Object Filesystem

There is a shift in major operating systems more towards attribute/search-based file storage, rather than the traditional hierarchical name-based system. Further, operating systems generally continue to treat files in filesystems as an abstract bytestream, rather than first-class typed objects. Ensemble's VFS design is intended to utilize the increasing resiliency of the Sun ZFS object filesystem core. In reality, the filesystem should be an object pool, without direct regard for hierarchy and naming, rather placing more emphasis on attributes.

• Treat files as versioned objects in a pool, with multiple attributes. A filename is optional, and is simply another attribute
• The primary manner of user filesystem interaction are through attribute searches, whether ad-hoc or persistent ("virtual directory" type search filters)
• Present all internal or user's network storage as a single volume pool. If a new drive is added, the user should be able to either extend the current volume pool, or create a separate pool.
• Automatically manage the number of versions of files that are kept for a period of time.
• NB: A compatability layer will be provided to emulate a classical hierarcial file system.