Facilis Remote Access Solutions

Facilis WANLink

I have employees that have edit workstations at home, and want to use them instead of logging into a work desktop

From facility desktop to home desktop, there is no easier way to access Facilis project-based volumes than the WANlink client. Using the same user ID and password as you do in facility, mount any number of project volumes securely with encrypted link to the Facilis storage on-premises, without a VPN. The simple setup includes a port forwarded from your internet router, and multiple layers of authorization, using industry-standard encryption. With remote management enabled, administrators can push volumes directly onto any home desktop, and provide access speed much greater than VPN. Perfect for hybrid workgroups both on-prem and remote, WANLink delivers seamless collaboration through Avid project sharing, Adobe Productions, Resolve and Final Cut media sharing.

WANLink is included with version 8.2, and available for Mac and Windows workstations on any internet connection. With a faster connection than VPN, and easier set-up, WANLink can solve the problem of secure storage access without dedicating a facility workstation for remote access. The HUB Client Console has all the tools needed to securely connect remote clients to on-prem servers at high speed.

The new user interface allows the user to add a search address for the Facilis server on a public IP. When the server is found, it displays in the servers tab. The admin must authorize the incoming remote client in order for volumes to be seen. Once authorized, the volumes are available based on the permissions of the logged-in or desktop user account.

Facilis WANLink with FastCache

I have employees that have edit workstations at home, and want to work with high-bitrate sources

FastCache is a unique client-side caching feature that’s free of charge for unlimited clients with every Facilis server. WANLink or VPN provides the connection to the server, and FastCache provides the playback speed from local SSD. Every bit of data that is read from the server is automatically and invisibly cached locally, so the applications and operating systems still targets the files on the server, without knowing the data is being read from the fast local SSD.

This is not a file synch or download, in fact the cache data is not files at all, just a big blob of data that can’t be opened or used without the Facilis volume mounted to the desktop. The user can cache on-the-fly by just playing the remote files or project timeline; they can preload cached data through the FastCache Preloader, or cache to their laptop at work, and take it home with them. They can even move an external cache drive between workstations, and the cached data will activate as soon as the volume is mounted. 

Facilis Supports Multiple Methods of Remote Access

Remote Desktop

I have employees that work in the office, then go home and want to continue working on their office systems.

Remote desktop solutions range from the simple screen share and Windows Remote Desktop to optimized software packages like Parsec, Jumpdesk, and Teradici. The best part of RDC is that it requires little bandwidth and can usually be accommodated with basic VPN. There are no large files to be streamed or uploaded to external workstations and the same login and credentials are used. Even a simple laptop at home can serve as the remote access point, it doesn’t need to be a built workstation.

 

FastTracker Web/VPN

I have employees that mostly edit in-facility, but some that need non-real time access to certain files at home.

Facilis FastTracker is not only a great way to track and manage assets within the facility, it can also deliver file-based content to remote editors anywhere in the world. Through authenticated login to the FastTracker database in a web browser or through VPN, the remote artist can download indexed sources, and proxies. Remote workers can also upload to pre-set locations in the server through the FastTracker web upload. Users can be enabled for download, and upload paths are set on a per-user account basis. Generate proxy files on demand in FastTracker for lower-bitrate sources that can be played in real time through most web and VPN connections. Contact our staff at info@facilis.com to learn more about the FastTracker product integrated with our Facilis HUB shared storage for video editing.

 

Object Cloud

I have outside contractors that need access to download files, but they don’t have access to my VPN or credentials on the server. 

Using a local cache volume on the Facilis server, Object Cloud can be used to upload files to the cloud from the server and the attached desktops. On remote workstations any S3 client (for mounting or accessing AWS S3 buckets) can be used with the proper credentials to access and download files. In-facility storage volumes are synchronized into a cache location that represents all cloud files with identical directory structure. From any PC or Mac desktop, access a AWS. Wasabi or Azure cloud storage for a virtual view into the facility cache volume. Give your edit and creative staff access to files on demand, and on their desktop. Contact our staff at info@facilis.com to learn more about the Object Cloud product integrated with our Facilis HUB shared storage for video editing