Infortrend EonCloud Gateway

Overview

Infortrend EonCloud Gateway is hybrid storage software that links local storage with cloud services for caching, backup, synchronization and tiering. It is aimed at enterprises with local storage to integrate into cloud workflows, especially teams needing both file- and block-level options. Its breadth is useful, but the hardware requirement and custom pricing make it an infrastructure decision rather than a lightweight cloud-storage add-on.

Key features

Five workflows cover distinct needs: file caching keeps cloud-backed data accessible locally, file sync supports one-way or two-way synchronization, volume replication handles block-level workflows, archiving provides a cloud destination, and tiering moves data between storage tiers. Block-level cloud backup can also provide a remote backup site. This range suits organizations with mixed storage requirements, although selecting the right mode depends on how their existing storage is organized.

Cloud targets include Amazon S3, Microsoft Azure, Alibaba Cloud, Google Cloud, OpenStack, Baidu Cloud, Tencent Cloud, Wasabi, Yandex Object Storage, hiCloud, HCP and Backblaze. Supported protocols include NFS, CIFS, FTP, Rsync, Fibre Channel and iSCSI. That gives storage teams several integration routes, but they should confirm the specific cloud target and protocol combination against their deployment.

Cache policies range from prioritizing local access to marking data uncacheable for reads or writes. Reports cover cloud connection status, network transmission, local access and cache hit rate or usage, giving administrators useful visibility into how the gateway is behaving. File access-control lists can be synchronized across storage devices while retaining read-write permissions.

Infortrend says data uses a unique encryption key and cloud transmissions use SSL encryption. Built-in compression and deduplication reduce data size for storage and transmission, which can help limit cloud data movement. The gateway requires at least 8GB of system memory, and available license upgrades depend on the purchased storage model. Those requirements make compatibility and licensing worth settling before deployment.

Pricing

The EonCloud Gateway plan is free for a 90-day trial. It includes cache and sync modes, up to 5 connected folders and 5 connected volumes, and up to 1 TB of cache and cloud volume capacity. It is a bounded evaluation, not an ongoing free tier.

Standard has custom pricing and supports file cache and sync, up to 5 connected folders and volumes, and up to 2 PB of folder cache and cloud volume capacity. It raises the capacity ceiling substantially over the trial, but retains the five-folder-and-volume connection limit.

Enterprise also has custom pricing. It allows up to 10 cache settings and 32 connected folders and volumes, with up to 2 PB of folder cache and cloud volume capacity, making it the stronger fit for deployments with more connections and cache configurations.

Ultimate has custom pricing and includes all cache policies and function parameters. It is for teams that need the full set of controls; the plan description does not give connection or capacity limits, so those should be confirmed as part of a quote.

Platforms

EonCloud Gateway is self-hosted and uses a hybrid deployment model, pairing local storage with cloud services. It is not a consumer cloud-drive app for desktop or mobile devices; its fit is in managed storage environments with suitable hardware.

Who it's for

Enterprises that need to connect existing local storage to cloud targets are the clearest fit, particularly those combining file caching or synchronization with block-level replication and backup. Infortrend says its worldwide support network assists with installation, configuration, diagnosis and troubleshooting, a useful complement for infrastructure teams planning a deployment. Organizations seeking a low-cost standalone cloud drive, or unable to meet the memory and storage-model requirements, should look elsewhere.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Five setup modes cover caching, synchronization, replication, archiving and tiering, so one gateway can address several storage workflows.
• Pros: A broad set of cloud targets and file and block protocols gives storage teams multiple integration paths.
• Pros: Encryption, ACL synchronization, compression, deduplication and operational reporting address security, permissions, data movement and administration needs.
• Cons: The minimum 8GB system-memory requirement and model-dependent license upgrades constrain hardware and licensing choices.
• Cons: The free evaluation is limited to 90 days, five connected folders and volumes, and 1 TB capacity; paid plans have custom pricing.
• Cons: Standard remains capped at five connected folders and volumes, so larger connection counts require Enterprise or another arrangement.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison, start with Cloud Storage Gateway Software. LucidLink is worth considering when cross-platform access across Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web and Windows matters more, with a Starter plan at $7 a month billed per member monthly and annual billing saving 15%.

Triofox is another paid option with a free trial and support for Android, iOS, macOS, self-hosted, web and Windows platforms. Morro Data CloudNAS may suit buyers comparing a priced Business plan: from $129 (priced on request), with up to two CacheDrives, unlimited maximum storage, and default 1 TB storage and 1 TB/month download.

NetApp Global File Cache offers a one-year subscription plan at $250 a year and supports Linux, self-hosted and Windows deployments. For Synology NAS owners who need backup for Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace rather than a general storage gateway, Synology Active Backup for SaaS is a free add-on with no software license required.

CloudMounter is a freemium choice for macOS or Windows, with personal plans listed at $29 a year for Mac and $29.99, paid once for Windows. Quantum StorNext is another paid self-hosted option for Linux, macOS, web and Windows; its plan requires a StorNext subscription for Xcellis Workflow Director. Alibaba Cloud Storage Gateway is a paid alternative for teams considering Alibaba Cloud, with gateway charges based on specification, cache and other factors.

Verdict

Choose Infortrend EonCloud Gateway if your enterprise needs to connect local storage to several cloud services while managing both file- and block-level workflows. Its range of modes, protocols and administration controls is the main reason to choose it. Look elsewhere if you need straightforward consumer storage, a published predictable price, or deployment independent of Infortrend storage hardware and licensing.