Enterprise software provider Novell announced the release of Filr, a file-sharing platform designed to provide anywhere, any-device access to corporate files, while giving IT complete control of all their shared files.
Filr mobilizes the files users have already created, where they’re already stored, without the security or compliance risks that come with storing files in a cloud controlled by a third party. The platform leverages an organization’s existing on-premise infrastructure, eliminating the need to manage third-party services, rebuild access controls or regulate the use of unapproved file-sharing applications.
The launch represents the newest addition to Novell’s fast-growing mobility portfolio and a response to enterprise demand for secure mobile file access and sharing. Unlike consumer-oriented and cloud-based file-sharing solutions such as Dropbox, Skydrive or Google Drive, it is built specifically for the enterprise.
The platform is designed for bring-your-own-device (BYOD) environments to enhance mobile productivity, while keeping files on the corporate server with their access rights, quotas, backup systems, firewalls, disaster recovery protocols and existing policies intact. Cross-platform integration enables businesses to leverage existing investments, including NetIQ eDirectory and Microsoft Active Directory.
“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 Filr–a true enterprise-quality solution for mobile file access and sharing,” Bob Flynn, Novell president and general manager, said in a statement. “Unlike any other file-sharing solution on the market today, 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.”
In addition, search capabilities are granted across organizations based on users’ access rights, and Filr offers the ability for numerous employees to add commentary and work on a single document simultaneously while keeping the document secure. Novell has clients and apps for desktops, notebooks, smartphones and tablets on a variety of platforms, including Windows, Linux, Apple iOS, Google Android and others.
“We chose to participate in the beta testing of 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,” Paul Pedron, senior network systems specialist for the city of Fresno, said in a statement. “Our workforce is becoming more mobile, and we needed to find a way to internally manage and secure data. 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 Filr in beta, we are confident in the solution and look forward to rolling it out in full production.”
The platform is licensed per user and sold as an annual subscription in 50-user license packs. A 50-user perpetual license is also available, and Filr is also available as an entitlement. Customers with maintenance on Novell Open Enterprise Server or Novell Open Workgroup Suite will receive a Filr subscription entitlement as a benefit of their Maintenance plan, a company release noted.