Cloud-native file storage — NFS and SMB protocols over managed service infrastructure — enables lift-and-shift of file-dependent applications without re-architecting, while providing the elasticity and managed operations that on-premises NAS can't match.
File storage is the most common reason enterprises can't simply re-architecture applications for object storage. Cloud-managed file services (EFS, Azure Files, Filestore) provide the familiar NFS/SMB interface while eliminating NAS hardware management.
A structured advisory process — from discovery and market evaluation to negotiation and post-deployment optimization — tailored to your specific environment and objectives.
We identify applications dependent on shared file storage — Windows file shares, Linux NFS mounts, application data directories — and assess the performance requirements, capacity needs, and access patterns that determine the right cloud file storage solution.
We evaluate AWS EFS vs. FSx for Windows File Server vs. FSx for NetApp ONTAP; Azure Files vs. Azure NetApp Files; and GCP Filestore — against your performance requirements, protocol needs, and cost profile.
Migrating NAS data to cloud file storage requires careful planning for data transfer, DNS cutover, permission migration, and application testing. We design the migration approach that minimizes application disruption.
Cloud file storage offers multiple performance tiers. We design the tier selection and scaling approach — burst credits, provisioned throughput, or elastic scaling — appropriate for your access pattern.
These are the dimensions that consistently separate successful deployments from costly ones — and the questions RLM will help you answer before any commitment.
NFS v3/v4, SMBv3, and multi-protocol access have different support levels across cloud file storage platforms. Evaluate compatibility with your existing client configurations.
File storage latency varies significantly by platform and tier. Evaluate against your application's latency sensitivity — some file-dependent applications are highly sensitive to storage latency.
Cloud file storage replication options vary significantly. Evaluate redundancy architecture against your availability requirements and the cost of multi-AZ or cross-region replication.
Cloud file storage is typically more expensive than object storage and sometimes more expensive than block storage with a filesystem on top. Evaluate TCO including the operational savings from managed service vs. self-managed alternatives.
Windows file shares require Active Directory integration for permissions management. Evaluate Kerberos authentication support and AD integration quality for Windows-heavy environments.
Evaluate built-in snapshot capabilities, backup integrations, and recovery procedures — particularly for FSx NetApp ONTAP where SnapVault/SnapMirror integration may be important.
"RLM helped us rationalize our multi-cloud spend and identify over $1.2M in annual savings. Their approach was methodical and unbiased — exactly what we needed."
"Our migration was stalled for months. RLM came in, assessed the gaps, and helped us select a managed services partner that got us across the finish line in 60 days."
Start with a no-cost conversation with an RLM cloud advisor — vendor neutral, no agenda, just clarity on the right path forward.
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