IBM Corp has gone to the Distributed Computing Solutions arm of General Atomics Inc, San Diego for its UniTree file and storage management software for use and distribution on the entire line of IBM computers, although it seems likely that it will be confined to running under Unix for now. UniTree, used primarily in the scientific world – Convex Computer Corp has an implementation and Floating Point Systems Inc picked it up before it turned up its toes – is an implementation of the IEEE Mass Storage Reference Model and automatically migrates files among disk and tape libraries. UniTree is a distributed client-server program that provides automatic and transparent file and storage management for networked, heterogeneous computing environments. In its simplest form, it provides a single central file server, automated transfer of data between storage subsystems and user access via Network File System and File Transfer Protocol. More advanced implementations include multiple co-operating storage servers and automatic migration and retrieval of client computer files. In the short term, IBM plans to offer UniTree with the RS/6000 Unix workstations and servers.
