Distributed File Service (DFS)

The Distributed File Service Server Message Block (SMB) support provides a server that makes Hierarchical File System (HFS) files and data sets available to SMB clients. Server Message Block (SMB) is a protocol for remote file/print access used by Windows clients. This protocol is also known as Common Internet File System. The data sets supported include sequential data sets (on DASD), partitioned data sets (PDS), partitioned data sets extended (PDSE), and Virtual Storage Access Method (VSAM) data sets. The data set support is usually referred to as Record File System (RFS) support. The SMB protocol is supported through the use of TCP/IP on z/OS®. This communication protocol allows clients to access shared directory paths and shared printers. Personal Computer (PC) clients on the network use the file and print sharing functions that are included in their operating systems. Supported SMB clients include Microsoft Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Terminal Server, and Linux. At the same time, these files can be shared with local z/OS UNIX System Services applications. In addition, Windows SMB clients can make remote print requests to z/OS printers that are connected to Infoprint Server for z/OS.

The Distributed File Service z/OS File System (zFS) support provides a Physical File System (PFS) that can be used in addition to the Hierarchical File System (HFS). zFS file systems contain files and directories that are accessed with the z/OS hierarchical file system file application programming interfaces. zFS file systems can be mounted into the z/OS UNIX hierarchy along with other local (or remote) file system types such as HFS, TFS, and NFS. zFS typically provides improved performance over HFS.