OpenAFS

At a glance

• Editor score
  7.9 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Legacy-compatible open-source distributed file storage
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  Free
• Deployment model
  Self_hosted
• Founded
  2000
• Facts checked
  22 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Uniform namespace across cells and file servers
  • Kerberos authentication, ACLs, quotas, and client caching
  • Windows, macOS, Linux, NFS, and SMB/CIFS support

• Where it doesn't

  • Read-only volume replication limits write-side flexibility
  • Self-hosted deployment requires ongoing administration
  • Stored-file encryption at rest is not part of the described posture

Our verdict on OpenAFS

OpenAFS is an open-source, self-hosted implementation of the AFS distributed file system. It distributes files across file-server machines while presenting users with a consistent namespace across cells and servers. The system is suited to universities, research institutions, government bodies, and enterprises that need centrally managed shared storage across multiple machines or sites. Its platform coverage includes Windows, macOS, and Linux, with a native Windows file-system client.

OpenAFS focuses on controlled access and multi-site file distribution. Kerberos-based authentication and mutual authentication support identity management, while directory access-control lists can be assigned to users and groups. Volume quotas and volume management provide administrative controls, and client-side caching with callbacks is designed to manage frequently accessed data. Integrations include Kerberos, NFS through the AFS translator, and SMB/CIFS on Windows. Organizations already operating these technologies should find the ecosystem fit more relevant than teams seeking a standalone hosted drive.

The product’s main trade-off is its operating model. Administrators manage servers, clients, volumes, cells, administrative databases, and replication in a self-hosted environment. Read-only volume replication supports distribution across sites, but it does not provide write-side replication flexibility. The described security posture includes encryption for authentication and network traffic; stored-file encryption at rest is not part of that posture. OpenAFS is a strong fit for organizations that value an open-source, legacy-compatible namespace and have the expertise to administer distributed infrastructure. Teams wanting managed hosting or writable multi-site replication should consider a different category of file-storage product.

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OpenAFS pricing

OpenAFS fact sheet

OpenAFS integrations

OpenAFS lists 3 integrations on its own site.

• Kerberos
• NFS
• SMB/CIFS

Alternatives to OpenAFS

• IBM Storage ScaleA clustered file and object platform for enterprises managing distributed, data-intensive workloads.9.3
• POPowerScale OneFSA broad, enterprise-focused file system for clustered NAS and cloud deployments.9.2
• GlusterA resilient distributed filesystem for Linux-based, self-hosted storage environments.9.1

See all OpenAFS alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

OpenAFS is listed in our Distributed File System Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update