FAQ for SNIA Tutorials

General Information

For information related to developing, reviewing and presenting SNIA Tutorials, please read Information for Authors, Contributors, Presenters and Reviewers (member login required). 

SNIA Regional Affiliates.  Guidelines for international use of the SNIA Tutorials (member login required).

What are the SNIA Tutorials?

SNIA Tutorials are educational materials developed by participants in the storage networking industry, including vendors, training companies, analysts, consultants, and end-users. Each SNIA Tutorial provides approximately 45-60 minutes of stand-alone coverage of a topic of interest (see www.snia.org/education/tutorials/ for examples). Some topics may be covered in multiple sessions. SNIA Tutorials are organized in interest areas as "Tracks" (e.g. Networking, Storage, Security, Data Management, Virtualization, Storage Management). The presentations in the Professional Development Track are not SNIA Tutorials - different rules apply!

The SNIA Tutorials are intended to present technical and business (IT) issues in a fair and unbiased manner. They are designed to give a consensus view of particular topics, from the viewpoint of the entire industry or a significant segment (e.g. IP Storage). All SNIA Tutorials are peer reviewed to ensure vendor neutrality. This review process is open to all SNIA members. In addition, we solicit feedback and review comments from every user of the SNIA Tutorials, and email addresses for that purpose are provided at the end of each Tutorial.

Where are the SNIA Tutorials presented?

Many SNIA Tutorials are presented at each occurrence of the Storage Networking World conference (SNW) in the US and elsewhere (e.g. SNW-Europe, SNW-Japan, SNW-China, SNW-Australia). Most of the SNIA Tutorials are updated ("refreshed") versions of previously presented topics, but new topics are solicited and welcomed.

SNW usually occurs in April in the Eastern US (e.g. Orlando), and in October in the Western/Mid-western US (e.g. Dallas, Phoenix, San Diego). SNW is co-owned by SNIA and Computerworld. However, the SNIA Tutorials are owned, produced, branded, and controlled by SNIA. SNIA Tutorials are also available for presentation (or adaptation, as appropriate) at any other SNW or at any SNIA-hosted event worldwide, and the PowerPoint versions are made available to the local SNIA affiliate for such events.

SNIA Tutorials are often requested at other IT industry events, and have been delivered at venues including COMDEX, Networld+Interop, HP World, ARMA, and many others. Note that the event does not have to be exclusively focused on storage! All requests for presentations of SNIA Tutorials at other venues should be made via email to Nancy Clay, SNIA Tutorial Program Manager, nancy.clay@snia.org.

What is the technical level of the SNIA Tutorials?

SNIA Tutorials are presented at various levels, ranging from the IT or business manager level to the software/hardware developer level. They are often developed to educate those familiar with one area (e.g. Networking), but less comfortable in another area (e.g. Storage). The abstract for each individual Tutorial describes the intended audience. Most Tutorials contain links or references to other information sources.

Are the "SNIA Tutorials" the same thing as SNW (or other event) tutorials?

The SNIA Tutorials are presented at Storage Networking World (SNW) as their primary venue and at other conferences and events as well. However, the term "tutorials" is often used generically by events or vendors to describe introductory or survey-type presentations, and this may include sessions by vendors describing their products or offerings. SNIA Tutorials (with a captital "T") are vendor-neutral and peer-reviewed in an open process, and are presented by speakers who are identified as "SNIA" speakers. They will be wearing either SNIA-logo clothing or appropriate business dress, but NOTHING displaying vendor-specific logo or labeling.

Where can I find and download the SNIA Tutorials?

The most recent versions of the SNIA Tutorials (with abstracts) are posted on the public SNIA website at www.snia.org/education/tutorials/. These versions are non-printable and non-editable .PDF files. There is no password or registration required for use of the SNIA Tutorials.

Some events, such as SNW, may choose to offer the SNIA Tutorials on CD-ROM or USB flash drives. SNIA Regional Affiliates often distribute resource materials that include SNIA Tutorials and other SNIA content. Such distribution must always be approved by SNIA.

Who can use the SNIA Tutorials?

Anyone with access to the Web can download these materials for personal use. Please be aware that SNIA maintains copyright on the SNIA Tutorials, and they may not be used for teaching by "for-profit" organizations (e.g. training companies) without written permission from SNIA.

Who owns the copyrights or other Intellectual Property (IP) rights for the SNIA Tutorials?

As a condition of participation in the SNIA Tutorials, ALL authors of submitted materials must agree to share copyright with SNIA. This means that the author retains their copyright, but SNIA also has a copyright. Thus, you may continue to use your own materials, for example in your company's marketing or training efforts. SNIA may use the materials for any purposes within its Bylaws and "policies and procedures." SNIA currently plans to continue protecting SNIA Tutorials materials as described herein. Note that these policies may change in the future, but your grant of copyright to SNIA is irrevocable. If you still have questions, please check with your legal counsel.

How can I obtain a printed copy of a SNIA Tutorial?

In order to protect the materials in the SNIA Tutorials from unauthorized re-use, adaptation, or other distribution, SNIA does not allow printed copies except in special situations.

What if I have a special need for a printed copy?

You may send an email request to the SNIA Tutorial Program Manager, Nancy Clay at nancy.clay@snia.org stating your case and your mailing address. Be aware that most requests are rejected.

How can I obtain the PowerPoint version of a SNIA Tutorial?

In order to protect authors' and contributors' rights, and to protect the value to SNIA, there is NO distribution of PowerPoint versions to end-users or presenters (including non-profit orgs). The only exceptions are to regional SNIA affiliates for use in "live" presentations or translations. These exceptions may be requested by email to the SNIA Tutorial Program Manager stating your intended use and planned schedule. You must state that you have read and agree to comply with the SNIA Tutorials policies as described herein. This Agreement applies to you and must also be agreed to by anyone using the PowerPoint versions.

Can I obtain speaker notes?

Speaker notes or transcriptions may be available for specific purposes (e.g. translation) to authorized SNIA presenters. They are not released to end-users of the SNIA Tutorials, nor are they made available to SNIA members.

Is there any way to obtain additional information about a SNIA Tutorial topic?

Yes, as noted above, many SNIA Tutorials contain references or links to other useful materials such as websites or books. SNIA has also produced some "SNIA Tutorial Booklets" on a few topics such as Security, Storage Management, and Virtualization, but some of the material is now aged. Contact info@snia.org for details.

Key Programs

• Data Management Forum
• Green Storage Initiative
• Storage Management Initiative (SMI)
• XAM Initiative