Warning: iFileshare is no longer a strategic component of this product, and is no longer being enhanced. We recommend that if you currently
rely on it, you migrate to a stand-alone FileShare server instead; see
Stand-alone Fileshare.
iFileshare (integrated Fileshare) is a version of Fileshare integrated with Enterprise Server that is being deprecated and
replaced by the
Micro Focus native database file handler, which enables you to host your VSAM files within a relational database.
iFileshare (integrated Fileshare) is an enhanced version of Fileshare that runs under the control of an Enterprise Server
region, where it can take advantage of its SYNCPOINT capabilities. You can configure iFileshare in its own Enterprise Server
region, or you can add the capability to an existing Enterprise Server region. This configuration should replace your stand-alone
Fileshare configuration.
As well as an iFileshare server running in single mode (i.e. just the one server), you can create a high availability group
(also referred to as HA-VSAM). A high availability group consists of a primary iFileshare server and one or more standby servers.
Data files under the control of the primary iFileshare server are replicated to all standby servers. In the event of your
primary server failing, you have an up-to-date copy (minus any in-flight transactions) of your data files, and so one of the
standby servers can assume the role of primary server; this process can occur automatically, or be performed manually.
Using these new Fileshare configurations, instead of a standalone Fileshare configuration, gives you the following benefits:
- Control
- Control and monitoring of the iFileshare process is driven through ESMAC, which centralizes the control of the Fileshare
process within Enterprise Server Administration.
- Performance
- Scheduling of work for iFileshare is handled by Enterprise Server rather than relying on the network protocol scheduling
that a standalone Fileshare uses; the benefit is a more scalable solution that is able to cope with heavier loads more efficiently.
- Security
- User authentication at log-on is handled by Enterprise Server-provided security, and not Fileshare's own security modules.
Note: Long usernames and passwords are now supported when using Fileshare with
Enterprise Server or integrated Fileshare. See
Long Usernames and Passwords for more information.
- Recoverability
- Using iFileshare opens up the opportunity to use Micro Focus' High Availability configuration, which provides failover support
for files critical to your application.