Using Azure Storage as a Cloud File Server

Turn Azure Storage into a cloud-based file server solution with mapped drive, file locking, secure access, and file sharing! It is a file sharing server for both internal collaboration without VPN and external file sharing without the need to email large files!

Our partners & customers

Trusted by 1000+ IT Solution Providers and Enterprises

Coreplus
NASA
Nekter
Ericsson
Gilbane
Integritek
 TeamLogic IT
OGL Computer
Oneil
Red Bull
Swizznet
Connectis IT Solutions Provider

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 a data migration is rushing through it and with Triofox we can take our time.

Pete Sperling
PRINCIPAL, CLOUD ADVISORS
What else does a file server in the cloud offer?

Azure Blob Storage as a file server in the cloud

What else does a file server in the cloud offer?

A cloud file server has two aspects. On the one hand, it facilitates internal collaboration without a VPN, offering features such as drive mapping, file locking, Active Directory integration and permission controls. On the other hand, it provides the ability to send and receive files from external business partners and customers via Web links that connect directly to the underlying Azure Blob Storage.

Internal Collaboration

Provides internal employees working remotely with drive mapping, file locking, Active Directory and permission controls as if they were still working with a VPN but did not actually need a VPN.

External File Sharing

In the past, the file server interface was for internal employees, and external file sharing was done with a different tool. If you use Azure Blob Storage as your file server, you can combine the two sites into one.

Do More with Azure Blob Storage as a Global File Server

Looking for an easier way to access your data in Azure Blob Storage? Maybe you're looking more for a Windows file server with mapped drive, file locking, Active Directory integration, and NTFS permission integration? So what does Triofox offer that makes it interesting? Triofox layers Windows file server-like features like drive mapping and file locking directly on Azure Blob Storage to turn it into a cloud based file server. You can seamlessly access files from mapped drives, mobile devices, and web browsers - anywhere. You can also easily share files and folders as web links from Outlook or web browsers.

Do More with Azure Blob Storage as a Global File Server

Challenges of Azure Blob Storage

Azure Blob Storage is primarily for independent software vendors (ISVs) to develop business solutions, not for direct use. It's kind of like a hard drive that's not meant for direct use, but as a building block behind a tool like Windows Explorer or a file-sharing platform like a Windows file server.

Triofox Solution

Triofox, with its Windows Azure API integration, adds secure remote access and file sharing, disaster prevention and recovery to on-premises file servers with easy cloud migration to Windows Azure Cloud Services. For files and folders that you have already migrated to Azure Storage in other ways, Triofox puts a file server interface above the raw Azure Blob Storage service and turns it into a secure access and file sharing solution.

Remote Access

Triofox bridges file servers and Azure Blob Storage for secure remote access without the need of using a VPN.

Disaster Recovery

Triofox uses Azure Blob Storage as a central cloud file repository with version control, file change history, and audit tracing to ensure business continuity.

Mobile Sharing

Triofox uses Azure Blob Storage for secure mobile file sharing via a web browser or mobile application.

Cloud Migration

Triofox sets up a hybrid deployment between on-premises file servers and Azure Blob Storage that can be seamlessly transformed into an Azure only solution.

Azure Blob Storage as a File Server Highlights

Triofox provides a mapped drive letter for end users to access Azure Blob Storage in an easy and seamless way. It is not only suitable for a single user, but also for a team of collaborators working together on a set of shared folders and files.

Like these features added to your S3 buckets?

CLOUD MAPPED DRIVE

Remote access to file shares from a drive letter without requiring a VPN. Mobile applications included!

ON-DEMAND SYNC

Minimize storage and bandwidth consumption by automatically syncing and caching only the files you need.

ENDPOINT PROTECTION

Local cache encryption and remote wipe capabilities protect files and folders on remote devices.

OFFLINE ACCESS

Continue editing files in offline mode when you are not connected to the Internet. Reconnect and sync again when the device is back online.

Like these features added to your S3 buckets?

FOLDER PERMISSION

Define different permissions for folders at different levels of the directory structure, or inherit from NTFS permissions directly.

HYBRID FILE SERVER

Local file server and Azure Blob Storage are synchronized with each other for business continuity and easy cloud migration.

ACTIVE DIRECTORY

From internal Active Directory users to external customers and partners, you can define user permissions for folder sharing.

VERSION CONTROL

Shared folders are placed under version control and notifications are available to users who have subscribed to the folders.

Problems Solved with the Following Two Deployment Options

There are two products that can help. CentreStack installs agent software on your file server for file server integration and cloud enablement, while Triofox directly mounts your file server's network share into Triofox when direct access is available. It intelligently manages local and cloud storage together to provide a range of cloud enablement options.

Most importantly, Active Directory security and the NTFS permission model are maintained as if they had never been changed. Drive mapping functionality is retained so that end users have a familiar mapped drive letter for accessing files from remote locations and Azure Blob Storage. File locking is also maintained for multiple users working on the same file at the same time.

Network shares from file servers are synchronized with Azure Blob Storage to provide a secure access solution for mapped Windows drives, volumes mounted in the Mac Finder, and iOS and Android apps.

DEPLOYMENT OPTIONS #1

Hybrid Local File Servers with Azure Blob Storage

Local file server and Azure Blob Storage synchronize with each other for business continuity and easy cloud migration.

Install CentreStack File Server Agent on the file server that will migrate to Azure Blob Storage over time. Supports Windows 2016/2019/2022 (32-bit/64-bit).

Hybrid File Servers

DEPLOYMENT OPTIONS #2

File Servers with Direct Cloud Access

Access Azure Blob Storage or file server network shares directly with Triofox fronting the storage services with HTTPS.

If you have already migrated local file server data to the Microsoft Azure data center, Triofox provides a solution for direct file access from remote devices and mobile devices.

File Server as the Cloud

Azure Blob Storage AS YOUR CLOUD FILE SERVER

Benefits

Azure Blob Storage is the most widely supported cloud storage service with many technology partners providing integrated solutions for primary storage, backup and restore, archiving, and disaster recovery. With its industry-leading performance, scalability, availability, and durability, it is widely used by enterprises.

CentreStack provides a unique cloud file server solution that integrates Active Directory, NTFS permissions, remote mapped drive and file locking capabilities with Microsoft Azure cloud storage services. The end result is a single solution that inherits both the security features of the existing IT infrastructure and the mobility and durability of the cloud (Azure Blob Storage).

CONFLICT DETECTION

Simplify remote access to file servers from mobile devices, PCs, Macs, and browsers with a mapped drive and without a VPN.

MOBILE ACCESS

SYNCHRONIZATION

Reduce the cost of replacing servers. Eliminate server and VPN management costs. Create a business continuity solution with Azure Blob.

REDUCE COSTS

VERSION CONTROL

Avoid the headaches of splitting data sets between internal file servers and cloud solutions like Dropbox or Box.

DATA UNIFICATION

OFFLINE EDITING

Avoid the cost of manually replicating files and folders or restoring NTFS permissions. Inherits Active Directory and permissions.

PERMISSION CONTROL

CLOUD BACKUP

Avoid the management headaches associated with cross-site replication and simplify collaboration with remote offices. Unify data from multiple branch offices with Azure Blob Storage.

MULTIPLE OFFICES

ENDPOINT BACKUP

Eliminate threats from decentralized security and personal Dropbox and other third-party accounts. Consolidate file structures in Azure Blob Storage.

ENHANCED SECURITY

Ready to boost mobile productivity with Azure Blob Storage and enable remote workforce today?