NetApp Global File Cache

Consolidate distributed data in the cloud

NetApp Global File Cache (GFC) is a transparent, globally distributed file caching solution for organizations looking to consolidate unstructured data into a centralized set of data.  By leveraging the flexibility, scalability, and performance of the cloud, organizations can reduce their storage footprint on-premises.  This software defined storage solution enables real-time global file sharing and collaboration without changing their workflows or experience. 

Use cases

NetApp Global File Cache is a software only storage solution that delivers fast and secure access to your data for for various use cases including:

• Distributed file server consolidation leveraging public cloud for scalability and performance
• Regional VDI file distribution without the need to replicate
• Single set of data for large file collaboration

Features

• Global SMB/CIFS file services
• Centralized data in customer's choice of Cloud Service Provider
• Integration with Microsoft DFS for a global namespace
• Integration with Active Directory domain
• Real-time access to data with distributed file locking
• Software defined edge appliances

Architecture

NetApp Global File Cache is typically deployed as "hub-and-spoke" model and includes the following components:

• Centralized Storage:
  • NetApp Cloud Volumes in AWS, Azure, or GCP
  • NetApp Cloud Volumes Service in AWS or GCP
  • Azure NetApp Files
• Global File Cache Fabric:
  • Global File Cache Core deployed as a Virtual Machine instance close to the CIFS/SMB centralized storage
  • Global File Cache Edge VM deployed in remote locations
• Virtual File Share
  • Hosts intelligent file cache on a customizable NTFS volume
  • Caches active data dynamically or via schedule
• Microsoft Active Directory
• Microsoft Distributed Namespaces