The New I/O File API (java.nio.file ), introduced in Java SE 7, has overcome several shortcomings in the File API. Most importantly, it is now designed for extension. For example, you can write a FileSystemProvider to perform remote file management.
The open source Overthere library implements a FileSystemProvider for SSH, CIFS, Telnet, and WinRM. Furthermore, it adds an abstraction on execution of processes. This session demonstrates how Overthere can be used to implement several common remote systems management scenarios such as modifying a file or deploying an application. It also shows how XebiaLabs has implemented Overthere to perform remote system management tasks on the UNIX and Windows platforms. And you’ll get to see some of the cool bits under the hood.