NetApp Global File Cache
Solution Overview
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