Infortrend EonCloud Gateway

Overview

Infortrend EonCloud Gateway is hybrid software for connecting on-premises storage with cloud services for caching, synchronization, backup, archiving and tiering. It suits enterprise storage teams that need file- and block-level cloud workflows alongside local storage. Its range of workflows and cloud targets is a strength, but the 8 GB memory minimum and custom pricing make it a substantial infrastructure choice.

Key features

Five setup modes address different storage jobs: Cloud File Cache, Cloud File Sync, Cloud Volume Replication, Cloud Archiving Storage and Cloud Tiering. File sync can run one-way or two-way, while block-level cloud backup can act as a remote backup site. This breadth is useful for organizations combining file and volume needs; teams with a single, simpler cloud-storage task may find the gateway more than they need.

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 paths, though they should ensure the target and protocol fit their deployment.

Cache policies include options to prioritize data, keep it local, apply default or low priority, or mark it uncacheable for reads or writes. Monitoring covers cloud connectivity, network transfers, local access and cache usage or hit rate, helping administrators see how the gateway is performing. Infortrend says data uses a unique encryption key and cloud transmissions use SSL. Built-in compression and deduplication reduce data size for storage and transfer, while access-control lists can be synchronized across storage devices with read-write permissions retained.

The gateway requires at least 8 GB of system memory. License upgrades depend on the purchased storage model, so the hardware platform matters to both capacity planning and feature choice. Infortrend also describes worldwide support for installation, configuration, diagnosis and troubleshooting, a relevant benefit for enterprise deployments that require vendor assistance.

Pricing

The EonCloud Gateway trial is free for 90 days. It includes cache and sync modes, up to five connected folders and five connected volumes, and up to 1 TB of cache and cloud-volume capacity. That is enough to evaluate the basic workflows, but the trial's capacity and mode limits constrain larger or more varied deployments. There is no free plan; ongoing pricing is custom.

Standard has custom pricing and includes file cache and sync, up to five connected folders and volumes, and up to 2 PB of folder-cache and cloud-volume capacity. Compared with the trial, it raises the capacity ceiling substantially but keeps the connection count at five. Enterprise also has custom pricing, with up to 10 cache settings, up to 32 connected folders and volumes, and the same 2 PB capacity ceiling; it suits deployments needing more connections and settings. Ultimate has custom pricing and includes all cache policies and function parameters, making it the option for teams that need the broadest control. License upgrades depend on the storage model purchased, so buyers should confirm which tier their hardware supports.

Platforms

EonCloud Gateway is self-hosted and uses a hybrid deployment model, with local caching and edge synchronization. It is designed to connect enterprise local storage with cloud services rather than replace local infrastructure.

Who it's for

This is a fit for enterprises that already manage local storage and want to add cloud caching, synchronization, backup or tiering without giving up file- and block-level workflows. It is less suitable for individuals or small teams seeking a straightforward cloud drive, or for organizations that cannot meet the memory requirement or justify custom-priced infrastructure software.

Pros and cons

• Broad workflow coverage: Five setup modes cover caching, sync, replication, archiving and tiering, including file- and block-level use cases.
• Many cloud targets and protocols: The integrations and protocol options give enterprise storage teams flexibility when connecting existing systems.
• Useful controls and monitoring: Cache policies, access-control synchronization and reports on connectivity, transfers and cache activity support operational oversight.
• Hardware and licensing constraints: The 8 GB memory minimum and storage-model-dependent upgrades make compatibility a purchase consideration.
• No ongoing free tier or public subscription price: The 90-day trial is capped, and buyers must pursue custom pricing for continued use.

Alternatives

Synology Active Backup for SaaS is a free, self-hosted choice for teams focused on Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace backup; its free add-on requires a Synology NAS and no software license. For a desktop-oriented cloud connection tool, CloudMounter offers macOS and Windows plans, including a $29 a year Mac Personal subscription for one Mac and personal use.

NetApp Global File Cache is another paid option, with a listed one-year subscription at $250 a year. Hitachi Universal Volume Manager is worth considering when a licensed local storage system is the relevant requirement. LucidLink is a paid, multi-platform alternative with a Starter plan at $7 per member per month, billed per member, and 100 GB included per member, shared.

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Object Storage is a freemium object-storage option, with Infrequent Access listed at $0.01 a month per gigabyte of storage capacity and a separate retrieval charge. QNAP HybridMount offers a free plan and paid tiers, including Small at $19.99 a year for one file share with NAS local cache. Panzura CloudFS is a paid, capacity-based option with custom pricing. For a broader comparison, see Cloud Storage Gateway Software.

Verdict

Choose Infortrend EonCloud Gateway if your enterprise needs several file- and block-level ways to connect local storage to cloud services, and your storage model can support the required licensing. Its workflow breadth is the main reason to choose it; the memory threshold and custom pricing are the reasons to look elsewhere if you need a lighter or more predictable-cost solution.