Enabling fast, secure remote access to on-prem file servers with a hybrid cloud approach
This leading manufacturer of gears, gearboxes, and precision machined parts has served industrial markets for more than two decades.
This case study summarizes a hybrid cloud solution — integrating a File Server Agent with cloud storage — to deliver secure, high-performance remote access, better mobile access, and simplified collaboration while preserving existing on-prem workflows and NTFS permissions.
Field teams and remote engineers frequently need timely access to large design files and project folders stored on the company’s on-premises file server.
Traditional VPN + SMB/CIFS access proved slow and unreliable for users working from remote or network-constrained locations.
▪ The company maintains large technical drawings, CAD files, and production documents on a central file server used by a small core team with under 1 TB of data.
▪ Remote users (field engineers and contractors) often connect from sites or client locations with limited or intermittent bandwidth.
▪ VPN + SMB/CIFS access causes slow file operations (open/save), leading to productivity loss and user frustration.
▪ A cost-effective hybrid cloud solution was needed to preserve existing folder structure, NTFS permissions, and user credentials.
The chosen approach deployed a File Server Agent on the on-prem server to synchronize local CIFS/SMB network shares with cloud storage in two directions.
Remote users then streamed files over HTTPS from cloud storage (instead of full SMB round trips over VPN), improving speed and reliability for mobile and 5G connections.
▪ Mirror sync (two‑way): Changes in either location are synced to the other, keeping identical copies everywhere.
▪ Migration of CIFS/SMB shares with NTFS permission replication.
▪ Selective folder attach with exclusion rules for subfolders.
▪ Offline folders for frequently used data.
▪ Administrative tools for diagnostics and task monitoring.
▪ HTTP/SSL streaming reduced SMB latency and improved performance.
▪ Local copies ensured LAN performance for on-site users while enabling cloud-first remote access.
▪ NTFS permissions and Active Directory users were maintained after fileshare migration for security consistency.
▪ Faster remote file access for large CAD files.
▪ Improved mobility for teams using mobile hotspots or 5G.
▪ Preserved local LAN performance for on-site users.
▪ Security continuity with NTFS permissions and AD user migration.
▪ Cost savings from hybrid deployment instead of full cloud migration.
Ready to speed up remote file access and cut VPN delays?
Next Steps
▪ Run a pilot with a small selection of shares and users.
▪ Install and configure File Server Agent.
▪ Test sync, permissions, and performance improvements.
▪ Roll out company-wide after successful pilot.
Our focus is providing on demand access to documents and "work spaces" with enhanced security & state of the art access control. We help small to medium-sized businesses modernize, increase agility, productivity and collaboration without sacrificing security of data. Clients increase productivity and collaboration while allowing them to have the same workflow whether they are in the office, home or at a clients site!
