Google's proprietary method of storing search indexes. Google File System (GFS) is a distributed file system used in Google's datacenters, and it was embedded in a search appliance that Google used to sell (see
Google Search Appliance). The file system is not available as software only.
Computer Clusters and Failsafe
GFS runs on multiple x86-based servers. It stores data in large chunks that are replicated several times throughout Google's network, and it is designed to withstand any server failing entirely. Master servers store metadata, while "Chunkservers" store the data files. See
Google Search Appliance and
Hadoop.