Storage Management Initiative

Simplifying storage management with a global technology standard

The SNIA Storage Management Initiative (SMI)

SMI is a membership-based initiative created by the SNIA to
develop and standardize interoperable storage management
technologies and aggressively promote them to the storage,
networking and end-user communities.
View SMI Member Companies

Key Programs
SMI Spec (SMI-S)
SMI-Lab Program
Conformance Testing

Providing end-user storage management solutions

SMI is dedicated to fostering the creation of implementable, deployable and verifiable end-user storage management solutions based on SNIA standards adopted industry-wide. These solutions take into consideration industry evolution and growth with a cost-effective approach emphasizing continuous support and standardization due to industry maturation and vendor development variation. Through the advancement and development of standards, software, and education, SMI is committed to ensuring that end-user needs are met. One goal is the deliberate resolution of vendor issues, taking into account achievable interoperability, communication, and best practices in the Storage Network—with an emphasis on value as well as return on investment for the entire industry.

SMI-S: Standardizing Storage Management

With the adoption of Storage Management Initiative Specification (SMI-S) by the SNIA in 2002, most of the activities and programs driving SMI-S became one of SMI's primary responsibilities and missions. In January 2007, in conjunction with the announcement of SMI-S being designated as an ISO/IEC standard, all SMI-S activities, groups, and efforts were consolidated under the Initiative making it the primary organization governing the SMI-S effort with the guidance of the SNIA Board of Directors and SNIA Technical Council and under the supervision and management of the SMI Governing Board.

SMI Organization and Areas of Focus

The SMI, like SNIA, is primarily a volunteer organization and depends on its membership in order to drive and facilitate its work. Learn more about the organization of SMI. See a list of SMI Member Companies and SMI-S Technical Work Groups.

If you are interested in becoming a member please visit Join SMI.