A generic fragmented object structured framework for distributed storage support

The authors propose a generic framework for storage support in a distributed environment. This comprises a set of storage abstractions and storage policies; data clusters, cluster containers, and container domains, supporting sharing, caching, and replication. These abstractions and these policies are structured as fragmented objects (FOs), such that each storage system designer can offer the appropriate tradeoffs to its targeted applications. The core set of main abstractions is discussed; their interfaces are presented; and the FO-structuring of the cluster abstraction is detailed