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Synchronize file shares from multiple branch offices into a central file server repository for simplified access and secure sharing
Simple cloud migration- The cloud migration process is simple and tailored to clients' needs. We can take the time to migrate individual users to the cloud over days or weeks rather than requiring everything to be done in one night. What kills in data migration is rushing through it, and with CentreStack we can take our time.
Company G is using DFS and VPN right now for remote file server access. They just acquired a company using Egnyte, a cloud-based file server, and file sharing solution. However, implementing a company-wide cloud sharing solution across both companies takes time and with a certain level of complexity. It is the easiest to leverage existing file server infrastructure by putting something in front of it.
In a company merger situation, unifying the IT infrastructure across the two companies is challenging. The existing file server provides the best application compatibility platform across the two companies. If the file server infrastructure immediately turned into a cloud-facing file server/file sharing solution, it gives the company the speed to unify the IT infrastructure.
In addition, adding file synchronization between sites helps further improve the performance.
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and Microsoft's Distributed File System (DFS) have been the traditional tools for syncing data between remote offices. The problem is that they don't always work so well across wide area networks (WANs), and it can be challenging to access the data and keep it adequately synchronized. DFS with Replication (DFS-R), for example, promises to sync files between two locations or to provide a backup mirror of the primary file server with load balancing across multiple servers to enhance performance. But when IT administrators try to use it to create a centralized file server for a multi-site organization with a unified namespace, the DFS replication service often falls short. It fails to deliver on its promises with poor conflict resolution and frequent sync failures.
CentreStack provides a compelling alternative to DFS and VPNs by syncing data to a global namespace while providing desktop agents and mobile applications for a complete end-to-end access solution that simplifies the user experience. The platform further maintains data consistency with versioning and multiple levels of distributed file locking and synchronization optimizations while integrating directly with Active Directory for user and permission management. In other words, it delivers on the promise of multi-site collaboration with simplified access to a global namespace and conflict-free cooperation!
We can implement the solution in two different steps. Step #1 ignores the multi-site factor and adds a remote access layer to the central file server. Remote Access server will enable mobile access, web browser-based access, and mapped drive on Windows devices and mounted volumes on macOS devices. Employees from remote sites can first access file servers from the leading site directly.
How-it-works Diagram
Users enter existing Active Directory (AD) user name and password on any supported client.
Credentials are passed securely over HTTPS to the CentreStack server.
The external firewall only needs to open port 443 for HTTPS traffic.
CentreStack finds the user's tenant and passes the credentials to the corresponding AD domain controller.
CentreStack uses the authentication token from the domain controller to access internal file shares.
If the main site that hosts the file servers has enough bandwidth, it can be a centralized file server site. For example, if the file servers are already in an AWS or Azure data center or a regional data center, the bandwidth and throughput shall be good enough. After the centralized file server location is set, we are ready to move file servers into a centralized cloud location. The file servers from multiple branch offices will start synchronization to the centralized cloud file server to create a centralized, global namespace for all the employees to access and share.
CentreStack adds secure remote access and file sharing, disaster prevention and recovery to file servers on-premises with easy cloud migration to private cloud storage. It is a file server based, private sync and share solution you have been looking for!
CentreStack is privately hosted by the corporation itself. It is privacy by design without shared-hosting with other companies.
The compliance center provides features such as GDPR and HIPAA checklist.
There are many control parameters from permissions, group, and access policies to audit trace and file download logging.
Security measures covering data-at-rest, data-in-transit, authentication integration with Active Directory and NTFS permissions.
After installing CentreStack, the Cloud Server Agent is installed on the tenant's file server. This will automatically synchronize file shares, AD users, and NTFS folder permissions to the CentreStack installation in the cloud.
After login, users automatically get a mapped drive that contains all the shares they have access to, just as if they were on-premise.
CentreStack maintains synchronization with the client file server until it has been retired. It also remains the primary source for permissions and acts as an optional proxy to the local domain controller.
When a user attempts to open a file on the endpoint, it is downloaded from the backend storage configured for CentreStack and cached locally for fast future access.
Easily access data from any location or device with familiar mapped drives, mobile applications, and browsers.
Keep data on existing file servers or move it to a private cloud. Ensure security by using NTFS permissions and AD users.
Leverage distributed file locking, version controls, auditing, and reporting, managed sharing, GDPR & HIPAA compliance, and more.
Mapped drives delay downloads until files are opened and cached locally for fast future access. This significantly reduces bandwidth and storage consumption, allowing users to get local performance while working remotely.
Line-of-business and legacy applications are unaffected as internal users can continue to work without making any changes using their internal mapped drives.
Minimize user training with a mapped drive that works the same on-premises or remotely. Provide a seamless local experience for users even when they are offline.
CentreStack integrates with Office 365 for web-based co-editing and co-authoring for files inside the shared folder.
Use Outlook integration to share large folders or files as web links via email.
Convert shared files and shared folders into web links for direct access over web browsers.
Access shared files and shared folders from mobile devices such as from iPhone or Android phones.
Define different permissions for folders at different levels of the directory structure or inherit from NTFS permissions directly.
Web-based secure data room allows view-only access to shared folders with download disabled.
From internal Active Directory users to external clients and partners, you can define user rights for folder sharing.
Shared folders are put under version control, and notifications are available for users subscribed to the folders.
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