# DCE Distributed File System

> defunct IBM file system project

**Wikidata**: [Q1080961](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1080961)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DCE_Distributed_File_System)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dce-distributed-file-system

## Summary
DCE Distributed File System (also DCE/DFS) is a defunct IBM file system project that implemented a network file system as part of the Distributed Computing Environment (DCE). It was based on the Distributed Computing Environment and the Andrew File System and is classified as a network file system.

## Key Facts
- DCE Distributed File System (aliases: DCE/DFS) is a defunct IBM file system project.
- It is part_of the Distributed Computing Environment (DCE).
- It is based_on the Distributed Computing Environment and the Andrew File System.
- It is a subclass_of the network file system class (protocols for accessing remote files as if local).
- The project is distinct from, but in the same general category as, the Network File System (Sun Microsystems’ implementation originally developed in 1984 and later standardized by IETF).
- Wikipedia title: "DCE Distributed File System".
- Wikipedia language editions: en, es, it, ja, ko, no, zh (sitelink_count: 7).
- Freebase ID: /m/08ld39.
- BabelNet ID: 02380493n.

## FAQs
### Q: What is DCE Distributed File System?
A: DCE Distributed File System (DCE/DFS) is a defunct IBM project that implemented a network file system within the Distributed Computing Environment. It was based on both DCE and the Andrew File System.

### Q: Is DCE Distributed File System still active?
A: No. The project is described as defunct.

### Q: How is DCE Distributed File System related to the Andrew File System (AFS)?
A: DCE Distributed File System is based in part on the Andrew File System, indicating AFS influenced its design or implementation.

### Q: Is DCE Distributed File System the same as Sun’s Network File System (NFS)?
A: No. DCE Distributed File System is a separate project classified as a network file system; Sun’s Network File System (NFS) is a different, earlier implementation originally developed in 1984 and later standardized by the IETF.

## Why It Matters
DCE Distributed File System matters as an example of an enterprise-focused network file system developed within the broader Distributed Computing Environment. By being based on both DCE and the Andrew File System, it represents an intersection of distributed-computing middleware and established distributed file system concepts. Even though the project is defunct, its existence illustrates IBM’s engagement with distributed file system design and shows how different technologies and standards (DCE, AFS, and the general class of network file systems) influenced enterprise storage and remote file access strategies. Its documentation and presence across multiple Wikipedia language editions reflect historical and technical interest, useful for researchers tracing the evolution of distributed file systems and enterprise middleware.

## Notable For
- Being an IBM file system project that was integrated into the Distributed Computing Environment (DCE).
- Having design lineage based on both DCE and the Andrew File System (AFS).
- Classification as a network file system, placing it alongside other remote file-access protocols and implementations.
- Presence across seven Wikipedia language editions (en, es, it, ja, ko, no, zh).
- Public identifiers in knowledge bases: Freebase ID /m/08ld39 and BabelNet ID 02380493n.

## Body
### Overview
- Name: DCE Distributed File System (aliases: DCE/DFS).
- Short description: A defunct IBM file system project implemented as a network file system within the Distributed Computing Environment.
- Status: Defunct.

### Technical lineage
- Based on: Distributed Computing Environment (DCE).
- Also based on: Andrew File System (AFS).
- Classification: Subclass of the network file system category, which covers protocols and systems for accessing remote files as if they were local.

### Relationships and context
- Part of: Distributed Computing Environment, indicating the project was developed to operate within or alongside DCE middleware.
- Related category: Network File System (NFS) is another specific implementation in the broader network file system class; NFS was originally developed by Sun Microsystems in 1984 and later standardized by the IETF. DCE Distributed File System exists in the same general domain but is a separate project.

### Documentation and identifiers
- Wikipedia title: DCE Distributed File System.
- Wikipedia language editions (sitelinks): English, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Chinese (sitelink_count: 7).
- Freebase ID: /m/08ld39.
- BabelNet ID: 02380493n.

### Status and legacy
- The project is explicitly described as defunct.
- Its design draws from established distributed system technologies (DCE and AFS), marking it as part of the historical development of enterprise network file systems.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. BabelNet