(1) The role of a node using the two-phase commit protocol when its local transaction program issues a commit operation that begins the two-phase commit flows. The initiator is the root node of a transaction program network. See also responder.
(2) In OSI Communications Subsystem, the application entity that starts an application association.
(3) The part of an operating system that reads and processes control statements from the system input device.
(4) The system component that originates an I/O command over an I/O bus or network. I/O adapters and network interface cards are typical initiators. See also target.
(5) In Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) technology, the part of a host computer that communicates with its attached targets. See also SCSI device.