This IDC study examines application-specific standard products (ASSPs) andASICs shipping into direct-attached storage (DAS), network-attached storage (NAS), and storage area networking (SAN) systems. These products include RAID adaptors and drive controllers shipping onto server motherboards, FC HBAs, FC switching infrastructure, and external storage systems (aka disk arrays). A top-line forecast for the semiconductor components used within these storage system markets is segmented by key application markets for 2008-2012. Where applicable, disk interface details (parallel ATA [ATA], SCSI, and FC, SATA, and SAS) are also included. Note: Because of changes in the methodology and this study's focus on semiconductors in storage systems (excludes systems with fewer than three hard disk drives), the forecast in this study is not comparable with that in any prior study.

"Unlike markets for networking-related silicon (e.g., Ethernet, xDSL), the storage system market experiences shorter time periods for selection, qualification testing, and installation," said Aileen Arcilla, IDC senior research analyst. "Semiconductor companies thus see the market potential for storage system semiconductors and, consequently, view this market as a growth driver for their businesses."