OS/400 Network File System Support is the replacement for the TCP/IP File Server

Support/400 (FSS/400) system application. Users who are accustomed to working

with FSS/400 will notice many similarities between FSS/400 and NFS. It is

important to note, however, that FSS/400 and NFS are not compatible with each

other. The FSS/400 system application can exist on the same AS/400 with OS/400

Network File System Support, but they cannot operate together. On any given

system, do not start or use FSS/400 and NFS at the same time.

A Brief History

 

Sun Microsystems, Inc.** released NFS in 1984. Sun introduced NFS Version 2 in

 

1985. In 1989, the Request For Comments (RFC) standard 1094, describing NFS

 

Version 2, was published. X/Open published a compatible version that is a standard

 

for NFS in 1992. Sun published the NFS Version 3 protocol in 1993.

 

Sun developed NFS in a UNIX** environment, and therefore many UNIX concepts

 

(for example, the UNIX authentication) were integrated into the ®nal protocol. Yet

 

the NFS protocol remains platform independent. Today, almost all UNIX platforms

 

use NFS, as do many PCs, mainframes, and workstations.

Most implementations of NFS are Version 2, although a number of vendors are

offering products that combine Version 2 and Version 3. The AS/400 implementation

of the Network File System supports both Version 2 and Version 3 of the protocol.

 

 

 

The Network File System as a File System

AS/400 ®le systems provide the support that allows users and applications to access speci®c segments of storage. These logical units of′ storage are the following:

vlibraries

vdirectories

vfolders

The logical storage units can contain different types of data:

vobjects

v®les

vdocuments

Each ®le system has a set of logical structures and rules for interacting with information in storage. These structures and rules may be different from one ®le system to another, depending on the type of ®le system. The OS/400 support for accessing database ®les and various other object types through libraries can be thought of as a ®le system. Similarly, the OS/400 support for accessing documents through folders can be thought of as a separate ®le system. For more information on AS/400 ®le systems, please see theIntegrated File System Introduction, SC41-4711.

The Network File System provides seemingly ªtransparentº access to remote ®les. This means that local client ®les and ®les that are accessed from a remote server operate and function similarly and are indistinguishable. This takes away many complex steps from users, who need a set of ®les and directories that act in a consistent manner across many network clients. A long-term goal of system administrators is to design such a transparent network that solidi®es the belief of

Chapter 1. What is the Network File System? 3

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IBM AS/400E manual Brief History, Network File System as a File System
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AS/400E specifications

The IBM AS/400E, now more commonly known as IBM i, is a robust and versatile midrange server that has been designed to provide a comprehensive computing solution for businesses of all sizes. First introduced in the late 1980s, the AS/400 series has undergone multiple enhancements and rebranding, with the AS/400E being one of the notable iterations. This powerful platform is closely associated with IBM's commitment to reliability, scalability, and integrated business solutions.

One of the main features of the AS/400E is its highly integrated architecture that combines hardware and software into a cohesive system. This integration allows for seamless operations, reducing the complexity typically associated with managing disparate systems. The system is powered by IBM's proprietary OS/400 operating system, which has evolved into IBM i, featuring advanced capabilities like object-oriented programming, integrated database management, and security features that are essential for enterprise environments.

A key characteristic of the AS/400E is its robust database support, primarily through the use of DB2 for i. This integrated database management system enables efficient data handling and retrieval, facilitating real-time business analytics and reporting. Furthermore, the platform supports a variety of programming languages, including RPG, COBOL, and Java, making it flexible for developers who require diverse tools for application development.

The AS/400E is also known for its exceptional reliability and uptime, making it a preferred choice for critical business applications in industries such as finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. This reliability is backed by advanced error detection and correction mechanisms, as well as redundancy features that help prevent data loss and minimize downtime.

In terms of scalability, the AS/400E can effortlessly expand to accommodate growing business demands. Organizations can increase processing power by adding more resources without significant disruption. This scalability, combined with the system’s built-in virtualization capabilities, allows businesses to optimize resource usage and streamline operations.

Security is another defining feature of the AS/400E. The platform incorporates various layers of security measures, including user authentication, encryption, and comprehensive auditing capabilities, ensuring that sensitive business data is protected against unauthorized access.

Overall, the IBM AS/400E remains a powerful tool in the enterprise computing landscape, providing businesses with an integrated, reliable, and secure solution for their technological needs. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its capability to evolve with changing business requirements while maintaining its core attributes of high performance and stability.
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