1. A file server comprising: data storage; and at least one data processor coupled to the data storage for accessing the data storage; wherein said at least one data processor is programmed for responding to a request from at least one client for creating a production file system or logical unit number (LUN) of storage by: (a) implicitly creating a sparse metavolume of the data storage for the production file system or LUN, and (b) implicitly creating a container file system on the sparse metavolume, the container file system including a file having a logical extent providing logical storage for the production file system or LUN, and (c) creating the production file system or LUN in the logical extent of the file in the container file system.