Company Backs University of Michigan in Implementing Next-Generation NFS
for Linux
BEAVERTON, Ore., Feb. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Software developers at the
University of Michigan have received backing from PolyServe, Inc. to help
create an industry-standard implementation of an important enterprise storage
protocol, Network File System Version 4 (NFSv4) for Linux.
NFS is the premier industry standard for fast, seamless file sharing among
networked computers and storage equipment, such as network-attached storage
(NAS) devices. The next generation of NFS, Version 4, enables huge
improvements in file-sharing security and performance, among numerous other
enhancements.
PolyServe, a leading provider of storage clustering software for Linux and
Microsoft Windows(R), will provide funding and technical assistance to the
Center for Information Technology Integration (CITI) at the University of
Michigan. CITI is responsible for developing a reference implementation of
NFSv4 that is included in the open source Linux operating system and is being
incorporated into Novell and Red Hat Linux distributions. PolyServe joins
Network Appliance as the primary technical and financial sponsors of NFSv4
development on Linux.
"PolyServe's sponsorship of CITI shows its dedication to moving the
industry forward, ensuring there will be a standard NFS Version 4 reference
implementation for the open source community," said Nancy Hurley, senior
analyst for Enterprise Strategy Group. "PolyServe is establishing its
commitment as a technology leader in the ever-evolving file system market."
CITI is engineering NFSv4 for use as a universal standard for fast and
secure access to stored data, whether across a wide area network (WAN) or
within a single location. PolyServe's partnership with CITI will focus on
implementation of the protocol on the server side, while Network Appliance is
assisting CITI on client-side implementation. In addition to helping to create
the fastest, most robust NFS for Linux, PolyServe sponsorship will help CITI
ensure the updated NFS protocol can be scaled horizontally across a cluster of
servers and works effectively with Linux-based cluster file systems produced
by open-source developers or commercial vendors.
A cluster file system (CFS) allows multiple servers to share applications,
files and data while controlling access to stored data and maintaining data
integrity. A CFS provides essential technology for enabling data centers to
migrate from expensive, proprietary UNIX platforms and specialized appliances
to low-cost servers and storage based on industry standards such as Linux.
"PolyServe is a critical partner in CITI's development of the NFSv4
implementation for Linux," said Peter Honeyman, scientific director of CITI.
"Through its financial and technical contributions to CITI, PolyServe
underscores its commitment to open source and improving the Linux ecosystem as
a platform for critical storage applications."
PolyServe deploys NFS functionality in its NAS cluster solution, which
also integrates a symmetric CFS, high-availability services and cluster and
storage management capabilities. The product aggregates up to 16 low-cost
Linux- and x86 Architecture-based servers for high-performance, fault-tolerant
file serving across a storage area network (SAN).
"NFS Version 4 for Linux is critical for enabling fast, secure and
inexpensive access to the enormous amounts of data produced and stored by
enterprises," said Carter George, vice president of storage solutions for
PolyServe. "That's why CITI's work is so important and why PolyServe is happy
to help in their cause."
About PolyServe
PolyServe, Inc. is a leading developer of shared data clustering software
for Linux and Microsoft Windows mission-critical data centers. The company's
products reduce the cost and complexity associated with traditional clustering
approaches, while offering superior scalability, availability and
manageability. In addition to its headquarters in Beaverton, Ore., PolyServe
has a Microsoft development center in Redmond, Wash. It also has sales and
support offices in Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, London, Minneapolis, New
York, Washington, D.C. and San Francisco. For more information about
PolyServe, visit http://www.polyserve.com, or call 877-476-5973.
NOTE: PolyServe and Matrix Server are trademarks of PolyServe, Inc. All
other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
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