# Kosmos Distributed File System > distributed file system **Wikidata**: [Q4042322](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4042322) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CloudStore) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-distributed-file-system ## Summary Kosmos Distributed File System (also known as KosmosFS or CloudStore) is a free, open-source distributed file system designed for cloud storage, enabling multiple clients to access and operate on shared data. Developed by Walmart Labs and released under the Apache Software License 2.0, it was later succeeded by the Quantcast File System in 2012. ## Key Facts - **Type**: Distributed file system for cloud storage, classified as both a file system and free software. - **Aliases**: Known as CloudStore, KosmosFS, or KFS. - **Developer**: Created by Walmart Labs. - **License**: Released under the Apache Software License 2.0. - **Versions**: - Version 0.5 released on June 8, 2010. - Version 0.2.0 released on July 30, 2008. - **Websites**: - Primary site: [https://code.google.com/p/kosmosfs/](https://code.google.com/p/kosmosfs/) (active since 2011). - Additional site: [http://cloudstore.codewizards.co/](http://cloudstore.codewizards.co/). - **Successor**: Replaced by the Quantcast File System starting in 2012. - **Free Software Status**: Designated as free software since September 2007. - **Country of Origin**: Colombia. - **Wikidata & Wikipedia**: - Wikidata description: "distributed file system." - Wikipedia title: "CloudStore." - Available in Wikipedia languages: Arabic, English, Spanish, Russian. - **Identifiers**: - Freebase ID: `/m/05p0l5v`. - Open Hub ID: `kosmosfs`. - Sitelink count: 4. ## FAQs **What is Kosmos Distributed File System used for?** KosmosFS is a distributed file system designed for cloud storage, allowing multiple clients to access and manipulate shared data efficiently. It was developed to support scalable and fault-tolerant storage solutions in cloud environments. **Who developed KosmosFS, and what license does it use?** KosmosFS was developed by Walmart Labs and is released under the Apache Software License 2.0, making it free and open-source software that users can modify and distribute. **What are the different names or aliases for KosmosFS?** KosmosFS is also referred to as CloudStore or KFS in various contexts. **What versions of KosmosFS have been released?** Two notable versions include: - Version 0.5, released on June 8, 2010. - Version 0.2.0, released on July 30, 2008. **Is KosmosFS still actively maintained?** No, KosmosFS was succeeded by the Quantcast File System starting in 2012. Its primary development and updates have since ceased. **Where can I find more information about KosmosFS?** Official documentation and resources were hosted on: - [https://code.google.com/p/kosmosfs/](https://code.google.com/p/kosmosfs/) (active since 2011). - [http://cloudstore.codewizards.co/](http://cloudstore.codewizards.co/). **In which languages is KosmosFS documented on Wikipedia?** KosmosFS (under the title "CloudStore") has Wikipedia entries in Arabic, English, Spanish, and Russian. ## Why It Matters Kosmos Distributed File System played a significant role in the evolution of cloud storage solutions by providing a scalable, distributed file system that enabled multiple clients to access and operate on shared data. As an early open-source project in this domain, it contributed to the development of more advanced systems like the Quantcast File System. Its use of the Apache License 2.0 also promoted collaboration and innovation within the free software community, making it a notable example of how enterprise-driven projects can influence broader technological advancements. ## Notable For - **Early Cloud Storage Solution**: One of the early distributed file systems designed specifically for cloud storage. - **Open-Source Contribution**: Released under the Apache Software License 2.0, fostering community collaboration and modification. - **Enterprise Development**: Developed by Walmart Labs, demonstrating corporate investment in open-source distributed systems. - **Successor Influence**: Served as a precursor to the Quantcast File System, which built upon its foundations. - **Multilingual Documentation**: Documented in multiple languages on Wikipedia, indicating its global relevance. ## Body ### Overview Kosmos Distributed File System (KosmosFS or CloudStore) is a distributed file system designed to facilitate cloud storage. It allows multiple clients to access and perform operations on shared data, making it suitable for scalable and fault-tolerant storage environments. The system is classified as both a file system and a distributed file system for cloud computing, emphasizing its role in modern data storage architectures. ### Development and History KosmosFS was developed by Walmart Labs, highlighting the involvement of a major enterprise in open-source software development. The project was first released as free software in September 2007, adhering to the principles of the free software movement, which allows users to run, study, modify, and distribute the software freely. Two significant versions of KosmosFS were released: - **Version 0.2.0** on July 30, 2008. - **Version 0.5** on June 8, 2010. These releases marked key milestones in the project's development, with Version 0.5 being the more mature iteration. ### Licensing and Distribution KosmosFS is distributed under the Apache Software License 2.0, a permissive license that allows for extensive use, modification, and redistribution. This licensing choice facilitated its adoption and integration into various projects, contributing to its influence in the open-source community. ### Web Presence and Documentation The primary website for KosmosFS was hosted on Google Code at [https://code.google.com/p/kosmosfs/](https://code.google.com/p/kosmosfs/), which became active in 2011. An additional resource was available at [http://cloudstore.codewizards.co/](http://cloudstore.codewizards.co/), providing further documentation and support for users. ### Successor and Legacy KosmosFS was succeeded by the Quantcast File System starting in 2012. This transition marked the end of active development for KosmosFS, but its contributions to the field of distributed file systems remained influential. The Quantcast File System built upon the foundations laid by KosmosFS, continuing its legacy in cloud storage solutions. ### Classification and Identification KosmosFS is classified under several categories: - **File System**: A concrete format or program for storing files and directories on data storage devices. - **Distributed File System for Cloud**: A system that allows many clients to access and operate on shared data in cloud environments. - **Free Software**: Software that adheres to the principles of freedom to run, study, modify, and distribute. The project is also identified by several unique identifiers: - **Freebase ID**: `/m/05p0l5v`. - **Open Hub ID**: `kosmosfs`. ### Global Reach and Documentation KosmosFS, documented under the Wikipedia title "CloudStore," has entries in multiple languages, including Arabic, English, Spanish, and Russian. This multilingual presence underscores its global relevance and adoption in various regions. ### Technical and Community Impact KosmosFS's development by Walmart Labs and its open-source nature made it a notable project in the enterprise and free software communities. Its design for cloud storage addressed the growing need for scalable and distributed file systems, influencing subsequent projects like the Quantcast File System. The use of the Apache License 2.0 further ensured that its contributions could be widely adopted and built upon, solidifying its place in the history of distributed file systems. ## References 1. [Source](https://sourceforge.net/projects/kosmosfs/files/kosmosfs/)