Question 1

What is Nexfs?

Accepted Answer

Nexfs is an advanced software-defined-storage solution that combines traditional block and object storage technologies. In doing so, Nexfs created a single intelligent pool of storage enabled with the two technologies' best features.
 
Nexfs stores active data in highspeed storage and less active data in slower storage.  Unlike other solutions that attempt to do this, Nexfs does not move complete files back and forth between classes of storage, Nexfs moves smaller data blocks between storage tiers, reducing latency and improving the user experience. 
This intelligent movement of data by Nexfs is what enables block workloads with Object and Cloud storage.

Question 2

How is Nexfs Delivered?

Accepted Answer

Nexfs is delivered as downloadable software.

Question 3

What is Software Defined Storage?

Accepted Answer

With Software-defined storage, the data storage resources are separated from the underlying physical hardware, enabling flexibility. 
 
The benefits of software-defined storage are cost and efficiency. Nexfs can be run in existing hardware, increasing return on investment instead of requiring new storage media; additional physical storage can be added quickly and easily.

Question 4

Is Nexfs Free?

Accepted Answer

You can install the free 5TB edition many times as you like, with up to 5TB of managed data per Nexfs instance.
 
While Nexfs 5TB free, is does not include any free support or any SLA from Nexustorage, paid for support through subscription will be offered by Nexustorage soon.

Question 5

What features are included in the free standard nexfs edition?

Accepted Answer

All the core features plus many more are included in the free edition, check out the Nexfs Free 5TB Edition Page for more information.

Question 6

Can I really run block storage workloads like virtual machine storage from Object and Block Storage?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with Nexfs you can store, boot, and run the block workloads like Virtual Machine virtual disks out of Object and Cloud Storage.

Question 7

Which Object and Cloud Storage is Supported by Nexfs

Accepted Answer

Currently, Nexfs supports S3 compatible Object and Cloud Storage.
 
We have tested and certified both Amazon S3 Cloud Storage and MinIO Object Storage to work with Nexfs.
 
Other fully S3 compatible Object Storage solutions and Cloud Storage services are expected to work, but if they are found not to work, as they have not been certified by Nexustorage there is no guarantee or obligation from Nexustorage to make non-Certified thrid party Object or Cloud solutions work.

Question 8

Where can I download Nexfs Standard Edition for Free?

Accepted Answer

Once available, you will be able to download it from here

Question 9

Can Nexfs run as a Virtual Machine?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Nexfs can be installed as a Virtual Machine, just be sure that you allocate enough memory and CPU resources meet your storage requirements.

Question 10

How much primary storage should I allocate to Nexfs?

Accepted Answer

This really depends on your budget and needs. Some users may only provision enough to hold a few days of active data, others may have enough to hold a month or more.
 
For archive only workloads users may only hold enough for a few hours.

Question 11

How much Cloud or Object storage can I allocate to Nexfs?

Accepted Answer

As much as you like, there is no limit to the amount of Object or Cloud storage that Nexfs can address.

Question 12

How big can a Nexfs Storage pool be?

Accepted Answer

There is no hard limit. Nexfs will combine all the primary and cloud or object storage into a single pool made available to it.

Question 13

What operating systems are supported by Nexfs Server?

Accepted Answer

Nexfs runs on Linux and has been tested on the latest GA distributions of Centos and Debian.

Question 14

Can Windows servers access Nexfs Storage

Accepted Answer

Yes, of course! 
 
MS Windows servers (and workstation editions) can mount the Nexfs storage pool as network block storage using iSCSI*, or a network file system such as NFS* and SMB*.
 
*These protocols must be installed, enabled configured to export the Nexfs server storage pool first.

Question 15

Can I format the Nexfs storage pool as NTFS and export it as a standard windows file share?

Accepted Answer

Yes, of course, just enable and configure iSCSI on the Nexfs server storage pool, then mount that iSCSI volume to your Windows server. You can then format it as NTFS and use it as you like.

Question 16

How do I mount the Nexfs storage pool to VMWare

Accepted Answer

You have two options, either as a iSCSI volume or over NFS.

Frequently asked questions