Rumor File Replication

Rumor is a file replication system that can be used to keep multiple copies of files consistent. Rumor is especially useful for keeping replicated files on mobile computers.

Rumor is a user level implementation of the Ficus replication algorithms. Ficus is a successful in-kernel replication service based on SunOS 4.1.1. Since most installations are wary of using an experimental kernel like Ficus, it became clear that a user level implementation could have a broader impact. So Rumor was created.

Since Rumor is a user level system, it can be installed and maintained by normal users. No root privileges are required. Another advantage of kernel independence is increased portability. Rumor is currently available for SunOS and Linux.

What makes Rumor so useful in the context of mobile computing is the use of the optimistic replication algorithms that were developed for Ficus. These algorithms allow read, write, and delete access to any replica of any file at any time. This means that even if a mobile machine is not connected to any network, all the replicated files that are located on the machine are fully accessible. No tokens or other privileges are necessary to access the replicas located on the mobile machine.

If you have any questions or comments about Rumor, please contact the development team.

Last modified: Tue Mar 3 09:50:32 PST 1998