SCSI controller cards are still very much in use in today's tech market. SCSI, or Small Computer System Interface, is a technology to link up a number of devices to a computer. Most in the industry pronounces SCSI as "scuzzy." SCSI controllers manage peripherals in relation to the central workstation. Items like drives, scanners, CD drives, etc. are linked to a central workstation.

Obviously, this technology comes in very handy for any kind of workplace that uses computers. Business operators and workers in many industries use SCSI technology every day as it accomplishes business tasks.

1. SCSI cards and SCSI controllers allow parts of the workstation to work together as a worker is utilizing them through the central computer (and visually through the monitor).

2. SCSI controllers make adding peripheral hardware to your setup easy. The "Add new hardware" wizard in windows doesn't do it all alone.

3. SCSI systems continue to provide connection of devices as the market changes and new technology comes on the scene.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get parallel SCSI and standard SCSI controller card models

This is an older form of the popular SCSI interface. Parallel SCSI or 'SPI' uses an electrical bus system: devices all share electrical power and information between each other. You've probably seen this at work while observing how either classic Macintosh or standard PC units are put together (not all devices have their own power source, so how are they powered?) SPI is being phased out by other SCSI technology, but traditional SCSI is still available.

I recommend: Find classic SCSI controller card models and technology at Digi-Key.com's online warehouse. You can also find multiple models of SCSI cards and controllers in either classic parallel systems or updated technologies at DiscountTechnology.

Get Internet-ready SCSI controllers

As our remote abilities grow thanks to the power of the Internet (and other emerging technologies) it might be no surprise that SCSI technology adapted as well. iSCSI, or Internet SCSI, lets computer users manage remote drives without physical implementation. Unlike old-school SCSI, iSCSI uses TCP-IP protocols and data routing to hook up drives remotely.

I recommend: Look for Alacritech iSCSI models and other SCSI controller cards online at Provantage. For more on new emerging iSCSI solutions (and other SCSI controllers information), look for iReady products to come online soon. The company claims to offer low-cost systems for implementing iSCSI.

Get SCSI RAID controller models

Another kind of drive controller, called RAID, connects multiple drives and presents them as one drive to a workstation or user. Lots of RAID controllers use SCSI technology. You can use these for setting up a drive system that sometimes allows for faster data flow or better storage.

I recommend: Find RAID controller models using SCSI at SuperWarehouse. Browse a variety of RAID controller models including SCSI at TigerDirect.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When looking for SCSI and RAID controllers, match them to your drive technology. SCSI controller vendors also sell the drives and peripherals online. If you match them up when you buy, you might save time, rather than buying piecemeal and trying to establish compatibility later. SCSI drives will usually be identified as such online.