Introduction

Peer Software has unveiled version 6.20 of its flagship solution, Peer Global File Service (PeerGFS), introducing simultaneous multi-protocol file access. This advancement allows concurrent access to the same file volumes via both Server Message Block (SMB) and Network File System (NFS) protocols, streamlining data management across diverse enterprise environments.

Background on PeerGFS

PeerGFS is designed to provide real-time, active-active replication of file volumes across data centers, public clouds, and edge locations. Its multi-master approach treats organizational data as dynamic entities without a fixed location, ensuring continuous synchronization and accessibility across geographically dispersed sites.

Key Features of PeerGFS v6.20

  • Simultaneous Multi-Protocol Access: Enables concurrent SMB and NFS access to the same file volumes, eliminating the need for redundant data copies and facilitating seamless interoperability between Windows and Linux systems.
  • Expanded Platform Support: Adds compatibility with Amazon FSx for NetApp ONTAP, Dell PowerScale, NetApp ONTAP, and Nutanix Files, along with support for Linux file servers running kernel 5.9 and above.
  • Enhanced Edge Data Management: Improves data management and storage optimization for edge locations, ensuring efficient data handling in distributed environments.
  • Malicious Event Detection (MED) Enhancements: Introduces signature checking and the ability to update MED configurations during active jobs, bolstering security measures against potential threats.
  • PostgreSQL Support: Incorporates support for PostgreSQL, broadening the scope of database applications that can benefit from PeerGFS's capabilities.

Implications and Impact

The introduction of simultaneous multi-protocol access addresses longstanding challenges in enterprise storage, particularly in environments with mixed operating systems and diverse application requirements. By allowing both SMB and NFS clients to access the same data sets without creating redundant copies, organizations can:

  • Enhance Operational Efficiency: Reduce infrastructure complexity and streamline operations by maintaining a single, synchronized dataset accessible across different protocols.
  • Accelerate AI and Machine Learning Workflows: Facilitate seamless data ingestion at the edge using SMB and centralized processing with NFS-based tools, optimizing AI and machine learning workflows.
  • Improve Data Security: Leverage enhanced MED features to detect and mitigate malicious events more effectively, ensuring data integrity across the enterprise.

Technical Details

PeerGFS v6.20's multi-protocol support is currently available for specific NAS platforms, including Amazon FSx for NetApp ONTAP 9.11+, Dell PowerScale 9.5+, NetApp ONTAP 9+, and Nutanix Files v4.2.1+. The multi-protocol functionality applies to File Replication and File Synchronization job types and requires the Peer Agent to be installed on a Linux operating system. Notably, certain features such as File Collaboration jobs and Edge Caching are not currently supported with multi-protocol access.

Conclusion

The release of PeerGFS v6.20 marks a significant advancement in enterprise storage solutions, offering organizations the ability to manage and access data more efficiently across heterogeneous environments. By enabling simultaneous multi-protocol file access, Peer Software addresses critical challenges in data interoperability, security, and workflow optimization, positioning PeerGFS as a pivotal tool for modern enterprises navigating complex data landscapes.