XAM Initiative

Information independence for applications and storage

XAM Mission and Goals

The SNIA XAM Initiative aims to drive adoption of its forthcoming eXtensible Access Method (XAM) specification. This Initiative will build and serve a XAM community that includes storage vendors, independent software vendors, and end users to ensure that the specification fulfills market needs for a fixed content data management interface standard. These needs include interoperability, information assurance (security), storage transparency, long-term records retention and automation for Information Lifecycle Management (ILM)-based practices.

Ensure the adoption, implementation, and deployment of the XAM programming interface(s) by applications concerned with fixed content data management and storage systems including SAN, NAS, and CAS
Cultivate both a SNIA community and an industry-at-large ecosystem for vendor product XAM standard implementation driven by end-user demand
Develop and implement XAM product interoperability programs; XAM developer programs; XAM standard product conformance programs, and industry education materials

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In less than 5 minutes

The XAM Initiative is a fee-based activity for SNIA members to conduct programs to achieve the goals. The Initiative is structured with a governing board and dedicated committees. There are many leadership roles in the board and committees to develop the market, develop conformance and interoperability programs, develop and deliver education, and showcase solutions to the marketplace.

XAM Standard Benefits

How the SNIA XAM standard access method benefits storage vendors, software developers and the end user community

XAM Provides

Interoperability: Applications can work with any XAM conformant storage system; information can be migrated and shared
Compliance: Integrated record retention and disposition metadata
ILM Practices: Framework for classification, policy, and implementation
Migration: Ability to automate migration process to maintain long-term readability
Discovery: Application-independent structured discovery avoids application obsolescence

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