PROMISE FileCruiser: A Private Dropbox-like Solution for SMBs and SMEs
by Ganesh T S on August 28, 2014 2:53 AM EST- Posted in
- NAS
- Storage
- IT Computing
- Promise
- Enterprise
PROMISE Technology launched a private Dropbox-like cloud storage solution for enterprise file synchronization and sharing last week. Dubbed 'FileCruiser', this is a comprehensive solution targeting SMBs and SMEs (particularly those who still rely on FTP as a mode of data exchange between users).
As the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) trend proliferates, mobile apps become an essential part of the enterprise file sharing solution. FileCruiser's apps provides access and sync capabilities across a variety of devices (Android / iOS, Mac / Windows). The IT administrator can set limits on file types and sizes that users can upload to the FileCruiser storage. The platform also provides support for team collaboration, link sharing with password protection and expiry dates. Data security is also important in this market segment. In addition to the standard 256-bit AES encryption, we also have two-factor authentication for mobile apps, audit trail and remote wiping capabilities for lost devices. The FileCruiser app also supports streaming of media files. This avoids the need to download the complete stream to the mobile device prior to playback.
FileCruiser can be implemented on multiple hardware platforms, but PROMISE also provides dedicated SKUs combining both hardware and software. The specifications of the FileCruiser VA2600 and VR2600 are presented below.
Source: PROMISE Technology
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Gigaplex - Thursday, August 28, 2014 - link
"FileCruiser can be implemented on multiple hardware platforms, but PROMISE also provides dedicated SKUs combining both hardware and software."Does that mean you can run the software on your own existing hardware? If so, what platforms?
nathanddrews - Thursday, August 28, 2014 - link
From the FAQ:Can I buy FileCruiser software only?
FileCruiser provides a VMware version. This version is only for selected partners or
big projects.
The client can be installed on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android. "Windows mobile might be added in the future depending on demand."
The server runs Ubuntu 12.04.04. From the documentation, it doesn't appear that you can use the FileCruiser Server software separately. You can, however, backup a FileCruiser Server to any other storage server.
http://www.promise.com/promotion_page/promotion_pa...
http://www.promise.com/media_bank/Download%20Bank/...
jospoortvliet - Thursday, August 28, 2014 - link
What software does it run? It seems to lack capabilities compared to ownCloud, which you'd run on existing hardware. What advantage does the dedicated hardware bring, if anything?I find it hard to imagine it is feasible for to move all data to this new storage - and loose the abilities of existing sharepoint/ftp/etc etc etc. It would be much nicer to keep data where it is and have a solution that then provides the transparent dropbox-like experience with a nice web UI and the mobile apps. Of course that IS ownCloud. Is the FileCruiser interesting from a storage price pov at least?
ganeshts - Thursday, August 28, 2014 - link
These are storage appliances targeting SMBs and SMEs with dedicated IT staff. ownCloud is definitely interesting and has an Enterprise version too, but PROMISE delivers a package - if something doesn't work as it should in ownCloud, is there someone to complain to? The value of bundling the hardware together is also the same - single contact for support.In any case, I have also been following ownCloud for quite some time - I am not sure whether they have enterprise security as a primary factor in deciding their feature set - For example, I believe they don't have any support for 'Remote Wipe' in case of lost mobile devices.
I think the target market for ownCloud and the FileCruiser are very different.
jospoortvliet - Thursday, August 28, 2014 - link
Well, if something doesn't work in ownCloud, talk to support - but yeah, remote wipe isn't currently a feature although I guess that's simply because nobody asked for it yet. Security is pretty central to ownCloud as there is little point owning your data unless it is secure ;-)ganeshts - Thursday, August 28, 2014 - link
http://forum.owncloud.org/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=...Remote Wipe being requested more than a year back, albeit for a different purpose (not a lost mobile device). I would still say that ownCloud treats security as a 'checklist' feature (and actually that is more than enough for lot of folks cooking up their own storage solution with bits and pieces from various quarters)
Anyways, ownCloud works for small teams who are more interested in saving money, or spending very little towards the enterprise version compared to comprehensive solutions such as this one from PROMISE. The main reason SMBs / SMEs go for these type of solutions is a single point of contact - Say, something is messed up in the hardware and the team is asking IT to get system back onlilne ASAP - In a ownCloud scenario - the hardware replacement has to arrive, ownCloud has to be reinstalled / reconfigured and so on - all these take up the IT admin's time when they really just want the unit to be up and running quickly. PROMISE will probably have a lower turnaround time / be more efficient for this process. As I mentioned earlier, the target markets are different.
tyrone1994 - Thursday, August 28, 2014 - link
Enterprise File Share and Sync (EFSS) appliance is an interesting idea. There is a market for backup appliances - why not EFSS appliance? Time will tell.In case if one is looking for a enterprise grade, self-hosted owncloud alternative, check out Tonido FileCloud (http://www.getfilecloud.com) . The product has all the security features enterprises are looking for - hipaa style audit logging, remote wipe, rbac access and currently used by close 1000 businesses in production.