A specification developed by
Intel,
Compaq and
Microsoft that would standardize the size, shape, and connection of computer components, such as
disk drives,
modems, and audio devices. This would enable computer owners to easily exchange and upgrade these components. The Device Bay specification is similar to the
PCMCIA standard, but is designed for larger, faster devices. Device Bay components would connect to a computer using either the
USB or
IEEE 1394 (FireWire) interfaces.
Although the original specification was worked out in early 1997, computer manufacturers have not yet adopted it. Some analysts expect the first computers supporting Device Bay to appear sometime in 1999.
