GridNFS: Global Storage for Global Collaborations

Abstract

GridNFS combines the NFSv4 protocol and a collection of supporting middleware services configured to run in a Globus environment. GridNFS provides a file system name space that spans a virtual organization, security that meshes with Globus, fine-grained access control lists to support virtual organization groups and users, and secure file system access for jobs scheduled in an indeterminate future. By combining and integrating standard Internet protocols, GridNFS remains fully compatible with standards-compliant desktop and enterprise network services. Furthermore, GridNFS middleware enhances those environments with global naming and facile identity representation for agile access control across security domains.