Novell Introduces Filr

Novell
Inc. released Novell
Filr, a file sharing solution that provides access to corporate
files, while giving IT control of shared files.

Unlike cloud-based file sharing
solutions like Dropbox, Skydrive or Google Drive, it is built for the
enterprise.

It leverages an organization’s
on-premise infrastructure, eliminating the need to manage third-party
services, rebuild access controls, or regulate the use of unapproved
file sharing applications. By integrating with existing file systems,
the service mobilizes the files users have already created, right
where they’re already stored – without the security or compliance
risks that come with storing files in a cloud controlled by a third
party.

According to a Gartner report, file
synchronization and sharing are critical capabilities for
organizations with a mobile workforce and the need to accommodate
today’s BYOD trends.

"We expect IT organizations
will face increasing demand for these capabilities, with deeper focus
on security and compliance by regulated or security-conscious
enterprises," said Gartner analysts Monica Basso and Jeffrey
Mann.

"We chose to participate in the
beta testing of Novell Filr because we had multiple requests from
stakeholders for a secure file access and sharing solution,
independent of the cloud, that didn’t involve duplicating efforts,"
said Paul Pedron, senior setwork systems specialist for the City of
Fresno. "Our workforce is becoming more mobile and we needed
to find a way to internally manage and secure data. Novell Filr’s
ability to control versioning, allow users access to the internal
network and automatically instate all structure and provisioning
previously in place, has been unlike any other solutions we’ve looked
into. Security of data is our primary concern and with hundreds of
devices testing Novell Filr in beta, we are confident in the solution
and look forward to rolling it out in full production."

The proliferation of mobile devices has
created a need not only for mobile device management, but for mobile
content management. The ability to let mobile workers access, share
and collaborate on files is key to any mobility initiative and a
component of contemporary business success. Novell’s product enables
these capabilities, while keeping files on the corporate server with
their access rights, quotas, backup systems, firewalls, DR protocols
and existing policies intact.

"With our 30-year legacy in
file and networking services and our commitment to providing
security-focused solutions that drive workplace productivity, we are
changing the game with Novell Filr – a true enterprise-quality
solution for mobile file access and sharing," said Bob
Flynn, Novell president and GM. "Unlike any other file
sharing solution on the market today, Novell Filr provides the access
and collaboration capabilities to keep employees happy and
productive, while meeting IT’s need for enhanced security, compliance
and the ability to leverage established policies and protocols."

The service enables organizations to
maintain productivity while taking advantage of existing security
policies and procedures for secure file sharing.

Some of the features include:

• On Premise Solution: Avoid
  abandoning the infrastructure you’ve already built and help keep
  files in accordance with established data security policies and
  procedures.

• Immediate Access to Files:
  It leverages existing policies and procedures to auto-populate
  employees’ folders, thus providing access to files across a network.

• Cross-Platform Integration:
  Enables businesses to leverage existing investments, including NetIQ
  Directory and Microsoft Active Directory.

• Secure File Sharing Internally and
  Externally: While files can be shared inside and outside the
  organization, they remain on existing enterprise file servers,
  eliminating the need to move or duplicate files.

• Global Search: Search
  capabilities are granted across organizations based on users’ access
  rights.

• Offline Access: Users can access
  files from anywhere, at any time, on any device – whether connected
  or not – and changes will be synchronized when back online.

• Collaboration: Provides the
  ability for employees to add commentary and work on a single document
  simultaneously while keeping the document secure.

"What sets Novell Filr apart
from competitive offerings is that all files are stored on your
internal network, making it a true enterprise-grade solution,"
said Jacques Sauve, president of Adaris
Technologies Ltd. "While the security aspect alone has
excited our customers, Filr’s ability to expose any directory on
existing network file systems to give users anywhere, anytime access
is a key advantage as more organizations utilize a mobile workforce
operating outside the four corporate walls. With the Filr Desktop
client, users can also sync any network folder to the local drive,
enabling them to be productive even while offline. Overall, Novell
Filr helps users rediscover their shared network storage and enhances
overall productivity in and out of the office."

Novell Filr is the last addition to
Novell’s mobility portfolio and a response to enterprise demand for
secure mobile file access and sharing.

It is available