January MyWorkDrive Newsletter 2024
Exceptional Tech Support
In today’s modern tech world, SaaS products are becoming increasingly complex. With trainings, webinars, and long support calls, finding the solutions to sticky situations can be a costly time suck. That’s why a product with a stellar support staff is vital. Unfortunately, many organizations are making support an afterthought. Once a product is purchased there is little regard for continued customer satisfaction and when a problem arises the customer is pawned off to a token support staff often located offshore.
When customers encounter issues or have questions, the quality of support they receive plays a pivotal role in shaping their perception of a brand. Slow response times, unhelpful or uninformed replies, and a lack of empathy can leave customers feeling undervalued and disheartened. This negative experience not only affects their current transaction but also tarnishes a brand’s reputation, as dissatisfied customers are likely to share their grievances with others.
Moreover, inadequate support can lead to increased customer churn. When customers don’t feel their concerns are addressed promptly and effectively, they are more likely to explore alternatives. Losing customers not only impacts revenue but also erodes the trust and loyalty a brand has worked hard to build.
At MyWorkDrive, we understand the significance of exceptional customer support. That’s why we prioritize providing robust and effective US-based support. Our team is committed to ensuring that your queries are addressed promptly and with the utmost care. We believe in going the extra mile to enhance your experience with our product.
Some vendors seem to value only an initial purchase, charge for poor support, and pester customers with upselling. This goes against the founding principles at MyWorkDrive.
In contrast to the drawbacks of subpar support, investing in a reliable support system can lead to improved customer satisfaction and loyalty. We are proud to offer a support system that stands out in the industry – one that values your time and concerns.
FAQ Spotlight
What is CMMC Compliance and How Does it Relate to File Share Access?
CMMC stands for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification. It’s a verification program that helps the US Department of Defense (DoD) determine if an organization is secure enough to work with sensitive data. CMMC is required for anyone in the DoD supply chain, including contractors, vendors, and subcontractors. The goal of CMMC is to protect information from unauthorized use or disclosure.
MyWorkDrive enables organizations to deploy file sharing that meets CMMC compliance standards on their own Windows file server infrastructure while still providing users with an enterprise file share collaboration and remote access solution without migrating files to proprietary cloud storage sync/share services.
Version 7 Preview Webinar Recording Now Available
Complete the registration form below to view the video instantly:
MyWorkDrive now available in the Rippling Store
We’re excited to announce that MyWorkDrive is now available on the Rippling App Shop. Rippling is a leading HR management platform that makes it easy to manage your employees’ apps and workflows.
With Rippling and MyWorkDrive, you can provide your team with secure access to important files without complex VPNs or data migration. This integration creates a streamlined experience for your business.
Rippling offers a comprehensive solution to manage HR and IT, including over 700 app integrations. The activity stream gives you real-time visibility into employee app usage.
MyWorkDrive enables remote access to your files wherever they live. Together with Rippling, we can help you simplify employee onboarding, organize HR documents, and keep your workforce connected.
Check out MyWorkDrive today on the Rippling App Shop or in our Rippling SAML support article to experience the benefits of our integrated platforms. We believe this partnership will create more efficient workflows and an improved experience for your business and employees.
October MyWorkDrive Newsletter 2023
Software Development Risks
FAQ Spotlight
What is Vendor Lock-in and How Does it Relate to File Share Access?
June MyWorkDrive Newsletter 2023
Embracing Multi-Cloud for File Sharing: Breaking Free from Vendor Lock-In
In today’s digital landscape, file sharing has become an integral part of both personal and professional activities. The rise of cloud computing has revolutionized the way we store, access, and collaborate on files, offering unprecedented convenience and scalability. However, relying on a single cloud provider for all file sharing needs can lead to vendor lock-in, limiting flexibility and hindering innovation. This is where the concept of multi-cloud enters the picture, empowering organizations and individuals to break free from the chains of vendor dependency.
What is Multi-Cloud?
Multi-cloud refers to the practice of utilizing multiple cloud service providers simultaneously to meet specific business or personal needs. Rather than relying on a single provider, multi-cloud strategies embrace a diverse ecosystem of cloud solutions, each offering unique features, performance, and pricing models. By leveraging different clouds, organizations gain greater control over their data and applications while reducing the risks associated with vendor lock-in.
Preventing Vendor Lock-In: Vendor lock-in occurs when an organization becomes heavily dependent on a specific cloud provider, making it difficult or costly to switch to an alternative solution. This situation can arise due to proprietary file formats, limited data migration capabilities, or the absence of interoperability between cloud platforms. Multi-cloud strategies, on the other hand, enable users to mitigate these risks and maintain flexibility by distributing workloads across multiple clouds. Here’s how multi-cloud can help prevent vendor lock-in in the context of file sharing:
1. Data Redundancy and Resilience:
By distributing files across multiple clouds, users ensure data redundancy and resilience. In the event of a service outage or disruption from one provider, files can still be accessed from alternative sources. This redundancy reduces the risk of data loss or downtime, safeguarding business continuity and user productivity.
2. Interoperability and Portability:
Multi-cloud environments allow organizations to choose the cloud provider best suited for each specific task. This flexibility prevents reliance on a single provider’s proprietary file formats, APIs, or toolsets, enabling seamless integration between different cloud platforms. It also facilitates easier migration of data and applications between clouds, should the need arise.
3. Cost Optimization: With multi-cloud, companies have the opportunity to optimize costs by selecting the most cost-effective provider for different workloads or storage requirements. Each cloud provider offers varying pricing models, and by strategically distributing files, organizations can take advantage of competitive pricing and avoid vendor lock-in due to escalating costs.
4. Innovation and Agility:
Embracing multi-cloud fosters a culture of innovation and agility. It allows organizations to tap into the unique strengths and services offered by different providers, tailoring solutions to meet specific requirements. This diversity promotes experimentation, encourages faster adoption of emerging technologies, and enables organizations to stay ahead in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Conclusion: Multi-cloud is emerging as a powerful strategy for file sharing, liberating organizations from the constraints of vendor lock-in. By distributing workloads across multiple cloud providers, organizations can ensure data redundancy and gain greater control over their data and applications while reducing the risks associated with vendor lock-in.
MyWorkDrive Version 6.4 Released to Production
We are excited to announce the Production Release of MyWorkDrive Server 6.4 with support for OneDrive and SharePoint Storage and Public file and folder sharing. Version 6.4 also includes additional improvements and bug fixes.
Get the full details and downloads on our 6.4 Server Launch Page
March MyWorkDrive Newsletter 2023
Migrate to the Cloud with MyWorkDrive
Moving to the Cloud? Think MyWorkDrive First.
MyWorkDrive is a core component of many Cloud First or Cloud Migration strategies, owing to map drive functionality in the Windows/macOS Clients which uses HTTPS and doesn’t require insecure ports like 445 or complicated VPN connections; coupled with flexible storage sources like SMB/Windows Shares, non-windows CIFS shares, Azure File Shares with SMB, and now OneDrive and SharePoint with version 6.4 (currently in Preview). Users who’s file shares have been migrated to the cloud can still have their same share paths, without having any on-premise file servers.
MyWorkDrive Cloud Based File Server Benefits
- Keep the same user experience with no training needed
- No vendor Lock-in with storage that you control
- Simple, Easy Setup with No Migration
- No hardware to maintain on-premises
- Unlimited Capacity and no file count limits
- Reduce cost compared to cloud only services
- Maintain Data Privacy, Control of files and storage location
Many new customers come to MyWorkDrive at the point they migrate to the cloud, discovering SMB ports blocked by their ISP, file limits, syncing issues or struggling under the user requests related to failed VPN connections. The deployment options for MyWorkDrive are flexible, to suit your organization’s preferences for scale, redundancy and reliably.
MyWorkDrive can work with any SMB file storage
- File shares on VMs
- Azure file shares
- Azure NetApp Files
- Amazon FSX
- Network Attached Storage
MyWorkDrive now also connects to OneDrive and SharePoint Sites, folders, and Libraries in version 6.4 (currently in preview).
Active Directory
MyWorkDrive authenticates users using Active Directory (Active Directory Domain Services). What is commonly thought of as “on prem active directory”, this is also easy to run in the cloud.
- It could be Domain Controllers moved to the cloud as VMs.
- It could be a read only domain controller sync’d from On Prem via VPN
- Or it could be Azure AD Domain Services (“Hosted Active Directory”) from Microsoft or Directory Services from AWS.
A sample configuration in Azure might include
- Azure File Shares (Premium for daily work loads, Standard for archival data) with SMB Multi-Channel enabled
- Azure AD Domain Services hosted AD
- Domain Joined Windows Server with MyWorkDrive with Accelerated Networking enabled.
View SMB and OneDrive/SharePoint files in one interface
When clients initially size their file shares, they often include the user’s home folders that they’re migrating in their size estimates. Often, users with Microsoft or Office 365 licenses will have OneDrive storage included with their license, and user folders can be migrated to OneDrive, cutting back on enterprise storage needs.
With 6.4, those home folders and SharePoint sites can be mapped through MyWorkDrive, eliminating the need to deploy the OneDrive sync client, or retrain users – since the drive letter can still be “U:” for their user data, but now pointed to OneDrive instead of an SMB Path (or “h” or “j” or whatever letter is being used).
What’s coming next
MyWorkDrive was founded around the core value that organizations should have the option to retain ownership and control of their files – wherever they are stored. With that in mind, our future road map items include:
- Broader support for file storage beyond SMB. You already see that with our introduction of OneDrive/SharePoint.
- Azure File Shares and Azure Blob Storage via API Key with the possibility of other API Key integrations such as Amazon S3, Cloudflare R2, Google Cloud Storage, Back Blaze, etc.
- AzureAD SSO for user validation without Active Directory Domain Services
In the future look for support for other SSOs and directory-less alternatives as likely possibilities.
Looking to migrates files or services to the cloud? Learn more..
February MyWorkDrive Newsletter 2023
Introduction to Web Storage Server Solutions
With enterprise, businesses and government employees working remotely, reliable and secure web based file access is critical. This is where web storage server solutions come into play. With a web storage server solution, you can store, manage, and share your data securely using a secure web browser.. In this article, we will take a closer look at the benefits and features of web storage a server solutions and how implementing them can improve employee productivity and file security. Learn more..
MyWorkDrive Version 6.4 Released to Preview
We are excited to announce the Preview Release of MyWorkDrive Server 6.4 with support for OneDrive and SharePoint Storage and Public file and folder sharing. Version 6.4 preview also includes additional improvements and bug fixes. MyWorkDrive Server Version 6.4 is a major update in preview. Customers are advised to test version 6.4 in a separate or standalone environment.
OneDrive/SharePoint Storage
SharePoint and OneDrive are collaboration and document management platforms by Microsoft which can now be integrated with MyWorkDrive for file access and storage services. By enabling OneDrive and SharePoint Storage in MyWorkDrive, customers can now access OneDrive and SharePoint files side by side with standard SMB File Shares. OneDrive/SharePoint File Share Access allows MyWorkDrive Servers to connect to OneDrive and SharePoint Sites and make them available to clients via the MyWorkDrive Web Browser, Desktop as a Mapped Drive and Mobile Clients. In addition to accessing, saving and updating files, OneDrive/SharePoint in MyWorkDrive supports external public file sharing. Support Articles: SharePoint OneDrive
Public Sharing
Starting with version 6.4, With Public Sharing in MyWorkDrive you can securely collaborate with people outside your organization such as your business partners, vendors, clients, or customers — without the recipient needing a MyWorkDrive account. You can share files or folders with them by creating a link that you can send via email or other methods. You can also control who can view or edit your files and set expiration date and password for your link. Public Share links can be created from the Web, Windows and macOS clients, with a public link management tool for users included in the Web client. Support Article
New Consolidated Integrations Tab
We moved all 3rd party integrations to their own tab in the Server Admin Panel called Integrations. This simplifies and enhances support and availability of 3rd party services and storage providers. Support Article
Cloudflare File Size Limits Removed
We removed the file size limits for MyWorkDrive sites utilizing our Cloudflare hosts under MyWorkDrive.net reverse proxy. MyWorkDrive can be easily integrated with Cloudflare® Tunnel services to automatically provide a secure web address without exposing the MyWorkDrive server to the internet or provisioning security appliances.
Get the full details and downloads on our 6.4 Preview Server Launch Page
MyWorkDrive 6.4 Preview Webinar Registration
On Thursday March 16th, 2023, 9:00 AM PST (12:00 PM EDT, 5:00 PM UTC) we will demonstrate new the features and enhancements in MyWorkDrive version 6.4 currently in preview. Complete the form below to register.
Features Covered:
- OneDrive/SharePoint Storage
- Public Sharing
- New Consolidated Integrations Tab
- Mapped Drive Client Updates
- Mobile Client Updates
Join us: Thursday March 16th, 2023
Start Time: 09:00 AM PST, (12:00 PM EDT, 5:00 PM UTC)
January MyWorkDrive Newsletter 2023
MyWorkDrive 2022 Year in Review and 2023 Road Map
2022 was a great year for MyWorkDrive. We were honored to add numerous customers across all sectors including highly renowned Educational institutions, Governments and Enterprise businesses. This has enabled us to expand our team and continue to invest in new features and security technologies for use by our customers. Some of the major highlights in for 2022 include:
MyWorkDrive Server & Web Client
- Device Approval for Mobile and Mapped Drive Clients
- Server Health Dashboard
- Delegated Guest User Sharing
- Publishing Logs to Syslog server
- Clustering of Office Locks
- Sessions Management
Windows & MacOS Clients
- Performance Improvements to directory browsing and file opening/saving.
- Speed improvements in file saving, particularly in high volume environments
- DLP Mapped Drive Installer Options
- Native file system driver for the macOS Client
MyWorkDrive 2023 Roadmap
Look forward to the following new major features in preview soon:
- External Public Link Sharing
- OneDrive Storage Drive Mounting
- SharePoint Site Drive Mounting
Watch a preview of these new features highlighted in our recent webinar here.
MyWorkDrive was founded around the core value that organizations should have the option to retain ownership and control of their files, whether they are stored online or locally and should not be forced to migrate, convert, or store them in proprietary cloud storage providers requiring vendor lock-in just to experience the benefits of secure online access or collaboration.
Further to that core value, look forward to additional cloud storage options starting with Azure blob storage and Azure file shares. Expanding on that, look forward to alternative authentication options starting with Azure AD (no Active Directory needed).
MyWorkDrive 6.3 Webinar and Demo
We recently demonstrated new features and enhancements in MyWorkDrive version 6.3 and a preview of features currently under development in 6.4.
- External Public Link Sharing
- OneDrive Storage Drive Mounting
- SharePoint Site Drive Mounting
View the Webinar using this link:
December MyWorkDrive Newsletter 2022
Secure your file sharing over HTTPS
In the wake of ransomware attacks and other threats, businesses, governments and schools are under the constant threat. Legacy remote access mechanisms such as VPN are no longer sufficient to protect files from encryption, theft, data leaks and ransomware.
Unfortunately, migrating files to cloud services as alternative has not proven to be the magic bullet for improving security and controlling costs. Cloud – like any other source of compute and storage resources – tends to sprawl, can be mismanaged and requires vendor lock-in by cloud sync and share vendors that store files in proprietary cloud storage.
The alternative, utilizing VPN software to connect to work resources, is that end users are creating an open tunnel between their home and corporate networks. This provides malware lateral access to numerous network ports across the network. Many companies are looking for a way to lock down their networks to prevent SMB file share access.
According to Gartner, by 2025, 70% of Enterprises will phase out most of their remote access VPN solutions in favor of Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA).
This is where MyWorkDrive can help. MyWorkDrive provides secure remote access to files and file shares without having to use VPNs, manage SQL databases, or migrating files to proprietary cloud storage.
MyWorkDrive multiplexes control and data over a single https connection from client to server which is simple for firewalls to manage and scan for security vulnerabilities.
In addition to Zero Trust Security MyWorkDrive adds these additional Security Features:
- File Type Blocking
- File Size Limiting
- Two factor Authentication
- SAML/Single-Sign-On
- Device Approval
- Data Leak Prevention view of files with download/copy/print restrictions.
- Alerting
MyWorkDrive Webinar and Demo
Register to join our resident experts on Thursday, December 8th, 2022 9:00 AM PST where we will demonstrate new features and enhancements in MyWorkDrive version 6.3 and a preview of features currently under development in 6.4.
- External Public Link Sharing
- OneDrive Storage Drive Mounting
- SharePoint Site Drive Mounting
Register using this link:
Can’t make that time? Register anyway and we’ll send you the recording.
Map a network drive on macOS remotely using MyWorkDrive
Did you know MyWorkDrive has a native mapped network drive client for macOS?
macOS users can enjoy the same easy-to-use, full featured experience as Windows users with the MyWorkDrive mapped network drive client for macOS. Complete remote file share access natively in Finder without needing to install a complicated VPN, or being stuck using a web client while connecting over a secure https connection.
Join MyWorkDrive at The Western Australian Technical Support in Schools Association (WATSSA)
We are excited to be a sponsor of the The West Australian Technical Support in Schools Association (WATSSA) ICT in Education Conference being held on November 23rd and 24th. This event will consist of Technical, ICT Leadership discussions and will feature software solution sponsors. MyWorkDrive will be presenting our solution along with other presenters on topics such as Software Development, Wireless and Networking, Remote Access and Office 365
Join our team in person at this important event at Crown Perth, Great Eastern Hwy, Burswood WA 6100, Australia. We are excited to sponsor a powerful series of sessions that provide inspiration, participation, education, and thought-provocation in education technology!
We look forward to showcasing our MyWorkDrive file share remote access software in use by educational institutions worldwide.
Join MyWorkDrive at Bay Area Government Digital Summit
We are excited to be a sponsor of the Bay Area Government Digital Summit by Govtech on Aug 25, 2022. Join our team in person at this important event on Government Technology’s passion in promoting best practices and spurring innovation in the public sector – more important than ever in challenging times like these. We are excited to sponsor a powerful series of sessions that provide inspiration, participation, education, and thought-provocation in government technology!
We look forward to showcasing our MyWorkDrive file share remote access software in use by governments worldwide.
August MyWorkDrive Newsletter 2022
Have members of the IT Admin team that could use a walk through of MyWorkDrive? Been a while since you’ve set it up and want a refresher or personal demo of new features? Book a time & we’ll be happy to answer questions or provide an overview with one of our engineers.
Kind Regards,
MyWorkDrive Team
Server Setup & Optimization
A complete Server Setup guide and latest Video is here: Server Configuration Guide.
Quickly update your MyWorkDrive server to the latest version at any time (Upgrades are free!), our guide steps you through the process.
Deploying and Upgrading installed clients is easy with our scripted deployment options.
Most Popular Features
Edit and Collaborate in Office Online while keeping files local article and video clip.
Device Approval (newest feature since version 6.2)
Native Single Sign On. Setup and learn about Single Sign On options with ADFS or SAML providers.
User Video Resources to Share
Web File Manager: short demo video on how to use MyWorkDrive in the browser
Client Demo: watch here how to access MyWorkDrive from the Windows Client
Mac OS: how to use the native Client for MyWorkDrive on Mac systems