PeerGFS
Peer’s Global File Service improves productivity and availability throughout the enterprise – from EDGE to DATA CENTER to CLOUD
Real-Time Replication
Replicate file changes in real-time to enable Active-Active global file sharing.
Global File Locking
Enable fast, local access to shared file data without the risk of version conflicts.
Cross-Platform Integration
Replicate, synchronize, share, and back up files across major storage and cloud providers.
No Vendor Lock-In
Eliminate vendor lock-in with a software solution that supports native file and object formats.
One Solution
PeerGFS is a software-only solution developed to solve file management/file replication challenges in multi-site, multi-platform, and hybrid multi-cloud environments. With over 25 years of experience in geographically dispersed file replication, we help organizations:
Today’s always-on world requires real-time data infrastructure with 24x7x365 availability. PeerGFS works with the storage systems you already have deployed and support:
- Improve availability through Active-Active data centers (on-premises and/or in the cloud)
- Protect data at the Edge with Continuous Data Protection to the data center
- Increase productivity for distributed project teams with fast, local access to file data
- High volume data replication between well-connected data centers
- Wide area networks with limited bandwidth and higher latency
PeerGFS is easy to install and manage. Different job types can be configured, at a granular level, to support specific application requirements.
Main Features of PeerGFS
Active-Active Synchronization
Replicate data in real-time across locations, data centers and cloud availability zones
Distributed File Locking
Prevent version conflicts across distributed mirrored storage systems
Delta-Level Replication
Replicate file changes vs. entire files for faster performance
Multiprotocol Support
Supports both SMB and
NFS workloads.
Cross-Platform Integration
Real-time replication engine supports leading storage vendor platforms
DFS Namespace Management
Deploy and manage a Global Namespace to unify enterprise storage using Microsoft DFSN
Object Connector
Supports leading on-premises and cloud object storage systems including S3 and Azure Blob
Edge Caching
Control cost of unstructured data growth by optimizing the storage footprint of edge systems with a local file cache.
This feature is currently only supported for Windows file servers
Malicious Event Detection (MED)
Monitor file activity for suspicious behaviors and patterns for an additional layer of security
PeerGFS Job Types
PeerGFS includes numerous job types to increase flexibility and efficiency in meeting specific application requirements. Create jobs at a global or granular level, to empower your storage infrastructure with global file collaboration, Active-Active data center synchronization, or backup consolidation for Edge locations. See what PeerGFS can do for you in the examples below.
Enterprise File Collaboration
for Multi-Site and Multi-Vendor Environments
Provide fast, local access to shared company files for distributed teams without the risk of version conflicts. PeerGFS works across all major storage vendors, protecting prior investments. Delta-level synchronization improves efficiency over wide area networks to enable collaboration regardless of distance.
Data Center Synchronization
Active-Active Highly Available File Services for VDI and Application Data
Real-time replication synchronizes file data across multiple data centers, edge locations, and cloud instances for near-zero RPO. Support automatic end-user failover and failback without disruption. In VDI deployments, end-user data can be made available in locations throughout
the enterprise.
Continuous Data Protection
for Data Center and Edge Locations
Provide continuous data protection and backup consolidation by replicating file changes, as they occur, to centralized storage in the data center or cloud. Minimize RPO/RTO with automatic failover when configured with DFS Namespace.
Cloud Backup/Replication
For Azure Blob, Amazon S3, NetApp StorageGrid, and Nutanix Objects
Back up file data to object storage on-premises or in the cloud without expensive hardware or the need to implement a proprietary file system. Data in the cloud is stored in an open format that is immediate accessible for value-added cloud analytics services. Easily recover individual files or entire data sets to any point in time.
Peer Management Center
Install – Configure – Monitor
Read what our customers say about PeerGFS
“For the last 20 years, many organizations have utilized Microsoft DFS within Microsoft Windows as the best conceivable answer—but Peer DFSR+ technology has raised the bar through broader filer support, scalability,and collaboration enablement.”
Jason Buffington
Principal Analyst at Enterprise Strategy Group
“Peer’s replication capabilities give us confidence to roll out updated and new services thanks to faster delivery and more reliability, especially in areas with limited bandwidth,” said Williams. “Peer delivered what was advertised with high level pre- and post-sale support.”
Jonathan Williams
Global IT Director for RelyOn Nutec Safety Services
Key Benefits of PeerGFS
Maximize Productivity and Efficiency
Real-time replication provides fast, local access to hot data at the edge—close to users, applications, and computing resources.
Increase Flexibility
Implement a software-based solution that utilizes industry standard file and object storage formats. You’re free to select technologies that best fit your application requirements and business needs without the risk of vendor lock-in.
Protect Investments
Integration across different platforms/vendors means PeerGFS works with the storage infrastructure you already have.
Realize Your Vision:
Enable hybrid cloud or multicloud infrastructure through non-disruptive integration with on-premises storage and native object storage.
PeerGFS Frequently Asked Questions
What is PeerGFS?
Peer Global File Service (PeerGFS) is a software-only solution that provides real-time, asynchronous file replication, management, and synchronization across multiple sites, servers, platforms, clouds, and storage systems—whether on-premises or in the cloud. It connects hybrid and multi-cloud environments without forcing customers into proprietary ecosystems or requiring storage replacement.
Why is PeerGFS important?
PeerGFS is Peer Software’s flagship solution for distributed file management. It ensures consistent file access and synchronization across all connected sites, enabling teams to collaborate efficiently while maintaining business continuity. With its real-time replication and cross-platform flexibility, PeerGFS helps enterprises eliminate data silos and improve productivity in hybrid IT environments.
How does PeerGFS work?
PeerGFS operates through two core components that work together to replicate and synchronize data securely:
- Peer Management Center (PMC): A centralized management console that configures, monitors, and manages replication jobs with built-in high availability.
- Peer Agents: Lightweight software components installed on file servers that detect real-time file changes and replicate them across environments.
What key features does PeerGFS provide?
PeerGFS offers a robust set of enterprise-grade features, including:
- Real-time, delta-level replication for efficient data transfer
- Distributed file locking to prevent version conflicts
- Edge caching and policy-based file stubbing to improve remote file access performance while also minimizing storage footprint at remote sites
- Ransomware detection and target protection using bait files and pattern monitoring
- Granular analytics and reporting through PeerIQ integration
- Automated seamless failover and failback between sites
What are the benefits of using PeerGFS?
Organizations use PeerGFS to modernize their file services and achieve greater resilience. Common benefits include:
- Unified management of multi-vendor, multi-cloud storage environments
- Enhanced disaster recovery with automated failover
- Faster performance at remote offices through edge caching
- Flexibility of infrastructure architecture
- Improved compliance with data sovereignty requirements
Does PeerGFS work with mixed storage platforms?
Yes. PeerGFS supports diverse storage environments, including Windows Servers, Linux file servers, NetApp, Dell PowerScale/PowerStore/Unity/PowerEdge, Nutanix Files, and major cloud file systems. This flexibility allows enterprises to integrate existing and new storage systems under a single management framework.
What advanced features does PeerGFS include?
Advanced capabilities in PeerGFS include folder-level job configurations, permission and metadata replication, file and folder filtering, hidden recovery targets, malicious activity detection, role-based access control, and auditing for compliance.
Which storage platforms are supported by PeerGFS?
PeerGFS supports:
Windows File Servers, Linux File Servers, NetApp (on-prem, Cloud Volumes ONTAP, FSx for ONTAP), Nutanix Files (including NC2), Dell storage systems (PowerScale, PowerStore, Unity, PowerEdge), and major cloud storage services.
Which protocols does PeerGFS support?
PeerGFS supports:
SMB, NFS v3 and v4, as well as Multi-Protocol
Can PeerGFS help with storage migration?
Yes. PeerGFS supports seamless, non-disruptive storage migrations, even for petabyte-scale environments. During the transition, legacy systems remain synchronized with newer systems until full cutover is complete, ensuring continuous data availability and minimized downtime.
Does PeerGFS integrate with DFS Namespaces?
Yes. PeerGFS integrates directly with Microsoft DFS-Namespaces to unify SMB access across sites. This integration ensures transparent failover and failback between servers, maintaining uninterrupted file access for users.
Is PeerGFS a proprietary file system?
No. PeerGFS is not a file system and does not create a proprietary namespace. It acts as a synchronization and management service for your existing infrastructure, keeping all files in their native format across Windows, NetApp, Dell, Nutanix, and cloud platforms.
What makes PeerGFS different technically?
PeerGFS operates in real time—event-driven rather than periodic—offering true cross-platform compatibility (SMB/NFS across multiple vendors) and a non-proprietary architecture. It writes files and objects natively, without creating chunked vaults or intermediary storage, allowing users to access data directly while PeerGFS operates beside the data path.
What makes PeerGFS different from single-master systems?
PeerGFS uses a true multi-master architecture, allowing multiple sites to serve as authoritative sources for data. This design provides high resiliency, supports active-active operations, and ensures no single point of failure. If one master site goes down, edge sites can continue to operate and pull from alternate masters.
How does PeerGFS improve security?
PeerGFS includes multiple layers of protection to safeguard enterprise data:
- Encryption: All traffic is SSL-encrypted up to AES-256 and validated for secure environments such as Microsoft GovCloud.
- Metadata Control: Administrators can choose whether to replicate permissions and security attributes.
- Target Protection: Hidden recovery copies are stored on target systems for rapid file restoration.
- Application Filters: Optimized handling for applications like Autodesk and other enterprise workloads.
- Alerting: Detailed notifications for job-specific or event-based activity.
- Role-Based Access Control: Active Directory integration allows delegated administration and policy-based access.
More about our Solutions
Want to know more about how to use the software and get useful tips & tricks? We got you covered:
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PREPARATION
- Prepare for PeerGFS
POC
- Guided Proof of Concept
