What should I use for on-prem plus cloud file access?

If you want one setup for both on‑prem and cloud file access, the best choice depends on what you mean by “file access”:

Common good options

1) Hybrid file server + cloud sync

Best if you want traditional file shares on-prem with cloud backup/remote access.

• Microsoft Azure File Sync

  • Keeps a local Windows file server as the main access point
  • Syncs to Azure Files
  • Good for “lift-and-shift” SMB shares
  • Works well if you’re already in Microsoft/Windows land

• AWS Storage Gateway (File Gateway)

  • Local cache/appliance, backed by S3
  • Good for NFS/SMB-style access with cloud storage underneath
  • Useful if you’re AWS-focused

2) Cloud file platform with on-prem access

Best if you want users to access files from anywhere, with on-prem integration.

• Microsoft OneDrive / SharePoint

  • Strong collaboration and versioning
  • Works well for office docs
  • Not ideal for all legacy app file-share use cases

• Google Drive for Workspace

  • Similar benefits, simpler cloud-first model
  • Less ideal if you need Windows SMB-style sharing

3) Enterprise file services

Best for large organizations needing performance, permissions, and hybrid support.

• NetApp ONTAP / BlueXP
• Dell PowerScale (Isilon)
• Panzura / CTERA

These can provide:

• NFS/SMB access
• Replication/sync between sites and cloud
• Global namespace / caching
• Better fit for mixed on-prem + cloud file workflows

Quick recommendation

• Mostly Windows file shares, want hybrid: Azure File Sync
• AWS-centric: AWS Storage Gateway
• Team collaboration documents: OneDrive/SharePoint
• Large enterprise shared file infrastructure: NetApp / Panzura / CTERA

Key question to choose correctly

Do you need:

1. SMB/NFS shared folders for apps/users, or
2. Collaboration/document sharing, or
3. Backup/archive with occasional access?

If you tell me:

• your cloud provider,
• whether you need SMB or NFS,
• number of users,
• and whether apps need direct file-path access,

I can suggest the best fit.