HP Open Sources Advanced File System

 

HP has open sourced the Tru64 Unix Advanced File System (AdvFS) that it got from DEC by way of Compaq.

It’s sent the 16-year-old Alpha-based source code, representing what it calls 400 R&D years, over to Sourceforge under the GPLv2 license as a reference implementation of an enterprise Linux file system. It says it will provide design documentation, test suites and engineering resources.

HP expects the Linux community to pick over AdvFS to improve Linux file system functionality and make it more enterprise-worthy, which in turn should tickle HP’s Linux sales.

Stephen Bacon, the manager of Linux marketing and planning for HP’s Business Critical Systems, says the current Linux default file system has “plateaued” and needs, among other things, to scale better.

Currently, several file systems are being developed through an open community process. HP expects all of them to leverage AdvFS for algorithms and functionality like being able to reconfigure storage without bringing a system down.

Bacon swears the AdvFS code is “patent dispute-free.”

AdvFS includes capabilities that should increase uptime, enhance security and maximize performance.

It simplifies file and storage management, enables online system backups and increases data availability.

See http://advfs.sourceforge.net.