What is Avere vFXT for Azure?
Avere vFXT for Azure is a high-performance file caching layer that sits between compute nodes and backend storage systems. The service accelerates access to data stored on slower storage systems like NAS or Azure Blob Storage by keeping frequently used files in cache.
Avere vFXT is specifically designed for workloads with intensive file read operations where latency and throughput are critical.
Core Features
- Caching of on-premises NAS storage in Azure
- Support for NFSv3 protocol
- Clusters from 3 to 24 nodes for scaling
- Automatic tiering between cache and backend
- Integration with Azure Blob Storage as backend
- FlashMove and FlashMirror for data mobility
Typical Use Cases
High Performance Computing (HPC): Acceleration of simulations and scientific calculations that need to access large datasets.
Media rendering: Providing assets for rendering farms with low latency and high throughput, even when original data resides on-premises.
Lift and shift: Migration of NAS-based applications to the cloud without changing application logic through transparent caching.
Benefits
- No changes to applications or workflows required
- Combination of cloud scalability with on-premises data
- Reduced egress costs through local caching
- High availability through cluster architecture
Frequently Asked Questions
How large should the Avere vFXT cluster be?
Cluster size depends on the working set (active data) and performance requirements. A 3-node cluster provides approximately 2 GB/s throughput. For larger workloads, up to 24 nodes can be configured.
Can I use on-premises storage with Azure compute?
Yes, Avere vFXT can act as a bridge between on-premises NAS and Azure compute resources. Data is loaded into the cache on demand and served locally in Azure.
How does Avere vFXT differ from Azure HPC Cache?
Azure HPC Cache is the successor to Avere vFXT with similar functionality but easier deployment. For new projects, Microsoft recommends Azure HPC Cache. Existing Avere vFXT deployments continue to be supported.
Which storage backends are supported?
Avere vFXT supports NFSv3-compatible storage systems (NetApp, Dell EMC, etc.), Azure Blob Storage, and other cloud storage as backends.
Integration with innFactory
As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, innFactory supports you with Avere vFXT: cluster design, performance optimization, migration to Azure HPC Cache, and hybrid scenarios.
