[OpenAFS] Re: new implementation of the AFS network file system - how does it work?

David Howells dhowells@redhat.com
Thu, 22 Aug 2002 07:48:01 +0100


> Can you say whether Red Hat plans to implement a complete cache 
> manager?

_I_ am doing so.

> Are you working with the OpenAFS/Arla guys to ensure compatibility?

I'm working against OpenAFS servers to make sure it can talk to those. I'm
also comparing the protocol packets against those generated by OpenAFS with
ethereal, and also checking the documents for the protocol, which aren't very
useful.

I haven't been working with those people directly. The code to the point I've
got it was mainly a trial to see if I could. Given that it appears that I can,
I've decided to continue.

The main reasons for starting this are that OpenAFS probably can't take
account of some of the advanced features of the Linux VFS and the many layers
of compatibility and indirection in OpenAFS are great for porting, but make
the code hard to follow (great-ish for portability, but must cost in terms of
efficiency and bug count).

> > I wonder if the implementors read this list.

Only when it's pointed out to me.

> I replied asking whether they could say what their plans were and 
> whether they were "working with the OpenAFS guys" to maintain 
> compatibility.  No response yet.

I'm in the UK, and I think I must have just missed your email.

The CVS server is available publicly:

	http://cvs.infradead.org/cgi-bin/cvsweb.cgi/

David