5 Reasons to Choose Tiger Bridge When Migrating Off StorSimple
Apr 12, 2021 | Bernard Lamborelle
Microsoft has announced end-of-life support for the Azure StorSimple devices and cloud services as of Dec. 31, 2022. Existing StorSimple users are encouraged to adopt Azure File Sync (see migration guidelines to Azure File Sync) as an alternative.
If you are a StorSimple user, chances are you are already on the lookout for alternative budget-friendly solutions. So, what else is out there?
Meet Tiger Bridge
Much like Azure File Sync, Tiger Bridge gives you the ability to centralize your organization’s file shares in the cloud while keeping the flexibility, performance, and compatibility of an on-premises file server. In addition, Tiger Bridge enables substantial costs savings and overcomes a number of limitations found with StorSimple and/or Azure File Sync.
Here are five excellent reasons why we think Tiger Bridge is a better alternative to StorSimple and Azure File Sync:
1. Open File Format
Unlike StorSimple that stores files as blocks of unintelligible data in the cloud, Tiger Bridge saves them as plain files in an object store. Any application that supports native files in the cloud will be able to access your data. In addition to gaining vendor independence, you can start leveraging AI services in the cloud to gain business intelligence.
2. Efficient Crypto Virus Protection
Say goodbye to limited daily snapshots thanks to cloud-enabled Continuous Data Protection (CDP). Tiger Bridge gives you access to every version of every file you ever saved. You can restore your entire dataset to any day or time you desire, down to the second. Because it never replicates the same file twice, Tiger Bridge CDP only uses a fifth of storage resources traditionally associated with backups. Coupled with efficient ransomware protection technology, your data has never been so well protected. Microsoft Azure File Sync only provides daily snapshot capabilities.
3. Global File Locking
Similar to Azure File Sync, Tiger Bridge lets you connect multiple servers to the same dataset in the cloud. You maintain control over permission and access when your servers are part of an Active Directory domain. You enjoy multi-site sharing, synchronization and file locking capabilities (without having to worry about your metadata being routed through some third-party servers, as is the case with other vendors).
4. Choice of Cloud Providers
Tiger Bridge gives you a wealth of storage options. You can connect with Microsoft Azure as well as any other cloud provider of your choice. Tiger Bridge supports all major public cloud providers, as well as on-prem clouds. You can also connect individual folders on your server with different cloud providers.
5. Long-term Archives
Tiger Bridge lets you take advantage of S3 compatible archive tiers for significant savings on long-term file retention. With 80% of all your data being rarely accessed, Tiger Bridge helps you realize substantial savings. You can retrieve archived files with a simple right-click. This functionality is NOT available with Azure File Sync.
How to migrate from StorSimple to Tiger Bridge in 6 steps
You can migrate from StorSimple to Tiger Bridge in just a few steps and with minimum downtime. The idea is to leverage VMs in order to move the bulk of the data within the cloud. You can then take a snapshot of your StorSimple dataset and move it within the cloud. Once the snapshot has been migrated, you will only be left with performing a final sync to upload the final changes. This approach accelerates the transfer of your data and minimizes egress fees. The cut-off is easy, all your files are up to date, and the downtime is minimal.
Review what needs to be done and plan accordingly.
Create a fresh snapshot of StorSimple.
Set up a StorSimple VM appliance and connect it to the snapshot. Create a Tiger Bridge VM server and connect it to SMB share. Set up Tiger Bridge target to be Blob. Let replication take place within the cloud so there is no egress fee.
When replication is complete, you can decommission your snapshot and your VMs. It is now time to set up your on-prem Tiger Bridge server and sync all changes made since StorSimple Snapshot was taken. Connect Tiger Bridge to same Blob target. Tiger Bridge will automatically look for and sync any deltas.
When you are ready to make the big switch, stop SMB/NFS sharing on your StorSimple to allow Tiger Bridge to quickly catch up. Transfer the IP address of StorSimple to your Tiger Bridge server. Tiger Bridge now acts as your new gateway server.
Decommission StorSimple
That’s it. You’re now ready to enjoy a renewed sense of data sovereignty, more storage options for substantial cost savings, better protection against crypto virus and ransomware attacks, and new data sharing and mining capabilities.
Contact us today to discuss the migration of your StorSimple appliance and to learn more about the benefits Tiger Bridge can bring to your organization.
