Based on ADIC's FibreReady tape libraries, which support Novell NetWare, Unix, and Windows NT servers, Open SAN includes engineering, integration, and support services to enable interoperability in SAN environments between these tape libraries and components and software from other vendors. Ancor, Computer Associates, Crossroads Systems, Emulex, Legato, and Veritas, which make products ranging from host adapters to switches to storage-management applications, have all signed on as partners.

ADIC says it will be meeting with the Fibre Channel Industry Association and the Storage Networking Industry Association to try to expand the reach of Open SAN. The initial set of services will be available in September. Prices will vary based on user requirements.

Customers are often confused about SAN implementations, says Bob Abraham, an analyst with Freeman Associates. ADIC may succeed, he says, simply by "keeping it simple, and offering customers a standard, turnkey solution."