Common Internet File System (CIFS)

Common Internet File System (CIFS): Short for Common Internet File System, a protocol that defines a standard for remote file access using millions of computers at a time. With CIFS, users with different platforms and computers can share files without having to install new software.

CIFS runs over TCP/IP but uses the SMB (Server Message Block)protocol found in Microsoft Windows for file and printer access; therefore, CIFS will allow all applications, not just Web browsers, to open and share files across the Internet.

With CIFS, changes made to a file are simultaneously saved on both the client and server side.