DFS server machines run processes that provide services such as making data available and monitoring and controlling other processes. They are categorized by the processes they run (the roles they assume). For example, a server machine that runs the processes necessary for storing and exporting data assumes the role of a File Server machine. The processes of a File Server machine include the Fileset Server, which provides an interface to the DFS commands and components used to manipulate filesets, and the File Exporter, which runs in a modified kernel to make DFS files available to the global namespace.
Other server machine roles include: a System Control machine that updates other server machines with identical versions of system configuration files; Binary Distribution machines that distribute system binaries to other machines with the same CPU/operating system type; Fileset Database machines that house the master and replica versions of the Fileset Location Database (FLDB) where information about the location of system and user files is maintained; and Backup Database machines that house the master and replica versions of the Backup Database where information used to back up and restore system and user files resides. (See DFS Configuration Issues for more information about the roles of DFS server machines.)