Cloud File Server

A cloud file server is a virtual file storage and sharing platform hosted in the cloud, offering secure access to files over the Internet from any device or location. Unlike traditional on-premises file servers, cloud file servers eliminate the need for local hardware and VPN, simplify maintenance, and provide built-in scalability, redundancy, and remote access capabilities. They support modern collaboration and integrate easily with cloud-based tools. 

Yes. It’s possible to use desktop versions of applications to work with content directly in the cloud. Many industry-specific applications only exist on the desktop, such as Adobe, Autodesk, Bentley, Esri, and more. To these applications, a cloud file server looks just like a local drive, accessed via a mapped drive on Windows or a mounted drive in macOS. A cloud file server can support working with these applications in the cloud, just like an on-premises file server.   

Cloud-based file management eliminates the need for physical server maintenance, hardware upgrades, and manual backups. IT teams no longer have to manage complex network storage or VPN access. Instead, they gain centralized administration, automated versioning, disaster recovery, and reduced capital expenses. This allows IT resources to focus on strategic initiatives rather than infrastructure upkeep.

A cloud file server supports secure remote access via encrypted connections (TLS/SSL), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and role-based permissions. Users can access files through desktop apps, mobile apps, and web interfaces, all governed by corporate access policies. Users can control who can view, edit, or share their content, ensuring consistent data protection across devices. 

Cloud file servers enable real-time file access, version control, and secure sharing for both internal teams and external partners. Team members can collaborate on documents simultaneously, access the latest versions, and share files securely with flexible permissions. Cloud-based collaboration removes location barriers, enhances productivity, and supports hybrid and remote work environments.

Yes. Cloud file servers offer granular access controls to manage who can access, edit, or share specific files and folders. Users can assign user roles (such as viewer, editor, or owner) and configure group-based permissions, and enforce data governance policies. This ensures that sensitive data is accessible only to authorized users. 

Cloud file servers implement end-to-end encryption, protecting data both at rest (when stored) and in transit (during transfer). Additional security measures include zero-trust access models, suspicious activity monitoring, ransomware detection, and compliance support for industry regulations. Regular security audits and data redundancy further enhance protection against cyber threats. 

Yes. Cloud file servers support secure external sharing by allowing users to grant limited, role-based access to specific folders or files. External users can be restricted to view-only, download, or collaborative access, with expiration dates, password protection, or dynamic watermarks applied as needed. All external activity is logged for auditability. 

Egnyte provides a cloud-based alternative to traditional Windows file servers by delivering a secure file server, in the cloud. This cloud file server can be accessed via a familiar mapped drive on the desktop, on a mobile device, or via the web. This way, users can continue working with mapped drives and NTFS-style permissions while also being connected to the cloud rather than an on-premises server. Web and mobile support bring added flexibility for all users.

Hybrid deployment options also make it possible to keep frequently accessed data local or faster to access via intelligent caching options.

Egnyte enables organizations to replace on-prem file servers while preserving existing workflows. Users can access files through mapped drives, the web, and via mobile device. This allows teams to work the same way during and after migration without interruption and additional training.

Phased migration and hybrid deployment support help minimize downtime and reduce disruption as file storage is consolidated into the cloud.

Egnyte supports centralized shared drive management with universal mapped drive setup, familiar folder structures, and granular access controls. This allows teams to continue using shared drives in a consistent way while gaining cloud scalability, centralized administration, rich intelligence, and transition away from VPNs.

Egnyte supports large-scale file migrations via manageable batches. These migration jobs can be preconfigured, audited, and come with the support of the Egnyte professional services team or can be run self-serve. This migration can also migrate existing file structures and permissions. This allows organizations to migrate terabytes of data while users continue accessing files normally.

This approach helps minimize downtime and ensures business continuity during the transition to cloud-based file storage.

Egnyte supports NTFS-style permissions and integrates with Microsoft Active Directory. This enables organizations to preserve existing access controls and security models when moving from Windows file servers to cloud-based file storage.

Egnyte enables secure file access for hybrid and remote teams without a VPN. IT teams can centrally manage permissions, enforce security policies, and monitor file activity to ensure consistent access and data protection across locations. Intelligent caching functionality enables large file access minus the strain on bandwidth and devices, making it much easier to access files of all sizes from anywhere and at any time.

Egnyte supports secure file server modernization by combining cloud file storage, hybrid deployment options, and built-in security and compliance controls. Organizations use Egnyte to replace legacy file servers and NAS systems while improving visibility, governance, teamwork, and productivity.

Egnyte uses intelligent caching and change synchronization to keep large files available and up-to-date. Egnyte offers intelligent caching options to speed up access for in-office users, and distributed users alike. Other functionality like only changing new edits and opening a file after a portion of a file is downloaded from the cloud help make accessing large files easier.

Egnyte is designed to support remote teams working with large and complex files, including design, engineering, media, and project data. It provides fast access, version control, and secure sharing to support performance and collaboration for distributed teams, without needing a VPN.

Egnyte enables organizations to consolidate disjointed repositories, on-premises file servers, NAS systems, and other cloud storage into a single unified file platform. This unified repository provides centralized access, consistent security policies, rich intelligence, and simplified administration.

Yes. It’s possible to use desktop versions of applications to work with content directly in the cloud. Many industry-specific applications only exist on the desktop, such as Adobe, Autodesk, Bentley, Esri, and more. To these applications, a cloud file server looks just like a local drive, accessed via a mapped drive on Windows or a mounted drive in macOS. A cloud file server can support working with these applications in the cloud, just like an on-premises file server.