What Is Direct Access File System (DAFS)?

DAFS is like a party without the people. It's like a cat that doesn't meow or a car that doesn't have an engine. DAFS is a file system without files! It's like a dog with no legs or a pancake without syrup. DAFS doesn't even exist! DAFS isn't anything at all—it's just three letters strung together in an acronym that stands for "Direct Access File System," which sounds like something but is just an empty shell of a name that doesn't serve any purpose except to remind us how hard it is to find things in this world. We call DAFS something when we can't find anything more enjoyable than "DAFS." We write it down on our grocery lists so we don't forget what it means when we see it written there later: "What does 'DAFS' mean again?" We're talking about Direct Access File System or DAFS. You may have heard of it as a "data transportation mechanism for network-attached storage" that uses the virtual interface architecture. Still, we like to think of it as a way to access our data without the hassle of opening up a new drive in the Finder. DAFS is based on network file system version 4 protocols, in addition to protocol features for direct data transfer that uses remote direct memory access (RDMA), reliable locking, session recovery, scatter input/output (I/O) and gather list I/O, etc. In other words, if you want to get at your files without opening up a separate app or even using the Finder (which is so annoying), this technology is for you! Direct Access File System (DAFS) is the fastest way to get things done. Want to write a letter? You can open your app and drag it into the DAFS window! Need to save a file? Click "save" in the DAFS menu, and you're done! Want to read an email? Click "open" in the DAFS menu, and you're done!