The virtual filestore concept

The success of standard protocols for the transfer of files depends on the existence of a commonly agreed set of concepts relating to files. This raises issues for standardization outside the protocols area, and potentially affects many aspects of information processing standardization. The solution currently being developed is based on a model of the resource called a Virtual Filestore. The model making activities necessary to ensure a common conceptual framework are discussed, and the role of this model in the process of defining communication service and protocol standards established. The components of the virtual filestore are outlined and their relationship to future work on languages and related standards explained.