Which of the following statements is true about CIFS?

CIFS, or Common Internet File System, indeed supports multi-user access. This means that multiple users can access and modify files stored on a CIFS server simultaneously, facilitating collaboration and sharing in environments such as networks where users need to work on the same files or resources. This characteristic is crucial for enterprises that rely on shared resources for productivity.

The other statements present characteristics that do not accurately reflect the core workings or requirements of CIFS. For instance, while CIFS does have certain network reliability needs to function effectively, this statement may imply higher expectations than necessary for average use contexts, making it less accurate. Although clients can often connect with minimal software requirements, some CIFS implementations may still benefit from having specific configuration or software to optimize performance. The assertion that CIFS does not retain file format characteristics misrepresents its functionality, as CIFS does maintain file and directory information for client access. Thus, the statement about supporting multi-user access stands as the most accurate and relevant feature of CIFS.