You can use the following FileCloud tools to access and manage your files stored and shared in the cloud:
FileCloud Sync
FileCloud Drive
When would I use FileCloud Sync and when would I use FileCloud Drive?
Deciding on which tool to use depends on how you want to access and manage your files. It can also depend on some of the following factors:
- Company policy
- Internet connectivity
- Security policies
Use the information in Table 1 to understand the difference in the tools and choose which is the best one for you. You can also decide to use them both!
Table 1. FileCloud Sync vs. Drive
| USE CASES |
| FileCloud Sync | FileCloud Drive |
|---|
| Offline copy is needed for reasons such as traveling & intermittent network access. | Offline copy is not needed or not allowed per company policy |
| Team collaboration | View FileCloud server files as a drive. User doesn't want files to be downloaded for local copy. File downloaded only in edit. |
| Recommended when lots of files needs to be moved to the FileCloud Server. The process is a lot more efficient than uploads. | Doesn't consume permanent storage. Ideal for newer laptops with SSDs where hard disk capacity is limited |
| Locally view FileCloud files & have a selective and/or all files/folder from FileCloud as copy on Desktop | Scenario where you need access to TBs of files and don't want every file to be synced. |
| Better in editing large files such as AutoCAD | Easier on bandwidth usage - all files doesn't need to be downloaded and uploaded |
| Better when working on files directly from your HDD |
|
| Better when editing linked documents such as graphic files that link to multiple other files. |
|
| Ideal Dropbox replacement - great offline edits. |
|
| CHALLENGES |
| FileCloud Sync | FileCloud Drive |
| Requires storage space on the HDD to store offline files | Requires active and stable internet connection |
Are files downloaded to desktop? - Yes, synchronized with FIleCloud Server periodically
| Are files downloaded to desktop? - Files are downloaded only on edit
- Upon save, file is synchronized back to FileCloud server
|
How does locking work? - No deliberate locking can be issued in FileCloud Sync client.
- As files are proactively synced between FileCloud Server & Sync Client - Conflicts & updates are notified on Sync.
| How does locking work? - Automatically lock on edit in FileCloud Drive.
- If lock is not possible, edit will be prevented and server copy will not be changed
|
| OTHER FEATURES |
| FileCloud Sync | FileCloud Drive |
| Selective Sync - Not all files under FileCloud is copied to Desktop | Map FileCloud folders as a Drive |
| Actively Bi-directional | Set limit on file size at Drive level |
| FileBrowser app to edit and browse all documents via a explorer like interface |
|
How does FileCloud Sync & Drive compare with WebDAV Clients?
You can download WebDAV clients to interact with your files on FileCloud Server.
To see a comparison between FileCloud client applications and a WebDAV client:
- Use Table 2 to see a feature comparison
- Use table 3 to see a use case comparison
Table 2. FileCloud Client Apps vs. WebDAV Features
| Feature | FileCloud Drive | FileCloud Sync | WebDAV* |
|---|
| Connection | Virtual File System | Hard drive | Virtual File System |
| Offline Copy of Files | No | Yes | No |
| Remote Wipe | Yes | Yes | No |
| Cost | Free | Free | Some of the WebDAV like WebDrive are paid ones whereas some are free. |
| Ideal for | Editing Small Files | Editing all Files | Editing Small Files |
| Operating Systems | Windows and MAC | For Windows , MAC and LINUX | For Windows , MAC and LINUX |
Table 3. FileCloud Client Apps vs. WebDAV Use Cases
| Operation | Drive | Sync | WebDAV |
|---|
| Logging in with HTTP and HTTPS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Browse Folders | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Create New Directory | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Upload Files | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Download Files | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Edit/Update | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Copy , Move, Delete | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Block device ( admin ) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Remote Wipe a device | Yes | Yes | No |
| Add/Remove Admin Messages | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Logs | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Backing up system data | No | Yes | No |
| Network Shares | Yes | Yes | Yes |