Secure Mobile File Access

Mobilize your workforce with fast and easy secure mobile file access to corporate file servers without VPN. Enable workforce with mobile file sharing using the corporate file server as a central data repository.

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Case Study - Adding Secure Mobile File Access to File Servers

An energy drink company has multiple locations. Data is currently stored on local file servers in the main data center, and each branch office has its own local file server. The company also uses DFS, which allows it to logically group shares on multiple servers and transparently link file shares in a single hierarchical namespace.

DFS (Distributed File System) is a feature of Windows Server that simplifies the management of SMB network shares, eliminating the need to remember individual file server names. A DFS connection can have multiple SMB network shares associated with it and form a replication group to copy files between shares. DFS is well suited for on-premises infrastructure within the realm of a local area network. However, it was not a web browser and mobile friendly solution because it lacked much needed support for web browsers and mobile clients.

The IT team needed to incorporate cloud file sharing capabilities into the Microsoft DFS infrastructure to provide remote and mobile workers with easy and secure file server access via Windows, MAC and mobile clients. The company was also unable to migrate all of its on-premises data to a public cloud storage service. It needed a solution that would work with its current infrastructure, including DFS shares, while providing secure remote and mobile access from Windows, Macs, browsers and mobile clients.

Lesson Learned

For organizations with many file servers, Microsoft DFS is a perfect way to consolidate them into a single namespace. The more an organization relies on DFS, the harder it becomes to move to the cloud. A hybrid approach with gradual migration is right for the enterprise. In the meantime, a file server mobilization solution can provide users with secure, fast and mobile file sharing and access, regardless of the file server's location.

Secure Mobile File Access to File Servers

File servers in enterprises are typically accessed via a remote desktop connection (RDP), virtual private network (VPN), or virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI). These access methods work well enough for desktop users, but getting started is quite cumbersome due to their interactive nature. For example, a typical workflow involves clicking on some remote desktop icons or a VPN icon and connecting to the network, as well as accessing files and folders on the company's file servers via remote desktop.

For mobile workers, it would be ideal if they could carry files and folders on their mobile phones and laptops so that they are quickly available when needed. As a result, users tend to turn to Dropbox and other third-party mobile file-sharing services because this is how they usually work.

However, if Dropbox and other third-party mobile file sharing services are left unattended, data sprawl and compliance issues can arise later if files are scattered in different locations. With Gladinet, organizations can enable their file servers for secure remote access and mobile file sharing in the cloud.

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Triofox Solution

Triofox adds secure mobile access and file sharing, disaster prevention and recovery to on-premises file servers with easy cloud migration to private cloud storage. It's the real cloud file server solution you have been looking for!

Remote Access

Triofox bridges file servers and cloud storage for secure remote access without the need of a VPN.

Web Access

Files and folders are accessed directly through a web browser as if it were as interactive as a desktop drive.

Mobile Access

Triofox uses cloud storage for secure mobile file sharing via a web browser or mobile app.

Mobile Sharing

Employees can share files and folders with external business partners with permission controls, expiration dates, and web links.

Benefits of a privately owned mobile file server solution

Simple & Fast

Files are cached locally, so access is immediate without the hassle of setting up remote desktops or VPN file sharing. Users get local performance when working remotely.

Seamless Interaction

Legacy applications can continue to use the original file shares, which remain unchanged even when Gladinet provides remote and mobile access to the same file shares from any device.

Good Usability

Minimize user training with a mapped drive that works the same way both on-premises or remotely. Provide users with a seamless local experience across multiple device factors.

Reduce Data Sprawl

Data remains on the company's file servers. Existing permissions control remote and mobile access. File editing and modification are permanently stored in the original file location.

Enforce Permissions

Combines NTFS permissions, Active Directory users, and drive mappings with mobile access from any device.

Maintain Compliance

Inherits file server compliance and enables administrators to perform HIPAA or GDPR compliance audits and generate reports that demonstrate compliance for mobile file access and collaboration.

Mapped Drive + Web Simplicity + Mobile Access? How?

Gladinet solutions have a web server component that accepts file requests from client agents and mobile applications over the HTTPS/SSL protocol. These requests are then translated into Active Directory and file server network share access protected by NTFS permissions. The file is sent back to the client agents via HTTPS/SSL when all permission checks have passed. Gladinet uses this approach to combine the power of a mapped drive with the simplicity of web browsing and the convenience of mobile apps to present a unified view of files and folders across multiple device factors!

1. Web Server Component

The Gladinet solution includes a web server front end that accepts client agent requests from remote Windows, Mac, web browser, iOS and Android devices. Mobile apps display files and folders and related functions.

2. Agents Send File Requests

Mobile applications send HTTPS/SSL requests to the Gladinet server. The Gladinet server can log the requests for auditing purposes and also coordinate file access and sharing requests before forwarding the requests to the file servers.

3.Active Directory Integration

Active Directory and NTFS permissions are used to verify that the file requests are allowed. Then, the file requests are fulfilled and returned to the client agents, such as the mobile applications, via HTTPS/SSL.

Mobile File Sharing Feature Highlights

Gladinet eliminates the common drawbacks of remote file server access and file sharing solutions and provides the best of both worlds - the security and control of legacy file servers combined with the efficiency and productivity gains of mobile file sharing.

Drive Mapping

Triofox provides a mapped drive over HTTPS/SSL for seamless file access.

Folder Permissions

Define different permissions for folders at different levels of the directory structure.

Offline Editing

Local files can be read and modified when the laptop is not connected.

Version Control

Version control can be used to resolve conflicts with offline editing mode.

Link Sharing

Use web links to share files and folders with recipients or to receive files.

Mobile Access

Employees access files and folders via web browsers and mobile devices.

The Secure Mobile File Access Benefits!

Gladinet eliminates the common drawbacks of traditional file server access and mobile file sharing solutions. Companies can consolidate corporate data on existing file server infrastructure and enable mobile file access and mobile file sharing features directly.

MORE BENEFITS

Mobile File Share Access

Facilitate collaboration with business partners by giving them mobile access to a limited set of internal files or folders. Share files with non-AD users while maintaining administrative control. Simplify collaboration across multiple locations by consolidating multiple file shares for mobile access.

Mobile Access to File Servers

Simplify mobile access to file shares with familiar interfaces on any computer or device. Windows and Mac desktops natively display mapped drives in Explorer and Finder. The same experience is provided on iOS and Android devices such as iPads, iPhones, and Pixels, or can be viewed through popular web browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

Reduce Costs with a Simple VPN Alternative

Eliminate the overhead and support tickets typically associated with VPN file sharing, Always On VPN or Direct Access. Automatically use existing users and permissions to save setup time and money.

Enhance Data Security

Files are protected at rest and in transit with military-grade encryption, secure connections, and more. Automatically use existing users and permissions to save setup time and money.

Centrally Manage Granular Folder Permissions

For complete control and visibility, permissions can be managed from the file server they originate from or natively defined from scratch.

On-Demand Synchronization

Remotely mapped drives display the directory structure but delay downloading until a file is used to reduce bandwidth usage and endpoint storage consumption.

Guarantee Data Privacy

Businesses can address data privacy concerns by using Gladinet to provide access to internal file servers. It’s common to talk about replacing existing file servers with cloud solutions to reduce costs and administrative overhead, and Gladinet can facilitate that in any private cloud, but Gladinet offers the unique option of using existing file servers to service mobile file sharing!

Centralized Mobility

Companies don't have to use another cloud solution for file sharing while retaining corporate file servers. The current file server infrastructure becomes the platform for mobile file access and sharing.

Increase Productivity

Provide an always-on mapped drive that works anywhere on any device and allows mobile users to easily access internal file shares or cloud file servers and share files and folders over Internet.

On-Premises Alternative to Dropbox and SharePoint

Gladinet has the flexibility to provide an on-premises alternative to Dropbox and SharePoint using existing file servers.

Simplify Management

Manage users, access controls, and storage centrally for each employee. Keep track of where data resides, who has access, and how it's shared.

Maintain Compliance

Centrally manage users, access controls, and storage for each tenant. Administrators can perform audits for GDPR and HIPAA compliance or track all changes to individual files.

Ready to boost mobile productivity and enable workforce to work from home today?