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Start-up releases file system software

Minneapolis start-up Sistina has released version 5 of its Global File System software, which helps spread data across several computers' storage systems. The software, which competes with products from Veritas, makes sure data remains available even if one server fails. The GFS product is one of several examples of software that a company released as open source in hopes of increasing its popularity but that eventually was made proprietary again. Sistina charges for technical support, integration of the software within customer sites, and other services.

Stephen Shankland Former Principal Writer
Stephen Shankland worked at CNET from 1998 to 2024 and wrote about processors, digital photography, AI, quantum computing, computer science, materials science, supercomputers, drones, browsers, 3D printing, USB, and new computing technology in general. He has a soft spot in his heart for standards groups and I/O interfaces. His first big scoop was about radioactive cat poop.
Expertise Processors, semiconductors, web browsers, quantum computing, supercomputers, AI, 3D printing, drones, computer science, physics, programming, materials science, USB, UWB, Android, digital photography, science. Credentials
  • Shankland covered the tech industry for more than 25 years and was a science writer for five years before that. He has deep expertise in microprocessors, digital photography, computer hardware and software, internet standards, web technology, and more.
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Stephen Shankland
Minneapolis start-up Sistina has released version 5 of its Global File System software, which helps spread data across several computers' storage systems. The software, which competes with products from Veritas, makes sure data remains available even if one server fails.

The GFS product is one of several examples of software that a company released as open source in hopes of increasing its popularity but that eventually was made proprietary again. Sistina charges for technical support, integration of the software within customer sites, and other services.