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LizardFS

lizardfs.com

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Spec score 7.9 #13 of 30 in Software-Defined Storage Software

What it is

LizardFS is an on-premises distributed file system that combines storage from several servers into a single namespace. Data is kept in multiple replicas across available servers, and new servers can be added without downtime; chunks move automatically to balance disk use. Erasure coding divides data into parts and parity stripes, with the maker stating that it can save up to 70% of storage capacity depending on configuration. Snapshots copy metadata while sharing data chunks until a file changes. Georeplication can copy data between data centers and lets administrators choose where data is stored. Administrators can set read and write bandwidth limits and apply soft or hard quotas for file counts and total size. Deleted files go to an administrator-visible trash bin for restoration or permanent deletion. Storage is installed on Linux, with Windows and macOS clients for cluster access. LizardFS supports NFS 3.x, NFS 4.0, and pNFS, and the maker describes using it with Elasticsearch and Logstash. Pricing is available on request; support packages include weekday or 24/7 assistance depending on tier.

Spec sheet

Product
LizardFS is a distributed, scalable, fault-tolerant, highly available file system that combines disk space on several servers into one namespace.Read 4 Oct 2026 · lizardfs.com
Headquarters
Warsaw, PolandRead 28 Sep 2026 · lizardfs.com
Bandwidth controls
Administrators can set read and write bandwidth limits for a mount point or a group of processes across client machines and mount points.Read 4 Oct 2026 · lizardfs.com
Erasure coding
Erasure coding divides data chunks into parts and parity stripes, and the page says it can save up to 70% of storage capacity depending on configuration.Read 4 Oct 2026 · lizardfs.com
Georeplication
Georeplication can replicate data between data centers in different locations and let administrators choose where data is stored.Read 4 Oct 2026 · lizardfs.com
Integrations and protocols
The maker describes using LizardFS with Elasticsearch and Logstash for data aggregation and search.Read 4 Oct 2026 · lizardfs.com
Quotas
The system supports soft and hard limits on file counts and total size for users or groups, and a user over a hard limit cannot write new data.Read 4 Oct 2026 · lizardfs.com
Replication
It keeps data in multiple replicas distributed across available servers.Read 4 Oct 2026 · lizardfs.com
Scaling
New servers can be added without downtime, and data chunks are automatically moved to balance disk usage across connected nodes.Read 4 Oct 2026 · lizardfs.com
Snapshots
Snapshots copy file metadata while sharing the original data chunks until either file is modified.Read 4 Oct 2026 · lizardfs.com
Support and maintenance
Support packages include technical assistance and maintenance, with the top listed tier providing 24/7 technical support; pricing is by personalized quote.Read 4 Oct 2026 · lizardfs.com
Supported systems
The maker says storage can be installed on Linux, with Windows and macOS clients available to access cluster files.Read 4 Oct 2026 · lizardfs.com
Target workloads
The maker lists big data, Elasticsearch, finance, post-production, science, and telecommunications as use cases.Read 4 Oct 2026 · lizardfs.com
Trash recovery
Deleted files are moved to an administrator-visible trash bin where they can be restored or permanently deleted.Read 4 Oct 2026 · lizardfs.com
Trial and client licensing
The maker says Windows Client licenses are proprietary and directs customers seeking client-only licensing to contact it for a free trial and pricing.Read 4 Oct 2026 · lizardfs.com

Plans and prices

Enterprise + Support Priced on request 24/7 technical support · Premium maintenance package Read 4 Oct 2026 · lizardfs.com
Enterprise Support Priced on request Monday–Friday 9–17 CET · Premium maintenance package Read 4 Oct 2026 · lizardfs.com
Standard Support Priced on request Monday–Friday 9–17 CET · Standard maintenance package Read 4 Oct 2026 · lizardfs.com

Every LizardFS plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Adds servers without downtime
  • Multiple replicas distributed across available servers
  • Georeplication offers data-center placement choices
  • Supports NFS 3.x, NFS 4.0, and pNFS

Limits

  • Pricing is available on request
  • Storage installation is on Linux
  • Hard quota prevents further writes when exceeded

Who it suits

It suits organizations that need to combine storage across servers and manage replicated data on premises. Listed workloads include big data, Elasticsearch, finance, post-production, science, and telecommunications.

Verdict

LizardFS offers distributed storage controls including replication, quotas, snapshots, and georeplication. Windows and macOS are listed as client platforms, while storage installation is on Linux; pricing requires a personalized quote.

Where Specifiction places it

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