Abstract: A device has a controller and a function module configured to be in communication with the controller as a result of the controller receiving a pass-through vendor specific command. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to receive the pass-through vendor specific command from an application software module of a host through an interface that is configured in accordance with a standard that does not allow communication to occur between the controller and the function module.

Abstract: A device has a controller and a function module configured to be in communication with the controller as a result of the controller receiving a pass-through vendor specific command. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to receive the pass-through vendor specific command from an application software module of a host through an interface that is configured in accordance with a standard that does not allow communication to occur between the controller and the function module.

Abstract: A device has a controller and a function module configured to be in communication with the controller as a result of the controller receiving a pass-through vendor specific command. In some embodiments the controller may configured to strip data intended for the function module from the vendor specific command and send the stripped data to the function module.

Abstract: A device has a controller and a function module configured to be in communication with the controller as a result of the controller receiving a pass-through vendor specific command. In some embodiments the controller may configured to strip data intended for the function module from the vendor specific command and send the stripped data to the function module.

Abstract: A storage system having a storage device in communication with a host and including one or more function devices for communicating with application software modules, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Said application software modules issuing vendor specific commands to access said function devices, said function devices remaining unknown to said host and recognizing said vendor specific commands for acting thereupon, wherein said storage device causing said application software modules to access said function devices to increase the security of said storage device.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device is displayed for purchase by a user and includes a controller and a protected area for storing a key and a bar code associated with and for identifying the device including a password unique to the device, wherein upon purchase of the device, the password is compared to the key and upon successful activation thereof, the device is activated, otherwise, the device is rendered inoperable.