The next generation of internal storage connectivity is within reach with today's release of the Serial ATA final 1.0 specification. The announcement was made at Intel Developer Forum, Fall 2001 in San Jose, Calif. The Serial ATA interface will be used to connect such internal storage devices as hard disks, DVDs and CD-R/Ws to the motherboard in desktop and mobile PCs, value servers and network storage. Scalable performance (starting at 1.5 gigabits per second) and 100 percent software compatible with current operating systems, the technology will provide a storage interface that meets the needs of computers for the next decade.

Serial ATA has other benefits over its parallel predecessor. The low pin count of Serial ATA will enable computer manufacturers to design systems with cables that are simpler to route and install, improving thermal designs and facilitating smaller form factor systems. It also enables easier, more flexible motherboard routing and the use of smaller connectors than is possible with the existing parallel ATA technology