Project Introduction: EOS
Overview
EOS is a comprehensive software solution tailored to deliver fast and reliable multi-petabyte (PB) disk-only storage technology. It is primarily used at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, for a variety of tasks including both Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and non-LHC related cases.
Core Technology
At the heart of EOS's functionality is the XRootD framework, which offers a robust and feature-rich protocol for remote access. This ensures that files stored within EOS can be accessed swiftly and securely. The storage system operates on regular commodity hardware configured as JBOD (Just a Bunch Of Disks), which allows for cost-effective scalability. The majority of EOS is written in C/C++, with certain supplementary modules in Python, ensuring both performance efficiency and flexibility.
Access Protocols
EOS supports various access protocols to ensure versatility:
- Native XRootD Protocol: Offers direct access that is optimized for the EOS environment.
- POSIX-like FUSE Client: Provides a file system interface, enabling seamless integration with existing systems.
- HTTP(S) & WebDav Protocols: Facilitates web-based interactions, broadening the accessibility options for users.
Documentation and Setup
EOS's detailed documentation is available online, which guides users through installation and application processes. To generate the required documents, utilities like Sphinx and Doxygen are used, which require prior installation of certain packages—details for different Linux distributions are provided.
Project Directory Structure
The EOS project directory is methodically organized into various components, each serving a specific purpose. Key components include:
- Client and Server Plugins: To handle remote interactions and storage management.
- Authorization Modules: Ensuring secure data access and privacy.
- Utility Scripts and Synchronization Programs: Aiding in system maintenance and data consistency.
- Documentation and Testing Tools: Facilitating development and quality assurance.
Dependencies and Building
EOS requires several dependencies, ranging from basic tools like Git and GCC, to more specialized libraries such as xrootd, protobuf3, and various development packages. Building EOS necessitates a GCC version supporting C++17 features, alongside CMake for configuration, with optional Ninja for efficient build processes.
Installation and Deployment
EOS can be installed system-wide with flexibility in defining the installation path. Instructions for installation, uninstallation, and even generating source/binary RPMs are clearly laid out, catering to different user preferences and system setups.
Community and Support
EOS not only offers a robust technical framework but also fosters a vibrant community. Users, developers, and collaborators can engage through the EOS community platform for discussions, support, and knowledge sharing. Bug reports and suggestions are actively managed, with options for direct communication via email or reporting through CERN's Jira platform.
Licensing
EOS is distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL), allowing for free redistribution and modification, aiming to encourage further innovation while ensuring the software remains free and useful for a broad range of applications.
In summary, EOS stands out as a crucial component in large-scale data storage solutions, providing speed, reliability, and scalability with a strong focus on community engagement and open-source development.