NetApp Global File Cache vs Peer Global File Service

NetApp Global File Cache centralizes unstructured data in cloud storage while giving distributed offices access to active files. Core and Edge instances form the deployment, with Edge instances serving branches through an intelligent cache and virtual file share. The cache keeps locally relevant active datasets and clears least-recently-used cached files as that dataset changes. SMB provides access, and global locking supports consistency when people collaborate on files. Storage options include Azure NetApp Files, Cloud Volumes ONTAP and Cloud Volumes Service, subject to availability in the cloud environment. Integrations include Active Directory, access control lists, NTFS permissions and DFS Namespaces; deployments can also incorporate DNS/DHCP and SCCM software distribution services. The onboarding guide describes Core and Edge instances on Windows Server virtual machines, including VMware and Hyper-V templates. Cloud deployments require a minimum of 8 vCPU and 32 GB RAM. The licensing service needs HTTPS access over TCP port 443, and licensing is activated in the software UI using a subscription number. The listed one-year subscription is $250 a year; the schedule labels billing MTH. Pricing is also described as available on request.

Peer Global File Service (PeerGFS) replicates, manages, and synchronizes files across sites, platforms, clouds, and storage systems. It sends changes in real time for active-active file sharing, uses distributed file locking to help prevent conflicts, and transfers changed data rather than whole files through delta-level replication. The product supports SMB and NFS workloads and lists Windows and Linux file servers, NetApp, Nutanix Files, Dell systems, and cloud targets including S3 and Azure Blob. Microsoft DFS Namespaces can unify SMB access across sites and support failover and failback. Security descriptions include SSL-encrypted traffic up to AES-256, role-based controls through Active Directory, and monitoring for suspicious file activity. The product also lists local caching, edge synchronization, metadata and access preservation, cutover orchestration, and migration reporting. Capabilities depend on configuration: edge caching is limited to Windows file servers, and NFS supports only replication and synchronization jobs. Pricing is available on request. A trial request includes a guided proof of concept with the pre-sales team. Peer Software says it began in 1993.