Toward a standard IEEE Mover

It is noted that, since the early work on the IEEE Mass Storage System Reference Model (MSSRM) in the fall of 1983, mover functionality was recognized as an important part of a data storage system. After giving a brief overview of the Version 4 Mover, the changes and enhancements worked out by the Mover Subcommittee in the process of upgrading the Mover to Version 5, along with the rationale for these changes, are described. In Version 5 of the MSSRM, the Mover has changed from being almost totally dependent on an intimate connection to either the Storage Server or the Bitfile Client to being an independent, self-contained entity. The new Mover also has become somewhat of a guardian of the physical devices in a storage system and the bitfiles stored there. By adding security features and client authentication, the Mover now has the ability to protect data and allow various types of restricted access to devices. The author also discusses some of the issues that still need to be worked out by the IEEE Storage System Standards Working Group in integrating the Mover into the overall model and working toward a standard