A Deployable, Robust File System for Parallel I/O

When considering high-performance parallel computers, it is easy to overlook the importance of disk storage. In this proposal, we seek to address the topic of disk storage for parallel computers, and create a deployable, robust file system that will reduce downtime due to faults and increase productivity through improved system performance. For this project, Galois will take a synthesis approach, combining several strands of existing research on the subject of file systems and transitioning it into a robust, fully-featured product. In doing so, we will utilize modern formal methods research, in the form of model checking, to validate our design and improve the reliability of our implementation. Commercial applications and other benefits: The benefits of this research will be to improve the efficiency and decrease the cost of large, parallel file systems. This work will be applicable to Department of Energy laboratories, as well as to commercial users of massive parallel or distributed storage, such as online storage and backup providers or grid storage providers.