In addition to the DirectFLOW protocol for Linux servers, the Panasas Storage Cluster supports scalable random I/O application needs through UNIX NFS and Windows CIFS data access protocols. By supporting these standard file access protocols, the Panasas Storage Cluster seamlessly integrates into existing infrastructure to accelerate return on investment.

Panasas DirectorBlades act as a cluster of NAS filers capable of serving data for NFS and CIFS clients. All DirectorBlades are "virtualized" into a single virtual filer, appearing to NFS and CIFS clients as a single storage access point. In this scenario, PanFS enables DirectorBlades to serve as a protocol server, translating NFS and CIFS requests into the native ActiveScale DirectFLOW protocol. Customers can scale performance in near linear fashion simply by adding DirectorBlades.

PanFS has the ability to support all three data access protocols – DirectFlow, NFS and CIFS – simultaneously. Multiple clients can access the Panasas storage cluster using the protocol required by that client. This delivers an unprecedented level of flexibility to optimize the utilization of the storage system.