FilesAnywhere has a built-in capability to automatically collect and upload files from a designated source location, so that they can be distributed to different people online automatically.  For example, you may need files in a folder on your local computer to be automatically distributed to other people so that they always have the latest version of those files, or the latest files in that folder.  FilesAnywhere acts as a relay in this case, so you don't have to share the files from your actual local computer, but they will be distributed automatically.   

From your computer  >>  to FilesAnywhere  >>  to your audience.

  

This advanced process is provided by the client desktop application, Handy Backup for FilesAnywhere.  Mac users can also use the application FASYNC.  Both of these software applications are provided for all users of the WebAdvanced plans, and Corporate plans who have the Advanced features activated.

   

Using the scheduler in Handy Backup, or in FASYNC for Mac, you can designate folders to automatically upload to FilesAnywhere on a scheduled basis.  The schedule can be set to a daily, weekly, or monthly upload, and as often as once per hour.  The scheduled process will compare the local folders with the files that are already at the FilesAnywhere destination folder.  Newer, or missing files and folders will be uploaded by the system automatically to the prescribed destination folders.  Local source folder locations can even include mapped network directories on multiple computers in your office - from any computer location that can be accessed on your local area network!

  

Once the files are uploaded (collected) on this scheduled basis, there are multiple options for distribution:

 

1.  GroupShare The GroupShare feature allows you to share any of your folders with other users, assigning either read-only access or full access.  Users with Read-only access can only Download files in the folders you are sharing.  Users with Full Access can Download and Upload files into your folder. Use GroupShare with full access to collaborate on shared project files that your group can update, or publish files read-only for others to easily download via FilesAnywhere. You can navigate GroupShare folders directly in your Folder Tree, and work with GroupShare files and subfolders the same way you work with your own files and folders. Distribution:  This is the ideal method for distributed files to a fixed group of people on a regular basis.  GroupShares can be individually created for users having different privileges to the files that are collected.  For example, some users may be granted Full Access to the files that are collected, while others may be given Read-Only (download only) access to the files.
 
You can establish GroupShares with other WebAdvanced The WebAdvanced plan is ideal for data backup, for uploading a large amount of files to your remote storage space, for synchronizing folders between locations, and for drive-letter mapping with drag-and-drop and direct file open/save. WebAdvanced plans come with all of the features of the Individual Plan, plus the following capabilities: Automated, Scheduled Backups, Synchronization Local and Remote Folders, Resume Interrupted Transfers, Drag-and-Drop local files/folders into Backup Job Definition, Map a Network Drive Letter to your Account, Open/edit/save files directly from office applications, Drag-and-Drop files/folders to and from your Account, Direct FTP and SecureFTP (secure shell) Access to your Account using any standard, SFTP Application, Blowfish 128-bit Encryption, encrypting all files at the client computer, Workgroup SubAccounts (add any number of SubAccounts, starting with one). user accounts, but the recommended solution would be a Private Site The Private Site comes with all of the user features and collaboration features of the Workgrou This is the best solution for teams who need to store and share files between offices, from home or when traveling. Share Folders using Read-Only or Full permissions. Adding a SubAccount unlocks special features: Media Streaming, full-text Search Index, and Online Viewer.p Plan, plus the following additional Administrative capabilities: Branded Site with Company Logos, Web Administration Console for Advanced User Maintenance, Administrative Login to All User Accounts, Advanced Security Options, Group/Division Maintenance with Storage Quotas, Disk Space Utilization Report, Customizable Emails. The Private Site also offers the following additional WebAdvanced capabilities*, which are not available with the Workgroup plan: , Automated, Scheduled Backups, Synchronization Local and Remote Folders, Resume Interrupted Transfers, Drag-and-Dro Login and click the "Multi-Upload" tab in to reveal the "Upload Drop Pad". Simply drag and drop anything you want onto this box, and it will start uploading immediately to your account. This tool is fast, reliable, "firewall-friendly", and works in all web browsers, using Windows, Mac or Linux. Another method available for drag-and-drop Uploads and Downloads is the WebFolder feature. Refer to the WebFolder User Guide in Help Contents.p local files/folders into Backup Job Definition, Map a Network Drive Letter to your Account, Open, edit and save files directly from office applications, Drag-and-Drop files/folders to and from your Account, Direct FTP and SFTP Access to your Account using any FTP Application, Blowfish 128-bit Encryption, encrypting all files at the client computer. *All Private Sites come with 2 linked WebAdvanced user accounts, and 2 licenses of the Handy Backup desktop application.  WebAdvanced features can be added to any user account in the Private Site as an option..  A Private Site gives you complete control over the user accounts, so that you can setup as many accounts as needed and setup the GroupShares needed for file distribution.  Storage Space can be allocated to the entire group, and also allocated to individual accounts if additional file sharing features are needed.
 
2.  File Share Distribution:  You can distribute files via an email link to a batch of users, who do not need to have FilesAnywhere accounts.   This solution works well for distribution to a group on a short-term or temporary basis.  Recipients of the File Share email can access the files via a link in an email that is sent by the FilesAnywhere system, or forwarded directly by you.  The File Share is time-limited, and recipients can only download the files.  If you intend to reuse the link, or distribute files to the same group of people on a regular basis, the GroupShare method with a Private Site is recommended.

 

3.  FTP File Distribution:  If you have a process (or an end-user) that relies on gathering or distributing the collected files via an FTP connection, this can be provided.  User licenses are available to support multiple connections via FTP to the file collection point (your main storage account).  Each separate FTP client connection does require this user license.  If you are interested in an FTP distribution process, please contact our technical support team for additional information about licensing and the various capabilities that we can help you leverage for this type of solution.

 

4.  WebDAV No software to install, since WebDAV is built into most operating systems. Using this feature, you can Open, Edit and Save remote files directly from your applications. Also Copy/Paste or Drag-n-Drop between your local computer and the mapped FilesAnywhere folder. Drive Mapping Access:  Another alternative in distributing the collected files is via WebDAV No software to install, since WebDAV is built into most operating systems. Using this feature, you can Open, Edit and Save remote files directly from your applications. Also Copy/Paste or Drag-n-Drop between your local computer and the mapped FilesAnywhere folder., network drive letter mapping.  You may configure clients to map a network drive to the main storage account, where the files are collected.  User licenses are available to support multiple connections via WebDAV No software to install, since WebDAV is built into most operating systems. Using this feature, you can Open, Edit and Save remote files directly from your applications. Also Copy/Paste or Drag-n-Drop between your local computer and the mapped FilesAnywhere folder. to the file collection point (your main storage account).  Each separate WebDAV No software to install, since WebDAV is built into most operating systems. Using this feature, you can Open, Edit and Save remote files directly from your applications. Also Copy/Paste or Drag-n-Drop between your local computer and the mapped FilesAnywhere folder. connection does require this user license.  If you are interested in a drive-mapping solution, please contact our technical support team for additional information about licensing and the various capabilities that we can help you leverage for this type of solution. 

 

Next Steps:
Please call our toll-free number to discuss these options. A technical support engineer can provide further assistance: 1-866-805-1991
Live support representatives are always available to take your call, Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm Central Time.