Which storage architecture is NOT supported by vSphere?

The Common Internet File System (CIFS) is not supported by vSphere as a storage architecture. vSphere is designed to work with storage protocols that are optimized for the virtualized environment and offer better performance and features suited for enterprise workloads.

CIFS, while it allows access to files over a network, is primarily used in Windows environments for sharing files and directories. It is not typically suitable for virtualization infrastructures where high performance, transaction integrity, and low latency are critical.

In contrast, other storage architectures such as NFS, Fibre Channel, and SAS are explicitly supported by vSphere. NFS allows for network-based file sharing and is commonly used in environments that require shared access to storage. Fibre Channel is a high-speed network technology that connects storage devices and ensures reliable, fast data transfer. SAS is a direct-attached storage option that provides high performance, scalability, and reliability, making it a suitable choice for enterprise applications running on vSphere.

Thus, the lack of support for CIFS aligns with vSphere's emphasis on high-performance, scalable, and reliable storage solutions.