Sharing Files Between Unix NFS and Windows

Services for Unix R2 streamlines the sharing of information between Unix and Windows Server 2003, allowing users from both environments to seamlessly access data from each separate environment, without the need for specialized client software. Utilizing the Server for NFS and NFS Client allows for this level of functionality and provides for a more integrated environment.

Using Server for NFS

Server for NFS acts as a Unix-standard NFS server. It provides disk space from any Windows-based computer on a network to NFS clients, translating their NFS requests to Windows SMB-based requests. No additional client software is necessary, and the Windows Server 2003 server acts and functions like a normal NFS-based Unix server for these clients. This is a great way to bring a standardized share format to a heterogeneous network as Unix and Apple have difficulties using CIFS.

Deploying the NFS Client

The NFS Client component can be installed directly on Windows workstations to allow them to map to NFS exports on a network. The NFS servers can be viewed in the standard Windows Explorer, and no additional software is required on NFS servers. Windows authentication requests are sent to the NFS servers using the UID or GID of a user who is mapped using the User Name Mapping service in SFU. In addition, Unix NFS commands such as net and mount can be used directly from the client.