FileCloud Alternative

No Databases

Unlike FileCloud, MyWorkDrive relies entirely on existing Active Directory users, groups, and NTFS permissions for user provisioning. It does not store files in any databases, nor does it require additional user management, database backups, or extra software licenses during integration.

Network Share File Locking

With our native file-locking integration, users can continue using traditional mapped drive clients while ensuring files are properly locked across our web, mobile, and desktop apps. In contrast, FileCloud requires migrating users to its own clients to properly lock and manage files on network shares alongside other users.

IIS vs LAMP Stack

MyWorkDrive FileCloud alternative uses native IIS and .Net for all server communications . With FileCloud, the application runs within the LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP). In addition to being difficult to manage and unfamiliar to Windows system administrators, the LAMP stack is complicated to patch and secure with standard Windows tools.

Office Document Editing

MyWorkDrive enables users to edit local documents stored on existing file shares through multiple options, including:

• Office Online Local Server

• Office Online with SharePoint

• Office Online using OneDrive

• OnlyOffice (an open-source Office Online alternative)

With MyWorkDrive, customers retain full control over their files at all times. Documents are never transferred to third-party services without visibility, ensuring data remains secure and under the organization's direct management.

Reduced Administration

FileCloud imports Active Directory users and groups into a database and requires manual management of license keys. With MyWorkDrive, Active Directory is native and licenses are automatically provisioned and de-provisioned as users drop off after 30 days.

Better Web Browser Client

A key of this FileCloud alternative is the MyWorkDrive web client. Users can view and edit files in a beautiful file explorer-style interface, greatly reducing training and support costs.

Better Mapped Drive Client

With MyWorkDrive our Mapped Drive client supports multiple drive letters, device approval security policies, and single sign-on SAML with scripting and mass deployment options.

Security

MyWorkDrive: Secure, Context-Based Access

• Security Model: Uses native Windows NTFS permissions and Access-Based Enumeration (ABE).

• User Context: Files are accessed strictly under the logged-in user's credentials.

• No Credential Storage: Does not store user login information or access credentials in a database.

• No Elevated Access: MyWorkDrive does not require service accounts with elevated/root permissions to access network shares.

• Search Behavior: Since access is limited to the user’s permissions, search is limited to what the user can access directly.

• Implication: This model limits the risk of overexposure and data leaks, aligning well with zero trust and least privilege principles.

FileCloud: Centralized Access with Service Accounts

• Security Model: Connects to Windows file shares, but also stores files in a database (e.g., when files are uploaded to the cloud or for indexing).

• Service Account Use: Uses elevated/root service accounts that can access all network shares.

• Search Functionality: This model enables global search across all shares, regardless of individual user permissions—though it may still filter results per user.

• Potential Risk Area: Since a central service account has broad access, any compromise of that account or the FileCloud system can expose all data.

• Implication: Offers more powerful features (e.g., universal search), but with increased risk and a larger attack surface.