Novell iFolder gives IT managers a secure, manageable, and easy-to-implement file management solution that makes every computer user in a company more productive by eliminating the hassles of creating, storing, and managing files across multiple devices and locations. Benefits of iFolder to the enterprise include the following:
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.
With Novell iFolder encryption, data stored on the server is secure not only from unauthorized access, but it also 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 data to 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. iFolder also gives Internet Service Providers (ISPs) the ability to offer a user-trusted backup solution for their customers' critical business or personal data.
With Novell iFolder encryption, stored data is secure from unauthorized network access. In the past, executives fearing unauthorized access to sensitive data have been hesitant to store some confidential documents on the network. iFolder eliminates this concern, encrypting all data before it moves it across the Internet and stores it on the Novell iFolder server, keeping it out of the hands of unauthorized 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. 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 laptop from various desktop and network locations. The iFolder client can automatically update users' laptop and desktops with the most current versions of their files. Even if a user loses a laptop, all those files can still be accessed with any computer connected to the Internet.
The cross-platform capabilities of Novell iFolder enable it to easily mesh with any organization's Web infrastructure. The iFolder server integrates with either the Apache Web server on NetWare® and Linux* or the Microsoft* Internet Information Server (IIS) Web server on Windows* 2000 and Windows* 2003, enabling organizations to run iFolder on their preferred platforms. Additionally, the solution's Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) support for user authentication allows organizations to leverage Novell eDirectory on NetWare, Linux, and Windows 2000 servers, or Microsoft Active Directory* on Windows 2000 and Windows 2003 servers.
One of the key features of iFolder is its ability to scale to a large and growing environment. You can install iFolder on multiple servers, allowing your iFolder environment to grow with your business.
There is no practical limit to the number of iFolder servers that you can have in your iFolder network—a single iFolder server handles up to 10,000 user accounts, depending on the amount of memory available. The servers appear as a single iFolder system for management and user access.
Because iFolder takes care of redirecting user authentication requests to the correct iFolder server, the login procedure is a seamless experience for the user. As your iFolder network grows, your management costs stay the same, because the management of all iFolder servers is centralized through the iFolder Management Console.
Novell iFolder was designed to allow for easy setup and management by IT professionals. The iFolder server can be managed from any location, using a standard Web browser.
iFolder also frees IT departments from routine maintenance tasks with its automatic file updates, synchronization, and encryption. Also, because local files are automatically updated to the network, iFolder ensures that data is protected on both corporate and individual levels.
IT managers also have the option to manage Novell iFolder accounts, using the power of Novell eDirectory or Microsoft Active Directory (on Windows 2000 and Windows 2003 servers only).
IT personnel no longer need to condition or train users to perform special tasks to ensure the consistency of data stored on their laptop and on the network. With Novell iFolder, users simply store their files in the local iFolder directory on their PCs. Their files will be automatically updated to the iFolder server and any other workstations that they use. iFolder works seamlessly behind the scenes so users don't even need to know it's there.