The development and structure of profiles, technical issues, internetworking and interoperability testing are covered. The Fibre Channel Systems Initiative (FCSI) consists of HP, IBM/AWS and SUN Microsystems. It was formed in order to foster open market development and supply of Fibre Channel components, create technical profiles for guaranteed systems interoperably, and encourage interoperability testing. A broad industry association with participation from the entire range of suppliers, developers, and users was subsequently formed. This Fibre Channel Association (FCA) is dedicated to technical education, profile development for a broad set of user groups, testing, and publicity and promotion of Fibre Channel.<>