Global Namespace

Panzura’s global namespace is a core element of the CloudFS™ hybrid cloud global file system and enables file data consolidation either in the cloud or in on premises object storage with a single, unified view of files globally.

In conjunction with Panzura's granular file deduplication, immutable data and snapshots, and immediate data consistency across every location, it enables distributed organizations to effectively operate as if all of their users are under the same roof, working from a single authoritative file data source.

As a result, it facilitates productivity, efficiency, resilience and economy at enterprise scale.

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What is a Global Namespace?

A global namespace (GNS) is a universal file directory that makes files on multiple physical servers or storage arrays appear to be part of the same structure. It abstracts the underlying physical location of data, presenting a single logical address space for all files. This means that users can access and work with files as if they were stored on a single, centralized file system, regardless of their actual physical location.

The namespace could (and usually does) exist just within a single data center, or it may span multiple locations, although this is less common because it is much harder to do. Put another way, a global namespace enables all files to appear on the same server even though the data is actually spread across tens or hundreds of different nodes, both on premises and in the cloud.

Used within a global file system, the key functions of a global namespace include:

Name resolution: Mapping logical file names to their physical locations across different storage systems.
Metadata management: Storing and managing file attributes (permissions, ownership, timestamps, etc.) consistently.
Data access: Providing mechanisms for accessing and manipulating files through the unified namespace.
Consistency: Ensuring data integrity and consistency across different storage systems.
Scalability: Handling large amounts of data and metadata efficiently.

In essence, a global namespace simplifies file management in distributed environments by providing a single point of control and access for data scattered across multiple locations.

The Panzura Global Namespace

The Panzura CloudFS global namespace is an in-band file system fabric that integrates multiple physical file systems into a single space and is mounted locally on each node — a virtual machine that provides local-feeling performance.

The entire global namespace has the root label of the distributed cloud file system. This is critical for a true global file system — every location has exactly the same view of the file data at any given moment. The entire organization can effectively function as if all users were under one roof, with file performance that feels as if the files are stored local to the user.

Panzura Hybrid Cloud Global File System Diagram

Immediate global file data consistency

Panzura CloudFS uniquely enables immediate file data integrity across all sites within the file system, regardless of the number of sites, how far apart they are, and how recently changes were made to files.

This requires adherence to two fundamental principles:

That only one user can edit the same file – or, where applications support byte-range or element locking, the same part of a file – at any time. If another user attempts to open a file, or access part of a file that is locked for editing, they will be notified that the file is locked, or be unable to edit the file element.
That whenever a user opens a file with read-write access, they will see the most recent saved edits made to that file, regardless of how recently those changes were made, and the location of the user who made them.

To achieve this, Panzura decouples data from metadata, and integrates the global namespace into the metadata, facilitating rapid exchange of the least amount of the lightest weight data between sites as required.

To learn more, download the CloudFS technical white paper.

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Accelerate digital transformation with a powerful hybrid cloud file platform that:

Modernizes Storage Architecture

Allows organizations to significantly reduce storage costs by consolidating dispersed file data into a unified, deduplicated, compressed, and secured data set in the cloud or on premises.

Unlocks Organizational Productivity

Enables file data to look and feel local to users and processes everywhere. It uniquely empowers users to harness their collective skills by working collaboratively, regardless of location.

Delivers Seamless Cloud File Services

Turns public or private cloud storage into a high performance, immutable global file system that flawlessly delivers file data to people, processes, and AI, and makes it resilient to damage.

Reduces Operational Complexity

Lets IT teams turn their attention to innovation with less file data and infrastructure to manage and protect, fewer storage refreshes to plan for and less worry about recovering from file damage.

Discover how to dramatically improve file data resilience and productivity while simplifying operations with our powerful hybrid cloud file and data services platforms.