If your organization or company is a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) shop and you use Windows Server than you are likely aware of Work Folders.
When enabled for a user Work Folders allows them to store work related files on their work PC and personal computing devices. The company keeps control of business data and can enforce device policies such as encryption and device passwords.
According to Microsoft Work Folders allow administrators the following benefits:
- Provide a single point of access to work files from a user’s work and personal computers and devices
- Access work files while offline, and then sync with the central file server when the PC or device next has Internet or intranet connectivity
- Deploy with existing deployments of Folder Redirection, Offline Files, and home folders
- Use existing file server management technologies, such as file classification and folder quotas, to manage user data
- Specify security policies to instruct user’s PCs and devices to encrypt Work Folders and use a lock screen password
- Use Failover Clustering with Work Folders to provide a high-availability solution
They are compatible with Windows 7, Windows 8.1 (including RT) and Windows 10 as you might expect and since last Fall they have been compatible with iOS8 or higher when Microsoft released the Work Folders App for iPhone and iPad.
Microsoft has recently released the Work Folders App for Android to expand the mobile targets you can use to deploy Work Folders to your users for their BYOD hardware.
Work Folders on Android (Image via Google Play)
The Android app requires Android 4.4 or higher and has the following features:
- Access your work files and folders on your devices.
- Pin files so that you can view them while you're offline.
- Files are encrypted and protected by an app passcode, keeping others out.
If Work Folders is a service you are using or considering then checking out this app (and the iOS one as well) is a good place to start testing.
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