File shares

File sharing is the practice of sharing digital information or resources, such as printers and applications, among users and across multiple storage systems. A file share is a location on a server, that contains the shared information and resources required by users. The servers have different operating system requirements, and the stored information requires various levels of security and user access management.

Client-server network protocols, such as Server Message Block (SMB) and Network File Systems (NFS), provide the structure must facilitate shared access to files, printers, serial ports, and other resources on a network. SMB is a Microsoft protocol used primarily on servers running Microsoft operating systems. Apple Macintosh and some UNIX and VMS-based systems can also use the SMB protocol. NFS is an open standard protocol used primarily on UNIX-based servers.

For file sharing, NFS and SMB protocol configurations allow a user on a local or remote computer to access the information and resources available in the file shares for that protocol type. The file storage and structure provided by each protocol uses a directory and file structure similar to a personal desktop or laptop computer. This creates a familiar interface for the user, while increasing user access and productivity using local and remote storage locations.

To interact with a file share, a user must have the appropriate share permissions to map or mount the file share. These share permissions allow secure, discretionary access to shared locations and information.

HPE StoreEasy management console supports file management using NFS and SMB protocols for file shares. Administrators can use the HPE StoreEasy management console to view file share properties including share type, which defines the access protocol, share path, client filters list, and share-level permissions. SMB supplies a user and group context for all connections over the network. NFS supplies a machine-based context.