Why Do You Need to Migrate to Smart Cache?
- The latest technology, Smart Cache, is at the forefront of Egnyte’s investment efforts with dedicated resources and focus.
- Has superior features such as:
- Intelligent Caching - Downloads only the required content and most frequently accessed files only get cached.
- Global File Locking - Ensures that only one user can get exclusive lock on the file whether the file is accessed from either cloud or on-prem.
- Any new enhancements are focused on Smart Cache.
- Latest OS and security fixes on Smart Cache.
Refer to Smart Cache over Storage Sync benefits for more detailed.
How Do I Migrate to Smart Cache?
Scenario 1: Simple File Collaboration for Users
If you have answered "Yes" to the first 4 questions above and "No" to the fifth question, then you can simply deploy Smart Cache. If your users are already familiar with Desktop App and utilize this, they will be able to automatically connect to the Smart Cache through the same Desktop App drive letter.
Refer to the article for a high level overview of Smart Cache Setup and Configuration Overview and for detailed step-by-step walkthrough, see the Product Guides below based on the Hypervisor you are using.
Example of Desktop App for Windows
Is Desktop App Mandatory for Migrating from Storage Sync to Smart Cache?
Yes, as the Smart Cache client is the Egnyte Desktop App (DA) and this software needs to be installed on either Windows or MAC devices to connect to a Smart Cache server unlike Storage Sync, where an SMB share was used to connect. Desktop App is used for accessing files/folders from the cloud through Smart Cache.
Does an Admin Need to Migrate Folder Synchronization Settings from Storage Sync to Smart Cache?
While syncing is optional, it is not recommended if it is intended for a user-collaboration use-case. It is encouraged to leverage the cache warming feature to pre-seed the cache. On the other hand, if you want to sync folders due to possible offline situations at the office, then syncing relevant folders is the right option. Cached files will not be available when there is no internet connectivity.
How Does a User Migrate from SMB Share to the Desktop App Drive on Their Device?
Storage Sync users typically have the following configurations in their environment:
- Employ Active Directory to define local users. Rarely, Storage Sync uses local users.
Note that migration to Smart Cache is possible in either scenarios. - Network drive letters map to Storage Sync with format:
“\\<Storage Sync Hostname>\elc\<Path to Egnyte>” - Users authenticate drive letters with Active Directory credentials
For Windows
Before migrating users to Smart Cache, as an administrator, you will need to follow these prerequisites:
- Ensure proper support by avoiding the use of Desktop App on VDI or terminal servers. Desktop App does not officially compatible these environments. If you need VDI or terminal server usage, continuing with Storage Sync may be the better option.
- Check if any file types your users are utilizing are unsupported on the Desktop App (refer to the unsupported apps list if needed). If there are any unsupported file types; continue to use Storage Sync.
- Install Desktop App on all user devices (Refer Step 6 for mass deployment options)
- Note Egnyte folder paths and specified drive letter(s) associated with user devices
- Configure any third party applications with the Desktop App's mappings on user devices. This ensures proper functioning of applications relying on embedded file paths (e.g. XREF and cross-linked files)
- For existing Group Policy or SCCM scripts, improve user logon scripts to map Egnyte drive letters correctly through Desktop App. See helpdesk article for mass deployment details.
- Configure Smart Cache environment to have enough storage and resources for user transition.
For Mac
- Note SMB path(s) from Finder
- Install Desktop App for Mac. See Egnyte Desktop App for Mac Mass Deployment for mass deployment.
- Configure Desktop App with the same SMB path(s) that was previously used within Finder
Only the legacy “Desktop App for Mac” supports Smart Cache but not the new “Desktop App Core for Mac”
In order to cutover, the IT admin requires to perform the following steps:
- Set up drives as noted earlier
- Adjust logon scripts for drive mappings, if present
- Test with a small user group to ensure app compatibility, performance, and drive visibility
- After confirming with a small group, transition remaining users to Desktop App
Windows Example:
- User "John" uses an SMB path: P:\ points to cloud folder "\Shared\Projects"
- Deploy Desktop App using Group Policy or SCCM for user sessions
- Use below sample MSI script to install Desktop App and configure P:\ to link with "\Shared\Projects"
msiexec /i EgnyteConnect_v3.x.x.msi ED_DRIVE_DOMAIN=acme ED_DRIVE_LABEL=acme ED_DRIVE_SSO=1 ED_DRIVE_LETTER=p ED_DRIVE_MOUNT=/Shared/Projects
- Another method is after Desktop App installation, admins can use command line options to set up P:\ drive. Here's a sample command script assuming Desktop App is already installed.
EgnyteClient.exe -command add -l "Projects" -d "acme" -t P -m "/Shared/Projects" -c -u “John” -sso usesso connect_immediately
Mac Example:
- User "John" has a Samba mount pointing to the cloud folder "\Shared\Projects".
- Install Desktop App for Mac with a single mass deployment.
- After Desktop App deployment, use this sample command to align the mount point with the "\Shared\Projects" cloud path.
egnytecli drives add Projects --domain acme --username John --cloudStartPath /Shared/Projects --openSession
Scenario 2 (Use Smart Cache for Data Collection Use Cases as a Separate Instance in SMB Mode)
If you need more than just collaboration, you can install Smart Cache as a separate instance for data collection use-cases (such as network scanners, printers, lab instruments and drones) in SMB mode and this method appears similar to the SMB path (UNC) used in Storage Sync. Additionally, you can continue to use Storage Sync for your SMB-driven applications such as backup oriented solutions.
Example of a mapped drive with Storage Sync
Refer to the article for a high level overview of Smart Cache Setup and Configuration Overview and for detailed step-by-step walkthrough, see the Product Guides below based on the Hypervisor you are using.
Can Smart Cache Co-Exist with Storage Sync Under the Same Egnyte Domain?
Yes, both can coexist under the same Egnyte domain. However, you are comfortable with the use case benefits of Smart Cache, then you can go ahead and decommission the Storage Sync instance.
How Much Time is Required for the Migration?
The setup and deployment of Smart Cache on the server side can be completed within a 30-minutes time frame. You can set up Smart Cache while your users are using Storage Sync and can switch over to Smart Cache when deployment is completed.
Do I Need a Separate License for Smart Cache?
No, Smart Cache uses the same Storage Sync license. Once you deploy Smart Cache, if you are comfortable with the use cases, then you can decommission the Storage Sync device. If you do need additional licenses, reach out to your Egnyte Account Manager or Customer Success Manager
Where Can I Find the Best Practice Guide for Smart Cache?
The best practice guide for Smart Cache can be found here.
Where Can I Find More Smart Cache Information?
Smart Cache information can be found here.
How to Install Smart Cache in SMB Mode for AEC Application Collaborations like Revit and Civil 3D Files?
Refer to Hyper-V Product Guide or VMWare Product Guide and start from step 5 in the “Configure Smart Cache” section. You will be asked to either install Smart Cache in Desktop App or SMB collaboration mode.
What is the Future of Storage Sync?
Storage Sync is going to stay, but it will not get any new feature updates and it will be limited to bug fixes and security patches. All new investments will be focused on the Smart Cache product.
Where to Find the Smart Cache Installation Instructions, Product Guides and Download Information?
Refer to the article for a high level overview of Smart Cache Setup and Configuration Overview and for detailed step-by-step walkthrough, see the Product Guides below based on the Hypervisor you are using. See the following guidelines:
- If you are using an ESXi environment, see “Product Guide for VMware ESX”
- If you are using a Windows Hyper-V environment, see “Product Guide for Hyper-V”
- If you are using a Windows Hyper-V but requires a self-installer variant, see “Product Guide for Jobsite”
| Product Guide for VMware | ||
| Product Guide for Hyper-V | Hyper-V Product Guide | |
| Product Guide for Jobsite | Download Smart Cache For Jobsite |