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                            Introduction to X3T9.2

   X3T9.2 is a Task Group of X3, an Accredited Standards Committee (ASC), 
   which operates under rules that are approved by the American National
   Standards Institute (ANSI).  These rules are designed to insure that
   voluntary standards are developed by the consensus of industry groups.
   X3 develops standards.  ANSI approves the process under which they are
   developed and publishes them.

                                  +--------+
                                  |  ANSI  |
                                  +--------+
                                      |
            ... --+-------------------+-- ...
                  |                   |
              +--------+          +--------+         +--------+
              |  IEEE  |          |   X3   |---------| CBEMA  |
              +--------+          +--------+         +--------+
                                      |
                                ... --+-- ...
                                      |
                                  +--------+
                                  |  X3T9  | I/O Interfaces
                                  +--------+
                                      |
          +-------------------+-------+----------+------------------+
          |                   |                  |                  |
      +--------+          +--------+         +--------+         +--------+
      | X3T9.2 |          | X3T9.3 |         | X3T9.5 |         | X3T9.6 |
      +--------+          +--------+         +--------+         +--------+
         SCSI                IPI                LDDI               Tape
         ESDI                HPPI               FDDI            (Inactive)
                          Fiber Channel

   X3T9.2 operates under X3T9, I/O Interfaces.  X3T9.2's charter is Lower-
   Level Interfaces.  Its principal work is the Small Computer System 
   Interface (SCSI), which is not a low-level interface anymore (if it ever
   was "low-level").  SCSI was published as ANSI Standard X3.131-1986 in 
   1986.  X3T9.2 is currently finishing SCSI-2 and beginning SCSI-3.  The 
   Enhanced Small Device Interface (ESDI) project is also in X3T9.2.  This
   standard has recently been approved by ANSI, so there is little current
   activity in X3T9.2.

   The Computer and Business Equipment Manufacturers Association (CBEMA) is
   the Secretariat for X3.  CBEMA charges a nominal fee for membership in 
   X3T9.2 to cover the X3 Secretariat's operating costs. The CBEMA charges
   (called Service Fees) are:

     $250.00 per year - X3T9.2 Observers  Anyone can be an Observer -- No 
                                          attendance is necessary.

     $250.00 per year - X3T9.2 Principals There is only one Principal allowed 
                                          per organization.  This fee includes 
                                          one free Alternate.  Additional 
                                          alternates cost the same as 
                                          Observers.  Certain attendance 
                                          rules apply to get and maintain 
                                          principal membership.

   In addition, there is a subscription fee of $110.00 per year (may change in 
   1990) to cover the cost of copying and mailing X3T9.2 documents (six 
   mailings per year). You have to be a member or observer to receive these 
   mailings. Members are not required to subscribe, but there really is no 
   reason to be an observer unless you do subscribe.  To subscribe, download 
   (or "T"ype) the MEM_FORM.TXT file in file area 1, print it and fill in the 
   blanks.  Mail it along with your check or credit card number to the X3 
   Secretariat.  Or you can call Katrina Gray in the X3 Secretariats office
   at (202) 626-5741.

   X3T9 meets 6 times per year at various locations throughout the country.  
   During the same weeks, X3T9's Task Groups meet at the same locations.  
   These plenary meetings are scheduled more than a year in advance.  In 
   addition, the Task Groups often schedule one or more ad hoc meetings 
   (called Working Groups) between the plenary meetings.  Meeting schedule
   information is available in SCHEDULE.TXT in file area 1.

   If you would like to attend an X3T9.2 meeting, please check the 
   SCHEDULE.TXT file. You do not need to "register" for these meetings -- 
   just show up at 9:00 a.m. at the designated hotel.  When making room 
   reservations, mention ANSI X3T9 for a special room rate.

   (File: X3T9_2.TXT last updated 1/5/89)