GPFS for Windows overview

GPFS™ for Windows participates in a new or existing GPFS cluster in conjunction with AIX® and Linux systems.

Identity mapping between Windows and UNIX user accounts is a key feature. System administrators can explicitly match users and groups defined on UNIX with those defined on Windows. Users can maintain file ownership and access rights from either platform. System administrators are not required to define an identity map. GPFS automatically creates a mapping when one is not defined.

GPFS supports the unique semantic requirements posed by Windows. These requirements include case-insensitive names, NTFS-like file attributes, and Windows file locking. GPFS provides a bridge between a Windows and POSIX view of files, while not adversely affecting the functions provided on AIX and Linux.

GPFS for Windows provides the same core services to parallel and serial applications as are available on AIX and Linux. GPFS gives parallel applications simultaneous access to files from any node that has GPFS mounted, while managing a high level of control over all file system operations. System administrators and users have a consistent command interface on AIX, Linux, and Windows. With few exceptions, the commands supported on Windows are identical to those on other GPFS platforms. See GPFS limitations on Windows for a list of commands that Windows clients do not support.