1.1 What Is Novell Filr?

Novell Filr provides file access and sharing, and lets users access their home directories and network folders from mobile devices and the Web. Users can also synchronize their files to their PC and Mac computers. They can also share files internally and externally, and comment on files.

Figure 1-1 Mobile Access to Enterprise Data

  • Users: Filr lets you control the following:

    • User authentication inside and outside your organization

    • Access to organization files and folders that were previously accessible only through mapped drives

    • Access to personal files and folders in Filr-based storage in addition to traditional Windows, OES, and NetWare home directories

    • Internal and external sharing of files and folders

  • Access Devices and Methods: Filr provides multiple access methods.

    • A Web (browser-based) application

    • Apps for Apple iOS 6 and later, Android 2.3 and later, Windows phones 8.0 and 8.1, and BlackBerry PlayBook and Z10 personal devices

    • Clients for Windows 7 and 8 workstations

    • A client for Macintosh OS X 10.9 and later workstations

  • Filr Virtual Appliance:

    • This runs on VMware, Xen, and Hyper-V hypervisors.

    • It lets users authenticate using their eDirectory and Active Directory usernames and passwords.

    • It provides access to data on NetWare, OES, Windows, and SharePoint servers that use native file protocols (NCP and CIFS).

      NOTE:SharePoint integration with Filr is available only when you purchase an enhanced Filr license.

  • Existing File Servers: Are not impacted because Filr does the following:

    • Requires no changes to file servers

    • Honors file system trustee rights and attributes

      Your Novell and Microsoft file servers and directory services retain complete control over all file- and folder-related activity.