1.1.1 Seamless Data Access

Novell iFolder greatly simplifies the IT department’s ability to keep users productive. It empowers users by enabling their data to follow them wherever they go.

The days of users e-mailing themselves project files so they can work on them from home are gone, along with the frustration associated with sorting through different versions of the same file on different machines. iFolder stores and synchronizes users’ work in such a way that no matter what client or what location they log in from, their files are available and in the condition that they expect them to be. Users can access the most up-to-date version of their documents from any computer using the iFolder client or Web access.

Figure 1-1 Novell iFolder 3.x Access Methods

1.1.2 Data Safeguards and Data Recovery

With Novell iFolder, data stored on the server can be easily safeguarded from system crashes and disasters that can result in data loss. When a user saves a file locally, the iFolder client can automatically update the data on the iFolder server, where it immediately becomes available for an organization’s regular network backup operations. iFolder makes it easier for IT managers to ensure that all of an organization’s critical data is protected.

1.1.3 Reliable Data Security

With Novell iFolder, LDAP-based authentication for access to stored data helps prevent unauthorized network access.

1.1.4 Productive Mobile Users

A Novell iFolder solution makes it significantly easier to support mobile users. VPN connections are no longer needed to deliver secure data access to mobile users. Authentication and data transfer use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology to protect data on the wire.

Users do not need to learn or perform any special procedures to access their files when working from home or on the road. iFolder does away with version inconsistency, making it simple for users to access the most up-to-date version of their documents from any connected desktop, laptop, Web browser, or handheld device.

In preparation to travel or work from home, users no longer need to copy essential data to their laptops from various desktop and network locations. The iFolder client can automatically update a user’s local computer with the most current file versions. Even when a personal computer is not available, users can access all their files via Web access with any computer connected to the Internet.

1.1.5 Cross-Platform Client Support

The iFolder client is available for Linux, Windows*, and Macintosh* desktops. The Novell iFolder 3.x Web Access server provides a Web interface that allows users to access their files on the enterprise server with a Web browser from any computer with an active network or Internet connection.

1.1.6 Scalable Deployment

iFolder easily scales from small to large environments. You can install iFolder on multiple servers, allowing your iFolder environment to grow with your business. A single iFolder enterprise server handles up to about 1,000 user accounts, depending on the amount of memory and storage available. Users in an LDAP context can be concurrently provisioned for iFolder services simply by assigning the context to an iFolder server.

1.1.7 Simple Data and Account Management

Management of all iFolder enterprise servers is centralized through the Novell iFolder 3 plug-in to Novell iManager 2.5. Novell iFolder allows management from any location, using a standard Web browser. iFolder also frees IT departments from routine maintenance tasks by providing secure, automatic synchronization of local files to the server.

1.1.8 No Training Requirements

IT personnel no longer need to condition or train users to perform special tasks to ensure the consistency of data stored locally and on the network. With Novell iFolder, users simply store their files in the local iFolder directory. Their files are automatically updated to the iFolder server and any other workstations that share the iFolder. iFolder works seamlessly behind the scenes to ensure that data is protected and synchronized.