A storage device housed outside a computer and connected via a specific, high-speed interface offered a significant advancement in data transfer rates compared to earlier standards like USB 2.0 and FireWire 800. This interface, capable of delivering up to 10 Gbps, allowed for rapid access to large files, facilitating smoother workflows for professionals dealing with high-resolution video and audio editing, photography, and large datasets.
The introduction of this technology marked a pivotal moment for external storage solutions. Its speed advantage made it highly attractive for professionals needing quick access to large volumes of data. While superseded by later iterations with increased bandwidth, it played a key role in establishing the importance of high-speed connectivity in external storage. This technology paved the way for faster workflows and enabled greater efficiency in handling data-intensive tasks.