Migrating Internal File Servers to the Cloud
First Steps in Telework
Implementation
Dec. 17, 2020
At a time when the value and demand for data is ever-increasing, the loss of data can cost companies dearly. In
addition, we see the adversity of the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity, and each company is moving forward with
the transition to telework.Do you have any of the following requests?
* Replace an aging file server.
* We want to be able to access the file server from outside the company.
* We want to be able to restore a file that was accidentally deleted.
* We want to be able to recover quickly even if the file server stops due to a disaster or malfunction.
* We want to be able to use the file server in the same way as before, but with sufficient security.
Considering these situations, we have verified whether we can carry out our business as before by migrating our file servers to the cloud. Our company is testing "Amazon FSx for Windows File Server" (hereinafter referred to as "FSx") in AWS.
The results were positive, and we received positive feedback from within the company, such as "performance is better than before" and "it is now more convenient to use at home and on business trips.
Secure Connection
Communication between each computer and the file server is encrypted using VPN🔒 VPN is implemented by a Windows application, so there is no need to prepare a VPN-enabled router. You can even take your computer outside the office to access the file server.
In addition, we have added a connection source check process to limit the number of employees who can access the system from outside the company. The connection status can be monitored on the screen, and suspicious access can be notified by e-mail.
High durability
The file server is FSx. FSx has two disks. Data is constantly replicated (mirrored) so that if one disk fails, operations can continue on the other one. Replacement of a broken disk is automatic.
Backups are stored in "Amazon S3 (S3, Simple Storage Service)" on a daily basis. Amazon S3 consists of three data centers. For example, if one data center goes down due to an earthquake, the remaining two data centers will protect the backups.
Offsetting mistakes
Files that have been accidentally deleted or overwritten can now be restored. This is the effect of a feature called Shadow Copy.
There is no need to ask your IT administrator to retrieve files. By right-clicking on a folder or file, the original file can be easily retrieved.
The ability to start using an environment that is as well maintained and automated as that of a large enterprise at low cost and in a short period of time is a benefit that only the cloud can provide. In the cloud, there is no need to deal with aging hardware or OS (Windows, etc.) updates. Improved read/write performance and additional disk space can also be added from the management screen.
We are currently in the process of verifying whether virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) can be used with tablets and other devices that are lighter than laptops.
If your company is considering implementing VDI, please contact us from here.