The 5 S’s of Mission-Critical File Services

Cybersecurity • Edge Intelligence  |  December 5, 2023

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital information management, government agencies at all levels find themselves burdened with the challenges and complexities of securing, organizing, and optimizing their data infrastructure. As the United States progresses further into the digital era, we recognize the imperative need for a robust and efficient file services system that aligns with each agency’s strategic goals. In this blog post, we present the 5 pillars that define our approach to mission-critical file services, showcasing the key principles that drive our data management strategy for government agencies. These pillars provide a comprehensive framework for addressing the challenges faced by government agencies in managing their digital infrastructure.

SIMPLICITY: TAMING COMPLEXITY FOR EFFICIENT OPERATIONS

  • Global Namespace: A unified and global approach to data access that transcends traditional barriers.
  • Centralized Backend: A centralized object-native backend that adapts to infrastructure preferences, easing decision-making.
  • Seamless Migration: Simplified migration from existing NAS systems with full ACL support for smooth transitions.
  • eDiscovery and Search Capabilities: Simplified search and eDiscovery functionalities for streamlined daily operations.

SECURITY: BUILDING DIGITAL FORTRESSES

  • Military-Grade Encryption: Implementing robust encryption methodologies to secure data.
  • Zero-Trust Architecture: Embracing a Zero-Trust model for constant vigilance against evolving digital threats.
  • FIPS 140-2 Certified Encryption: Assurance of top-tier file protection both at rest and in transit.
  • Private Key Management: Ensuring strict control through private key management with no third-party access.
  • Strong Authentication: Incorporating strong authentication methods, including Active Directory, 2-factor, smart cards, and CAC/PIV.

SPEED: NAVIGATING AT THE SPEED OF OPERATIONS

  • Rapid Deployment: Enabling rapid deployment through elastic scaling of resources.
  • Accelerated Remote Caching: Facilitating quick data access with accelerated remote caching.
  • Built-in Data Protection: Ensuring data protection is integral to operations.
  • Virtual Edge Filers: Introducing virtual edge filers for direct-to-cloud and hybrid backups without compromising efficiency.

SCALE: BALANCING GROWTH AND EFFICIENCY

  • Cloud-Based Object Storage: Utilizing S3 compatible object storage for cost-effective scalability.
  • Software-Defined Infrastructure-as-Code: Employing software-defined infrastructure-as-code for agile and efficient orchestration.
  • Single Solution for Collaboration: Enabling both traditional user file services and direct-device sync-and-share collaboration for a balanced approach to scaling.

SAVINGS: MAXIMIZING EFFICIENCY, MINIMIZING COSTS

  • Intelligent Edge Caching: Achieving an 80% reduction in storage footprint through intelligent edge caching.
  • Cost Savings: Realizing an 80% cost savings compared to traditional NAS and SAN systems.
  • Compression and Deduplication: Attaining a 65% reduction in total storage requirements through compression and deduplication.

In conclusion, these 5 S’s collectively form a robust strategy for government agencies to navigate the complexities of digital infrastructure. By prioritizing simplicity, fortifying security, embracing speed, balancing scalability, and maximizing efficiency, agencies can create a harmonious symphony that serves both end users and mission stakeholders effectively. This approach ultimately empowers agencies to harness the full potential of data in service to the nation.