IMHO, more powerful input/output capability of servers will drive networking to fibre channel in 98 & 99:
"Once one has "I2O-Ready" hardware, it should be able to support both Version 1.5 and Version 2.0 of the
architecture. But for IS managers to capitalize on any of the technologies being offered in Version 2.0, such
as Fibre Channel, clustering technologies, Hot Plug PCI, and ATM/WAN support, they will have to wait
about nine months. Version 2.0 of the I2O Architecture will not be approved until spring 1998, long after the
designs of the next major version offerings from the supporting operating system suppliers have been
completed. As a result, operating system suppliers like Microsoft, Novell and SCO will have to release
software upgrades, likely by late 1998, to support new technologies offered in Version 2.0 of the
specification." |
