Overview

   Extended File Specifications includes support for the following:

   o  The ODS-5 disk structure. ODS-5 is an extension to the
      existing ODS-2 disk structure, and adds the ability to use
      extended file names that can be more easily mapped between
      Windows and OpenVMS. ODS-5 expands the available character
      set and filename length to be consistent with Windows 95 and
      Windows NT, and sets the stage for future Unicode file name
      support through PATHWORKS.

   o  Deeper directories. Enhancements to RMS provide deep directory
      support on both ODS-2 and ODS-5 volumes.

   Taken together, these components provide much greater flexibility
   for OpenVMS Alpha systems (using Advanced Server for OpenVMS
   7.2, formerly known as PATHWORKS for OpenVMS), to store, manage,
   serve, and access files that have names similar to those in a
   Windows 95 or Windows NT environment.

   This topic provides an overview of the benefits, features,
   and support for Extended File Specifications, as well as
   changes in OpenVMS behavior that occur when using Extended File
   Specifications.
 

Additional information available:

Benefits        Features        Considerations  Impact