Utility Makes Network Files Easier to Find, Use and Manage
REDMOND, Wash. - Sept. 9, 1996 - Microsoft Corp. today posted the beta
version of Distributed File System (Dfs) for the Microsoft? Windows NT?
Server operating system, allowing users to download it for free from
Microsoft's Web site (online access fees may apply). Dfs is a utility
for
Windows NT Server 4.0 that lets a network administrator logically
organize
multiple file servers and shares into a single directory, making it
easier for
users to browse, search for and access data on the network.
Dfs allows data to appear in the most logical place in the Dfs directory
tree,
no matter what file server it is on. The network manager can therefore
change the network by moving data and adding additional resources, such
as file storage, without affecting the way users access the data.
"We are pleased to deliver the advanced functionality that customers
have
been asking for," said Rich Tong, vice president of marketing and
training,
desktop and business systems division at Microsoft Corp. "Dfs is the
next
step to true 'information at your fingertips' and distributed
computing."
Easier Management of Distributed Files
In the past, users and network administrators have had to deal with the
limitations of accessing and managing data across multiple servers. With
the single Dfs directory tree, users can find and access information
regardless of which server the information resides on. Network managers
can use Dfs to simplify common management tasks such as data backup
and scanning file servers for viruses.
As intranets are being deployed, integrating existing departmental
intranet
servers into the corporate intranet is becoming a growing problem. Using
Dfs makes intranets easier to deploy and manage because multiple
intranet
servers can be placed in a single Dfs tree, allowing existing
departmental
servers to be combined into a corporate intranet without the servers'
having
to be combined physically.
"Dfs helps open the UNIX world to Windows-based networking," said Rob
Hawley, project leader of PC products at Network Appliance. "It promises
to
simplify network administration because it will help enable the
deployment of
fewer servers in corporate networks."
Beta Availability
Customers can install the beta version of Dfs on Windows NT Server 4.0.
The beta version includes the client software for the Windows? 95
operating
system; client software for Dfs is included with the shipping version of
Windows NT Workstation 4.0. To download Distributed File System for
Windows NT Server 4.0 from the Microsoft Web site, please access
http://www.microsoft.com/NTServer/Dfs/dfsintro.htm.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in
software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of
products and services for business andpersonal use, each designed
with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to
take
advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
Microsoft, Windows NT and Windows are either registered trademarks
or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other
countries.
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information pages.
Thanks,
Doyoung Rhee
(02) 531-4628 , dyrhee@microsoft.com