DFS (and DCE)

[Michael Ernstoff]

I am running HP-UX 10.20 converted to trusted.

I noticed in the startup scripts that there is a DFS script (although DFS is not used at the moment).
Is this DFS the Distributed File System that came from Transarc (or a version of that)?
If so, then do you have to install all of DCE or can you just install part of it?
The server is already in production, and I don't want to cause problems. Is DCE insidious (i.e. does it affect various areas such as telnet, ftp, password control) or can it be introduced in a strictly controlled area (such as using DFS as a replacement for NFS)?

[Alex Glennie]

DFS (Distributed File System)

DFS is a network file system. DFS is based on AFS (Andrew
File System) and a standard of OSF.

Compared to NFS, DFS has a strong cache mechanism and is
suitable for a WAN environment.

DFS is implemented as a DCE application and is not longer
a HP product at HP-UX 10.30/HP DCE 1.6. The product has been
discontinued on 10.20 as of Oct, 1999 although support remains
for existing customers and a product discontinuance letter was mailed to them.

FYI :

HPUX 10.20 / DCE 1.5

B5516BA Enhanced DFS version 1.5.2 client
B5517BA Enhanced DFS version 1.5.2 server+client
B5516AA Enhanced DFS version 1.5.1 client
B5517AA Enhanced DFS version 1.5.1 server+client

[Alex Glennie]

for further info on DCE :

http://docs.hp.com:80/dynaweb/hpux10/dtdcen0a/@Generic__CollectionView

http://www.opengroup.org/dce/info/faq-mauney.html

Personally I'd not install DCE just for DFS.

[Michael Ernstoff]

Thanks for these. You say you would not install DCE just for DFS.
Why is this?
Is DCE pervasive? or is there another reason?

[Alex Glennie · Accepted solution]

a) DFS is not supported at 11.xx ...
b) DCE should not be taken lightly ..it's a complicated product.
c) I see you are in the UK and so chances are I'd have to solve any DCE/DFS problems you have ;)

[Michael Ernstoff]

Why would HP stop supporting DFS?
Is it a product on its way out?
Is it still available from Transarc for HP 11?

[Alex Glennie]

Unfortuantly I can find no reason given for the discontinuance.

As to transarc's version ..it's possible i'd check their web site however I found the following :

HP does support EFS. HP's Enterprise file system is HP enhanced DFS 1.5.1 (based on OSF DFS 1.2.1). It's bundled with HP DCE/DFS 1.5 server for HP-UX 10.20.

AFS is provided through third party. The Andrew File System is a distributed file system from Transarc Corporation.

For 11.0 there were plans for EFS to be introduced possiblly in a similar way to the above .... if it is and transarc provide them they should have details ?