Adaptive Block Caching

Adaptive Block Caching is Egnyte's next-generation caching system integrated into the Desktop App, designed to optimize how large files are uploaded, downloaded, opened, and cached. It aims to reduce common frustrations like computer overheating, freezing, and crashing when working with massive and complex files. By caching them in more manageable blocks rather than in their entirety., cloud-based collaboration becomes possible for these files traditionally considered too cumbersome for constant uploads and downloads. 

Beyond just size, the complexity of a file often comes from the powerful applications used to create deliverables, such as CAD drawings, large PDFs, BIM files, 3D renderings, and large videos. These files frequently include numerous external references (xRefs), interconnected and linked files, multiple media types, and compilations of smaller parts. Maintaining the integrity of these structures and alignments during sharing and editing presents a significant challenge. 

Adaptive Block Caching offers several benefits, including faster loading, saving, syncing. This also makes collaborating and working in the cloud easier. It provides a better user experience for media projects by preventing freezes, crashes, and content misalignments during rendering. Additionally, it features optimized file versioning, which improves clarity around version history, makes the most recent version immediately available, and simplifies access to past versions. 

Traditional file synchronization typically downloads the entire file before a user can begin working on it, and then re-uploads the entire file when changes are made. Some apps many not require the entire file to be downloaded, but each application behaves differently. This nuance becomes inefficient as file sizes get larger. Adaptive Block Caching, conversely, caches files in smaller blocks, streaming only the necessary portions .. When a user makes changes, only those modified blocks are streamed back to the cloud. This approach makes the experience much faster, regardless of the file's overall size and reduces the strain on devices and internet speeds. 

With Adaptive Block Caching, changed blocks form the version history. The current version is maintained as a full file, while previous versions are represented by sets of block changes. This method simplifies the process of accessing and restoring older versions as needed, makes the most recent version easier to access, and brings a transparent version history just like any other file in Egnyte. This helps avoid the confusion and risk of fragmented versions across various storage locations. 

Predictive file streaming is a feature of Adaptive Block Caching that preloads subsequent blocks of a file while a user is actively working, like how video streaming services functions in bringing down future frames of a video. This is particularly beneficial for media files with a time dimension, such as videos or audio, as it helps prevent buffering, freezing, and misaligned content, providing a smoother user experience. This feature also applies to other file types, where a user can be working in a portion of a file while future portions are still rendering. 

Adaptive Block Caching is highly beneficial for industries that handle large and complex deliverables, such as Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) and Media and Entertainment. This benefits key personas in those industries like architects, engineers, builders, creative designers, video editors, and reviewers/approvers. IT leaders also benefit from performance upgrades for users, reduced network load, and simplified management of massive files that reduces blind spots. 

Adaptive Block Caching is available through Egnyte's new AEC-specific pricing plans: AEC Essentials, AEC Elite, and AEC Ultimate. These plans bundle various AEC add-ons into a single SKU for simplified purchasing. For non-AEC customers, Adaptive Block Caching can be added as part of the Specialized File Handler SKU, which also increases the maximum file size limit to 250 GB. 

Adaptive Block Caching has been tested with a variety of applications, including many frequently used applications like Adobe Premiere Pro, ArcGIS, AutoCAD, and Civil 3D. Since the system generates blocks based on factors like file size, components, and the application of origin, we will be continually testing to ensure coverage in conjunction with customers.  

Smart Cache is a virtual caching appliance designed for in-office users to optimize network, and storage loads for medium to large-sized projects. Adaptive Block Caching, on the other hand, operates like a Smart Cache but is specifically designed for remote and distributed users, bringing LAN-speed access directly to the end-user's desktop without requiring an on-premises appliance.  

Yes, Adaptive Block Caching supports pre-caching, also known as "cache warming." This feature allows users to proactively download content into their local cache before it's needed, which is particularly useful for engineers and designers who know which project folders they will be working on in advance. Users can right-click a file or folder and select "Add to Cache" to initiate this process. Users can also benefit from adjusting cache limits, and monitoring via a visual indicator how much of their cache has been used.