Hi Everyone,
                                                                                

We've spent some time over the past couple months researching how Linux 
autofs can be brought to a level that is comparable to that found on 
other major Unix systems out there.
                                                                                

The attached paper was written an attempt to design an automount system 
with complete Solaris-style autofs functionality.  This includes 
browsing, direct maps and lazy mounting of multimounts.  The paper can 
also be found online at:
                                                                                

ftp://ftp-eng.cobalt.com/pub/whitepapers/autofs/towards_a_modern_autofs.txt
                                                                                

and
                                                                                

ftp://ftp-eng.cobalt.com/pub/whitepapers/autofs/towards_a_modern_autofs.pdf
                                                                                

Over this time, We've discovered that Linux namespaces completely wreak 
havoc onthe current autofs implementation for several reasons.  We've 
tried to define consistent semantics for dealing with automounts in a 
multi-namespace environment.

After a lot of contemplation, these design ideas are the most reasonable 
we could find.  If you have alternative ideas, or better ideas, or just 
think we're idiots, let us know.  Suggestions and comments are not just 
welcome, they are NEEDED.
                                                                                

Thanks,

-- 
Mike Waychison
Sun Microsystems, Inc.
1 (650) 352-5299 voice
1 (416) 202-8336 voice
mailto: Michael.Waychison@Sun.COM
http://www.sun.com

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NOTICE:  The opinions expressed in this email are held by me, 
and may not represent the views of Sun Microsystems, Inc.
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