Cloud Enabled File Servers by
seamlessly migrate file servers to cloud storage for backup and for online access
Introduction
Want to free your file server by turning it into a cloud server with mobile device access? Use existing permissions and identities to access traditional file servers remotely
without a VPN?
CentreStack file server integration
turns any Windows File Server into private cloud storage that can be accessed from any device in any location with existing identities and permissions. Alternatively, it can turn any Windows File Servers into an on-premise, cloud storage gateway that can
be accessed anywhere with any device. This white paper describes how CentreStack File Server Integration
can be used by businesses to achieve either of these objectives, creating a virtual, cloud server managed by you - the service provider.
Cloud Server Use Cases
Download White Paper
Problem Statement
Public cloud storage solutions have become increasingly convenient as they enable
anywhere access to files and folders for web browsers, desktops and mobile devices,
with sync and share capabilities. It is also very easy for team members to collaborate
over the Internet. With CentreStack, you can create a cloud storage solution for your existing customers.
For customers, the file server on the local area network (LAN) in their office still provides
the key file storage and collaboration capabilities through
network shares. You would like to adopt cloud storage technology and the new use
cases it enables. But you can't simply get rid of the customer's file server.
Even if file servers were easy to replace, you still need a way to migrate all their data.
The situation is even more complicated when you need to collaborate across multiple file servers in multiple
sites.
Businesses need a way to access file server content over the Internet, migrate file server content to cloud storage,
and present a unified namespace across all distributed file server.
Previous Options
Businesses have traditionally relied on virtual private network (VPN) solutions
to access corporate data, but with a VPN, you will need additional solutions to
enable mobile access, web browser based access, sync & share, team collaboration
functionalities. You will also need solutions for backup and multi-site collaboration.
CentreStack Solution
CentreStack file server integration solves these problems by installing agent software on your file server or directly mount your file server network share into CentreStack if direct access is available.
It intelligently manages local and cloud storage together to provide a range of cloud enablement options.
Anywhere Access to File Shares
You can attach local file server folders to your CentreStack account. After the
storage is attached, it is accessible online, enabling web browser access and mobile
access. At the same time, the file server is still providing network share access over the local area network.
Migrate Existing File Shares to Cloud Storage
For the attached local folder, the file server content will be migrated over time
to cloud storage. When it is an enabling method for online access, it is also a
backup process happening in the background.
Global Workspace
You can attach local folders from different file servers to your CentreStack account.
It is a global namespace unifying the different file servers into a single
folder structure, enabling multiple-site collaboration. It is a distributed file system in the cloud.
Server in the Cloud
You can also leverage the features above by using the existing file server as a private cloud
Migrating File Servers to Cloud Storage
CentreStack File Server Agent shall be installed on the file server that you would like to
migrate to cloud over time. It supports Windows 2003/2008/2012 (32-bit/64-bit).
In some other implementations, if the file server is in the same network as the CentreStack server, a direct connection is also possible.
Using File Servers as Private Cloud Storage
For ultimate security and control, you can deploy CentreStack on-premise
yourself so the cloud storage piece of the infrastructure is completely under your
control. It allows you to provision your file server as private cloud storage. (You can also leverage other private cloud options like OpenStack Swift.) The CentreStack product replicates all the functionality
on the public CentreStack (www.gladinet.com)
and it is an installable package that you can install on premise or in a DMZ zone.
CentreStack File Server Agent package
is included in the CentreStack server package.
Summary
CentreStack File Server Agent combines the strengths of cloud storage technology and with a traditional file server to enable access from the cloud and from the local area network.
Your Windows file server is cloud enabled with Gladinet software.
See Also
Online Access to File Server
Share File from File Server
VPN Alternative to Remote File Access
Additional questions? Contact Gladinet Support at support@gladinet.com.