Extended File Specifications includes support for the following:

    o  The ODS-5 disk structure. ODS-5 is an extension to the
       existing ODS-2 disk structure, and adds the ability to use
       extended file names that can be more easily mapped between
       Windows and OpenVMS. ODS-5 expands the available character
       set and filename length to be consistent with Windows 95 and
       Windows NT, and sets the stage for future Unicode file name
       support through PATHWORKS.

    o  Deeper directories. Enhancements to RMS provide deep directory
       support on both ODS-2 and ODS-5 volumes.

    Taken together, these components provide much greater flexibility
    for OpenVMS Alpha systems (using Advanced Server for OpenVMS
    7.2, formerly known as PATHWORKS for OpenVMS), to store, manage,
    serve, and access files that have names similar to those in a
    Windows 95 or Windows NT environment.

    This topic provides an overview of the benefits, features,
    and support for Extended File Specifications, as well as
    changes in OpenVMS behavior that occur when using Extended File
    Specifications.