The CompactFlash Association (CFA) was established in October 1995 with the premise that
CompactFlash (CF) technology would enable the introduction of a new class of advanced, small lightweight, low power mobile products that would significantly increase the productivity and enhance the lifestyles of millions of people.
The concept behind CF technology was simple: to capture, retain and transport data, audio and images on CompactFlash Storage Cards. CF Storage Cards provided the capability to easily transfer all types of digital information and software between a large variety of digital systems.The CFA approved and published the CompactFlash standard. This vendor-independent specification enabled users to develop CF products that function correctly and are compatible with future CF designs, eliminating compatibility issues.
Now the CFA has developed the CF+ specification to expand the CF concept beyond flash data storage and include I/O devices and magnetic disk data storage. The CF+ specification also includes the original Type I (3.3mm thick) card and newer Type II (5mm thick) cards. While
CompactFlash and many I/O devices can fit into the Type I card, the Type II cards enable higher capacity CompactFlash cards, magnetic disk cards and many additional I/O cards.