Acronis launches file sharing solution for the modern business

Acronis has launched Acronis Access Connect, the file and print sharing solution for small to medium businesses (SMEs) and enterprises working in Apple, Android and Windows environments.

Acronis Access Connect (formerly ExtremeZ-IP) is a solution for integrating Macs into Windows file sharing business and enterprise environments.

With this new release, the solution offers broad support for mobile workers to securely access files using iOS, Android, and Windows phones and tablets.

This combined support across the range of PC, Mac and mobile platforms lets employees use the devices they are familiar with, while enabling IT departments to deliver a scalable file server access and print sharing experience for users, says Acronis.   Lincoln Goldsmith, Acronis general manager ANZ, says, "Acronis Access Connect is easy to use for both IT and employees. Mobile workers can access their work files wherever they need them.

"Minimal or no training is required, especially for users familiar with Mac and Windows file sharing environments.

He says. "For IT managers and professionals, Acronis Access Connect eliminates SMB protocol bugs, performance issues and compatibility problems related to integrating Macs into Windows environments, reducing help desk calls by as much as 70%.

"It instals in a matter of minutes on Windows servers, delivering immediate time-to-value for IT administrators and support personnel.

"Employees will be more productive when working with files on their PCs, Macs and mobile devices, whenever and wherever they choose."  As bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies continue to transform the way employees work, Mac devices are becoming more common in the workplace, according to Acronis.

In fact, a 2014 survey by Dimensional Research found user preference is the top reason given by IT administrators for supporting Macs.

The survey also found that 66% of businesses are already using Macs today, and more than 70% officially support Macs as a company endpoint.

While many employees may prefer working with Macs, there are challenges from an IT perspective when it comes to file-sharing, including compatibility, search performance issues and a poor user experience, Acronis says.

Acronis Access Connect aims to provide Mac users with the key features they expect when connecting to Windows or NAS file servers, including:

• Full content searching using Network Spotlight 
• Automatic backups using Time Machine 
• Fast browsing of network shares 
• Glitch-free operations when using key applications, such as Microsoft Office or Adobe Creative Suite