Sponsoring of SCST integration into Linux kernel

At the moment, Linux doesn't have a SCSI target subsystem, which is sufficiently good to satisfy the real life requirements, and there is a growing demand in a such subsystem. At the same time, SCST has reached mature and stable state and capable to satisfy all the requirements. See SCST vs STGT page for more details.

Also is has the widest choice of supported SCSI transports (iSCSI, Fibre Channel, Infiniband SRP, parallel SCSI, SAS), the best performance and the biggest features set.

So, the next logical step should be to include SCST in the mainline kernel. The first iteration of in-kernel inclusion review and comments (see http://lkml.org/lkml/2008/12/10/245) was quite positive.

But still there is a lot of work to do before all the necessary work in areas of code preparation, submission, going through review circles, etc. is finished. Activities in this direction have been carrying out, but far slower than necessary, because they are mostly done in a spare time.

Thus, you can speed up a LOT all the works related to SCST inclusion in the mainline kernel by sponsoring it. The needed financial amount is quite low, just for one person for several months. In this time all the current showstoppers, like /proc based interface, as well as all problems found during past and future reviews should be fixed. Even half of this amount would allow to work half full time exclusively on SCST integration into Linux kernel. Donations can be on one time or per period of time basis, from companies or individuals. They can be sent by direct bank transfer (preferred) or using Western Union, Moneygram or similar payment system. Sorry, more convenient options, like PayPal, are not available in Russia.

Investing in SCST integration in Linux kernel, you investing not only in making Linux the best storage OS, but, if your company has a product or service, based on SCST, you also investing in the secured future of your product or service and, hence, in the the secured future of your company.

If you are interested, please contact Vladislav Bolkhovitin <vst at vlnb net>