S.M.A.R.T.

The generic description

By using S.M.A.R.T. technology (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology), virtually any intelligent component or a device within a computer can communicate its predicted reliability status to its user and system administrator in order to provide comprehensive protection, which can prevent system downtime, productivity loss, and even loss of valuable data.

Since user data is not always as easy to replace as hardware devices, most computer users would argue that their data is the most valuable element of their computer system. In recognizing the need to elevate the protection of user data, the majority of large-scale HDD manufacturers have announced the implementation of the S.M.A.R.T. System for their hard disk drives.

Through the S.M.A.R.T. System, HDDs incorporate a suite of advanced diagnostics that monitor the internal operations of the drive and provide an early warning for many types of potential problems. If detected, the drive can be scheduled for replacement before the loss of data occurs. The result would be productivity increase and improvement of data security.

The evolution of the S.M.A.R.T.

The S.M.A.R.T. is an open standard that can bring a new level of data security to the disk drive industry. The key features of S.M.A.R.T. include:

• S.M.A.R.T. is an open industry standard, developed and endorsed by Compaq Computers and other industry leaders. The specification has been published by the disk drive industry's Small Form Factor Committee under document number SFF-8035.

• The technology can be extended to include a variety of devices tapes, CD-ROM, communications devices, etc.

• S.M.A.R.T. drives can be automatically monitored for impending failure conditions.

• Drive’s manufacturers can use the specific internal diagnostics most appropriate for their product.

• S.M.A.R.T.-compliant hosts can take early action to protect the data on a drive automated backup, load reduction, etc.

• S.M.A.R.T. is designed to detect up to 70 percent of all predictable device failures to extend data and overall system reliability.

• S.M.A.R.T. can detect and report failure conditions that originate in the field due to shock, vibration, temperature, and voltage extremes.

Summary

As the access to electronic information becomes more and more vital in business and at home, Hard Drive Inspector allows exceeding the traditional bounds of HDDs reliability and thus improve level of valuable user data protection.