What is a Cloud File Server?
A Cloud Based File Server is a way for companies and departments to store their documents, drawings, spreadsheets and other digital files on a central server. This server is hosted and managed by a 3rd party and the users access their files over the internet using SSL-secured connections. Think of this like a windows share drive, but without the hassle of having an in-house IT team managing the servers and with the ability to connect to the server from anywhere outside the office as well.
Some key features of Cloud Based File Servers are:
Document & File storage
Offline Sync to users’ desktops and laptops - the documents are with you wherever you are, and automatically get saved back to the server.
Secure encrypted access
Access-Control: You have the power to control who can access each document and directory.
Access to documents and files via Windows share folders
Access to documents and files via Mobile Apps for iOS and Android (even in offline mode).
This is also known as “Cloud Document Storage” or “Cloud Based Document Management System”.
Why do you need a Cloud File Server
There are two traditional methods of storing digital documents and files:
On users’ hard drives, in their My Documents folder.
On a network share drive (E: drive or G: drive, etc.)
The problem with storing documents on hard drives is that when a computer crashes, or gets infected with a virus or ransomware, or when an employee leaves the company, the documents are effectively lost. The other problem is that if the documents are on one person’s computer, how will management be able to find that document?
Share Drives also suffer from the problem of viruses and malware. If one user uploads an infected document, all documents tend to get infected. Also, a significant amount of investment is required in IT infrastructure (Server Rooms etc) and IT personnel to manage and run share drive servers.
With Cloud Based File Servers, you get all the convenience of the above methods, but none of the downsides. Documents are synced to the hard disks of users, making them super easy to access. But a copy remains in the cloud, and team leaders can easily search for them and find them. When an employee leaves, you can safely format their computer and the documents still remain on the Cloud File Server. You don’t need to make any investment in server rooms or IT personnel - the Cloud Based File service will be a one-stop solution. And these services usually scan all files for malware and keep your users’ PCs safe.
What are the Best Cloud Document Management and Cloud File Server Solutions?
Top rated and most widely used online storage server solutions include:
Google Drive, Box, Dropbox, OneDrive.
Free for personal use.
Base paid-tiers have generous storage quota.
Provide an offline sync utility and mobile apps
Cannot mount the folder as a “Share Drive”
Lacks advanced features such as workflows, approvals, granular access control.
Sharepoint
Base paid-tiers have generous storage quota.
Has advanced access control mechanisms
No offline sync utility (can be done via OneDrive)
Has a mobile app
Hard to configure advanced rules and workflows.
Support through 3rd-party partners
How you can use EisenVault as a Cloud Based File Server
EisenVault’s Cloud Based Document Management system has the below features which allow it to be used a Cloud Based File Server:
Offline Sync on Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems.
Ability to mount your repository as a windows share drive, using WebDAV.
Ability to access the system from anywhere with an internet connection.
Native mobile apps for iOS and Android
Full encryption, granular access control and secure storage.
Support directly from the vendor - EisenVault is a one-stop-shop.
Talk to us today to get a free demo and set up your own cloud based file server.
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