How Preqin Simplified File Collaboration with Egnyte

Introduction

No one has more insight into the global alternative assets market than Preqin, including the world’s largest private equity database. Every day, over 500 researchers monitor thousands of data sources to inform decision-making throughout the investment lifecycle.

Challenge

Preqin’s on-premises file servers weren’t built for their collaborative workstyles or the evolving regulatory environment. 

As a result, researchers and staff faced considerable delays when accessing and collaborating on their files - often because different versions were stored in multiple file servers.

They also faced the challenge of demonstrating GDPR compliance, and actioning subject access and right to be forgotten requests in a timely manner. 

Ultimately, Preqin had outgrown its on-premises file server infrastructure and it was time for a change.

The Solution

Having explored many available solutions – including Microsoft OneDrive – the decision was made to go with Egnyte. The solution was the only one able to meet all of Preqin’s evaluation criteria, including:

• Easy access to files for remote and traveling employees
• Deep sharing controls, including monitoring and reporting on folder permissions   
• Integrations with Microsoft Active Directory and Teams, which were already deployed in the organization

Additionally, it fit perfectly into their GDPR strategy by providing robust information discovery, auditing and reporting; without the burden of integrating additional third-party tools.

“We now have full visibility of all content across our business - who accesses it and how it’s shared.”

Mark Davis

Head of IT

Benefits

Egnyte’s cloud-based functionality is key to developing a single, centralized file structure, and a ‘single version of truth’ for documents and files across the business. Key benefits of the solution include:

Need-based access

IT is now in firm control of all data. Permissions are managed centrally, and real-time auditing allows complete visibility of all activity on a single dashboard.

External file sharing

Client-facing personnel can now easily share files with clients via a secure link instead of an email attachment.

Discovery and compliance

Sensitive and user-defined information is now discovered and categorized across all file structures using preloaded and custom compliance policies.

“With a tool as powerful as Egnyte, why buy another third-party governance tool?”

Dave Boxall

VP InfoSec & Engineering

Preqin’s move to Egnyte has created a secure, enterprise-grade file management and sharing system. One where users can instantly access, share, and collaborate on the information they need when they need it. 

Egnyte’s sophisticated data discovery and reporting tools demonstrate compliance with multiple regional, national and state data protection laws. For example, a subject access request that used to take up to three weeks to complete - now takes a few days.