Figure 18. Dynamically exporting ®le systems with the″-I″option

The mount daemon checks the export table each time a client makes a request to

mount an exported ®le system. Users with the proper authority can update the /etc/exports ®le to export ®le systems at will by adding, deleting, or changing

entries. Then the user can use the export command to update the export table.

Most system administrators con®gure their NFS server so that, as it starts up, it checks for the existence of /etc/exports, which it immediately processes.

Administrators can accomplish this by specifying *ALL on the STRNFSSVR (Start Network File System Server) command. Once the server ®nds/etc/exports in this

way, it uses the export command to create the export table. This makes the ®le systems immediately available for client use.

Why Should I Export?

Exporting gives a system administrator the opportunity to easily make any ®le system accessible to clients. The administrator can perform an export at will to ful®ll the needs of any particular user or group of users, specifying to whom the ®le system is available and how.

With an efficient system of exporting, a group of client systems needs only one set of con®guration and startup ®les, one set of archives, and one set of applications. The export command can make all of these types of data accessible to the clients at any time.

Although there are many insecure ways to export ®le systems, using the options on the export command allow administrators to export ®le systems safely. Exported ®le systems can be limited to a group of systems in a trusted community of a network namespace.

Using the ability to export allows for a simpler and more effective administration of a

namespace, from setting up clients to determining what authority is needed to access a sensitive data set. A properly used /etc/exports ®le can make your

namespace safe and secure while providing for the needs of all your users.

TULAB Scenario

In TULAB, a group of engineering undergraduate students are working with a group of engineering graduate students. Both sets of students have access to their remote home directories and applications on the server through NFS. Their research involves the controversial history of local bridge architecture. The students will be working in different rooms of the same campus building. Chris Admin needs a way to make data available to both groups of computers and students without making all the data available to everyone.

26OS/400 Network File System Support V4R4

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IBM AS/400E manual Why Should I Export?, Tulab Scenario
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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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