# OpenAFS

> open source implementation of the Andrew distributed file system (AFS)

**Wikidata**: [Q1512605](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1512605)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenAFS)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/openafs

## Summary

OpenAFS is an open source implementation of the Andrew File System (AFS), a distributed filesystem that enables secure, scalable file sharing across networks of computers. Developed by IBM and released under the IBM Public License, it stands as one of the most widely-used clustered file systems in academic and research environments, providing transparent location independence and replication capabilities.

## Key Facts

- **Full name:** OpenAFS (Open Andrew File System)
- **Type:** Clustered file system / Distributed file system
- **License:** IBM Public License (free software license)
- **Developer:** IBM
- **Website:** http://www.openafs.org/
- **Source code repository:** git://git.openafs.org/openafs.git
- **Wikipedia title:** OpenAFS
- **Wikipedia languages:** German, English, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Swedish, Chinese
- **Freebase ID:** /m/02bcv0
- **OpenHub ID:** openafs
- **Repology project name:** openafs
- **OpenSUSE package:** openafs
- **ProLinux.de DBApp ID:** 2393
- **Gentoo wiki articles:** English, French, Hungarian, Russian, Japanese, Korean
- **Copyright status:** Copyrighted
- **Sitelink count:** 8
- **Quora topic:** openAFS
- **Instance of:** File system, Free software

## FAQs

**What is OpenAFS used for?**
OpenAFS is used as a distributed filesystem that allows files to be shared transparently across multiple machines and networks, providing location independence, replication, and failover capabilities essential for large-scale computing environments.

**Who created OpenAFS?**
OpenAFS was created by IBM, the American multinational technology corporation headquartered in Armonk, New York, founded on June 16, 1911.

**Is OpenAFS free software?**
Yes, OpenAFS is free software distributed under the IBM Public License, which permits users to freely run, study, change, and distribute the software and its modified versions.

**What type of filesystem is OpenAFS?**
OpenAFS is a clustered file system, also known as a distributed file system, which decentralizes file storage across multiple servers while presenting a unified namespace to clients.

**What programming language is OpenAFS written in?**
OpenAFS is primarily written in C, as evidenced by analysis from OpenHub's language summary page for the project.

## Why It Matters

OpenAFS matters because it provides enterprise-grade distributed filesystem capabilities as free and open source software, enabling organizations to build scalable, fault-tolerant file sharing infrastructure without proprietary vendor lock-in. As an implementation of the Andrew File System originally developed at Carnegie Mellon University, OpenAFS embodies decades of research into distributed systems design, including concepts like volume management, access control lists, and replication that remain relevant in modern cloud computing environments. The IBM Public License under which it is distributed ensures that the software remains freely available and modifiable, contributing to its longevity and adoption in academic research institutions, HPC clusters, and enterprise environments where reliable, high-performance file sharing across distributed systems is critical.

## Notable For

- Being one of the earliest and most mature open source distributed file systems
- Providing transparent location independence—files appear to be local regardless of actual server location
- Supporting replication and failover for high availability
- Maintaining active development and community support across multiple operating systems
- Having implementations in multiple Wikipedia language editions (German, English, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Swedish, Chinese)
- Being available as packaged software in major Linux distributions including OpenSUSE and Gentoo

## Body

### History and Origins

OpenAFS traces its heritage to the Andrew File System (AFS), developed at Carnegie Mellon University in the 1980s. IBM later commercialized the technology and eventually released the implementation as open source, creating the OpenAFS project. The transition to open source allowed the broader community to contribute to development and ensured the software's continued availability. IBM's involvement as the developer provided corporate backing and stability, while the open source model encouraged community participation and peer review.

### Architecture and Technical Design

OpenAFS implements a distributed filesystem architecture that separates client and server components while presenting a unified namespace to users. The system uses volumes as logical containers for files and directories, which can be replicated across multiple servers for performance and fault tolerance. Each client caches files locally to reduce network traffic and improve performance, with the system managing cache consistency automatically. The architecture supports cell-based organization, where each cell represents an administrative domain with its own configuration, users, and file space.

### Licensing and Legal Status

OpenAFS is distributed under the IBM Public License, a free software license approved by the Free Software Foundation. This license grants users the freedom to run, study, modify, and redistribute the software, including the requirement that derivative works be distributed under the same license terms. The copyright status is listed as copyrighted, meaning that while the source code is freely available, the software is not in the public domain—users must comply with the license terms.

### Developer and Corporate Backing

IBM, one of the world's largest technology corporations, serves as the developer of OpenAFS. Founded on June 16, 1911, IBM has a long history in enterprise computing and software development. The company's involvement in OpenAFS represents a commitment to open source enterprise software and provides the project with corporate resources, stability, and credibility. IBM's industry position in software, IT services, computer hardware, and information technology consulting provides context for its investment in distributed filesystem technology.

### Ecosystem and Distribution

OpenAFS is available across multiple platforms and packaging systems. The OpenSUSE distribution includes OpenAFS as the openafs package, while Gentoo Linux maintains wiki documentation in six languages: English, French, Hungarian, Russian, Japanese, and Korean. The Repology project tracks package versions across distributions, listing OpenAFS under the project name "openafs." The ProLinux.de database lists the application with ID 2393, indicating its presence in German Linux distribution repositories.

### Community and Documentation

The OpenAFS community maintains comprehensive documentation and multiple language editions of Wikipedia articles, demonstrating international interest and usage. The project hosts its source code at git://git.openafs.org/openafs.git, using Git version control for collaborative development. The presence of Quora topic "openAFS" indicates community discussion and interest in the technology. The relatively high sitelink count across Wikipedia language editions suggests consistent coverage and relevance in technical documentation.

### Integration with Free Software Ecosystem

OpenAFS occupies a position in the free software ecosystem as both a file system and a free software project. Its classification as a clustered file system places it among distributed storage solutions, while its free software status connects it to the broader movement for open source software freedom. The IBM Public License ensures that modifications and derivative works remain free, contributing to the sustainability of the open source model. The project's instance classification as both "file system" and "free software" reflects its dual nature as both a technical solution and a community-driven project.

## References

1. [The openafs Open Source Project on Open Hub: Languages Page. Open Hub](https://www.openhub.net/p/openafs/analyses/latest/languages_summary)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. [The openafs Open Source Project on Open Hub: Code Locations Page. Open Hub](https://www.openhub.net/p/openafs/enlistments)
4. Quora