using samba and smbfs as a replacement for nfs ?

[Gavin]

Hello,
i have searched the archives, but alas i did not find very mutch
information on this subject.

I read that smbfs always opens a file read/write. Will the Samba Server
at the other end lock the file so that no other user can access it ?

I have a few Application Servers, and i want them to store all there
information on one central data server. One way is using nfs, but as i
have read the implementation on linux could be better, and write
performance is pretty bad.
I use Samba at home for my W2k network and am very happy with it..
What i am looking for is an answer to the question, can samba and smbfs
in a pure linux envioremnt be a good (fast & stable) alternative in a
mission critical system ?

Anyone any comments or ideas ?
Are there any other possablities that are stable ?

PS: I have looked at CODA, it will not fit my needs (max disk size ~50
GB)

Regards

Gavin Woodhatch

Space4U LLC