NetApp Global File Cache vs Synology Active Backup for SaaS

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.

Synology Active Backup for SaaS backs up Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace data to Synology NAS servers for recovery after data loss or service downtime. Microsoft 365 coverage includes OneDrive for Business, SharePoint Online, Exchange Online, and Teams. Google Workspace coverage includes Drive, Gmail, Contacts, and Calendar, including shared drives, labels, and attachments. Microsoft 365 backups can run continuously, manually, or on a schedule; continuous intervals adjust from one to ten minutes based on detected API request rates. Both services support file versioning, and Google Workspace versions can be retained for a chosen period or kept in full. The Microsoft 365 Recovery Portal lets administrators and employees restore or export backed-up data, with self-service access dependent on configuration. The product is a free add-on for a compatible Synology NAS, with unlimited accounts subject to NAS storage capacity. Active Backup for Microsoft 365 requires DSM 6.1-15217 or later. Deduplication requires an x64 NAS using Btrfs, and neither service supports secondary backups. Google Workspace setup requires configuring the Drive SDK API and creating a service key.