The high performance storage system (HPSS)

Ever more powerful computers and rapidly enlarging data sets require unprecedented levels of data storage and access capabilities. To help meet these requirements, the scalable, network-centered, parallel storage system HPSS was designed and is now being developed. The parallel 1/0 architecture, mechanisms, strategies and capabilities are described. The current development status and the broad applicability are illustrated through a discussion of the sites at which HPSS is now being implemented, representing a spectrum of computing environments. Planned capabilities and time scales will be provided. Some of the remarkable developments in storage media data density looming on the horizon will also be noted