HP offers the file system AdvFS to Linux
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Hewlett Packard has just donated his AdvFS file system, inherited from the UNIX operating system Tru64, the Linux community. Under GPLv2 license, it could indeed be included in the kernel. According to HP, AdvFS constitutes a step forward, including in response to future Ext4.
Tru64 is a proprietary operating system UNIX originally developed by the company Digital. First called Digital UNIX, the first version was released in 1995. The company was later bought by Compaq, the system has been renamed Tru64.
HP then having acquired Compaq, Tru64 has become a competitor of HP-UX, UNIX for work stations and servers from HP. If the latter had first had the intention to migrate the most promising to HP-UX, he then abandoned the idea and preferred to use other technologies.
Among the interesting techniques from Tru64, we can see the case file system AdvFS. In addition to logging, AdvFS uses a dynamic system that allows changes to the time (on the fly), without requiring the removal of partitions. Operating on the principle of areas, it allows the creation of kinds of logical partitions, alteration and destruction in real time and, even if volumes and partitions are active. Files can also be transmitted and distributed dynamically on several physical volumes and in a transparent manner. Some catches of any logical pieces can be made. They are called clones and can easily make backups. The system also defragments files automatically, including when volumes are active.
A gift to Linux
HP has decided to leave its file system licensed under the GNU GPLv2, allowing its inclusion in the Linux kernel. According to the company, AdvFS is a breakthrough compared to Ext4, file system currently under development and anticipated to become the new standard under the GNU / Linux. According Bdale Garbee, chief of the section open source and Linux at HP, AdvFS simplify data management, make backups online and in real time, while making hard drives available.
But that’s not all because HP said it would participate actively in the future development of its file system, in order to make it an attractive alternative for individuals and professionals. If AdvFS is a very good system of files according to HP, opening the code was made possible by the migration of customers Tru64 to HP-UX using, meanwhile, a proprietary file system, called Veritas.
If Ext4 is not yet finalized, AdvFS, meanwhile, has at least the advantage of maturity: it was used by some companies for over 16 years. However, we await the opinion of the Linux community and its experts predict before abandoning Ext4!
As a reminder, Ext4 will handle volumes up to 1024 peta-bytes but above all it will take a charge extent. Extent gives the possibility of allocating an area reserved for each file. In a modification or resume writing, the disc continues where it left off. This helps to eliminate or at worst seriously limit the fragmentation of files. Finally, Ext4 and AdvFS are not alone, since among the other contenders in the wake of Ext3 can also include ZFS or Reiser4.