Device Bay

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.