A file server (Celerra Data Mover or NetApp Filer) is responsible for central storage and management of data files so that other computers can access the files. File server configurations can vary greatly, from a networked group of storage arrays that includes many disk drives to a virtual entity on a computer host. In a large Celerra network, however, a file server may be included in a Celerra Network Server that contains a Control Station, or it might be associated with a remote Control Station on the same IP network, or with a Control Station on a network not monitored by . There is no concept of Control Station with the NetApp Filer, which includes its own management software.

A FileServer object is related to the NASChassis object by the PackagedIn relationship, and to the IP network through the ConnectedVia relationship.