Apple @ Work is brought to you by Mosyle, the leader in modern mobile device management (MDM) and security for Apple enterprise and education customers. Over 28,000 organizations leverage Mosyle solutions to automate the deployment, management and security of millions of Apple devices daily.Request a FREE accounttodayand discover how you can put your Apple fleet on auto-pilot at a price point that is hard to believe.
With the release of macOS 12.3, enterprise users of products like Dropbox and OneDrive had to be aware of some challenges related to the cloud-based files and the Files Providers API. Unfortunately, with macOS 12.3, Apple deprecated the kernel extension that was being used for this solution. While both companies have plans to resolve the problem, it highlights the need to audit your vendors and workflows continually.
About Apple @ Work:Bradley Chambers managed an enterprise IT network from 2009 to 2021. Through his experience deploying and managing firewalls, switches, a mobile device management system, enterprise-grade Wi-Fi, 100s of Macs, and 100s of iPads, Bradley will highlight ways in which Apple IT managers deploy Apple devices, build networks to support them, train users, stories from the trenches of IT management, and ways Apple could improve its products for IT departments.
Ive been using Dropbox for so long that I remember when their only iPhone app was a web app. Dropbox was a revolutionary approach to cloud file storage for personal users when it came on the market. It was head and shoulders better than Apples iDisk, and Google Drive wasnt even a product at that time it was straightforward: a folder that syncs. Dropbox gave 2GB away for free to every user to convert people to a premium plan. Dropbox was so popular that Apple made them a nine-digit offer back in 2009. Steve Jobs famously called Dropbox a feature and not a product; he was both right and completely wrong. He was right that a folder that syncs was a feature, but Dropbox, OneDrive, and Google Drive would become so entrenched in the enterprise that they became products to build workflows and solutions around.
Dropbox pioneered this model, but others followed including Apple with iCloud Drive. So today, we have Dropbox, Google, Microsoft, and Box all vying to become your file syncing solution. In addition, cloud storage providers have replaced Shared drives on servers for many organizations. The folder that syncs model became so popular that Apple eventually built an API for it, so it could ensure the user experience was first class.
Finder Sync supports apps that synchronize the contents of a local folder with a remote data source. It improves user experience by providing immediate visual feedback directly in the Finder. Badges display the sync state of each item, and contextual menus let users manage folder contents. Custom toolbar buttons can invoke global actions, such as opening a monitored folder or forcing a sync operation.
With macOS 12.3, Dropbox and OneDrive saw challenges in representing online-only files (ones that are viewable but dont take up local space). Both companies have responded quickly with updates or alerting, but I came away from this situation pondering vendor selection and whats local versus whats in the browser. These products have become very popular in the enterprise, and while its nice to have the files locally for quick search, etc. I think it highlights the benefits versus the risks of what kind of apps you use locally versus whats in the browser. For organizations that rely on Google Workspace, Google Drives Shared Drive has become a popular way to store and share files. However, as companies get larger, its not feasible to show all of these files locally on the computer.
My main takeaway from this situation is that while I firmly believe enterprises should go all-in on cloud storage, theres a part of me that thinks the simplicity of letting these products remain entirely in the cloud instead of trying to integrate it within macOS Finder might be a more straightforward solution long term. Dropbox and OneDrive have aggressively built out their web UI, while Google Drive and Box work best in the browser.
What do you think? Do the benefits of Finder integration for file providers in your organization outweigh the complications as Apple evolves macOS? Leave a comment below!
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:
- Setting up a Virtual Server on Ninefold - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- ScaleXtreme Automates Cloud-Based Patch Management For Virtual, Physical Servers [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- Secure Cloud Computing Software manages IT resources. [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- Dell unveils new servers, says not a PC company [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- Wyse to Launch Client Infrastructure Management Software as a Service, Enabling Simple and Secure Management of Any ... [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- As the App Culture Builds, Dell Accelerates its Shift to Services with New Line of Servers, Flash Capabilities [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- Terraria - Cloud In A Ballon - Video [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- Ethernet Alliance Interoperability Demo Showcases High-Speed Cloud Connections [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- RSA and Zscaler Teaming Up to Deliver Trusted Access for Cloud Computing [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- [NEC Report from MWC2012] NEC-Cloud-Marketplace - Video [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- IBM SmartCloud Virtualized Server Recovery - Video [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- BeyondTrust Launches PowerBroker Servers Windows Edition [Last Updated On: February 29th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 29th, 2012]
- Ericsson joins OpenStack cloud infrastructure community [Last Updated On: February 29th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 29th, 2012]
- ScaleXtreme Cloud-Based Patch Management Open for New Customers [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2012]
- RootAxcess - Getting Started - Video [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2012]
- How to Create a Terraria Server 1.1.2 (All Links Provided) - Video [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2012]
- Dell #1 in Hyperscale Servers (Steve Cumings) - Video [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2012]
- Managing SAP on Power Systems with Cloud technologies delivers superior IT economics - Video [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2012]
- AMD Acquires Cloud Server Maker SeaMicro for $334M USD [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2012]
- Web Host 1&1 Provides More Flexibility with Dynamic Cloud Server [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2012]
- Leap Day brings down Microsoft's Azure cloud service [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2012]
- RightMobileApps White Label Program - Video [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2012]
- bzst server ban #2 - Video [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2012]
- “Cloud storage served from an array would cost $2 a gigabyte” [Last Updated On: March 6th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 6th, 2012]
- More Flexibility with the 1&1 Dynamic Cloud Server [Last Updated On: March 6th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 6th, 2012]
- Hub’s future jobs may be in cloud [Last Updated On: March 6th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 6th, 2012]
- Cloud computing growing jobs, says Microsoft [Last Updated On: March 6th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 6th, 2012]
- TurnKey Internet Launches WebMatrix, a New Application in Partnership with Microsoft [Last Updated On: March 6th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 6th, 2012]
- Cebit 2012: SAP Cloud Computing Strategy - Introduction - Video [Last Updated On: March 6th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 6th, 2012]
- Dome9 Security Launches Industry's First Free Cloud Security for Unlimited Number of Servers [Last Updated On: March 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 7th, 2012]
- Servers Are Refreshed With Intel's New E5 Chips [Last Updated On: March 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 7th, 2012]
- Samsung's AllShare Play pushes pictures from phone to cloud and TV [Last Updated On: March 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 7th, 2012]
- Google drops the price of Cloud Storage service [Last Updated On: March 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 7th, 2012]
- New Intel Server Technology: Powering the Cloud to Handle 15 Billion Connected Devices [Last Updated On: March 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 7th, 2012]
- Swisscom IT Services Launches Cloud Storage Services Powered by CTERA Networks [Last Updated On: March 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 7th, 2012]
- KineticD Releases Suite of Cloud Backup Offerings for SMBs [Last Updated On: March 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 7th, 2012]
- First Look: Samsung Allshare Play - Video [Last Updated On: March 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 7th, 2012]
- Bill The Server Guy Introduces the New Intel XEON e5-2600 (Romley) Server CPU's - Video [Last Updated On: March 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 7th, 2012]
- New Cisco servers have Intel Xeon E5 inside [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2012]
- Cisco rolls out UCS servers with Intel Xeon E5 chips [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2012]
- From scooters to servers: The best of Launch, Day One [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2012]
- Computer Basics: What is the Cloud? - Video [Last Updated On: March 9th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 9th, 2012]
- Could the digital 'cloud' crash? [Last Updated On: March 10th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 10th, 2012]
- Dome9 Security Launches Free Cloud Security For Unlimited Number Of Servers [Last Updated On: March 10th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 10th, 2012]
- Cloud computing 'made in Germany' stirs debate at CeBIT [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2012]
- New Key Technology Simplifies Data Encryption in the Cloud [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2012]
- Can a private cloud drive energy efficiency in datacentres? [Last Updated On: March 12th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 12th, 2012]
- Porticor's new key technology simplifies data encryption in the cloud [Last Updated On: March 12th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 12th, 2012]
- Borders + Gratehouse Adds Three New Clients in Cloud Sector [Last Updated On: March 12th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 12th, 2012]
- Dell to invest $700 mn in R&D, unveils 12G servers [Last Updated On: March 13th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 13th, 2012]
- Defiant Kaleidescape To Keep Shipping Movie Servers [Last Updated On: March 13th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 13th, 2012]
- Data Centre Transformation Master Class 3: Cloud Architecture - Video [Last Updated On: March 13th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 13th, 2012]
- DotNetNuke Tutorial - Great hosting tool - PowerDNN Control Suite - part 1/3 - Video #310 - Video [Last Updated On: March 13th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 13th, 2012]
- Cloud Computing - 28/02/12 - Video [Last Updated On: March 13th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 13th, 2012]
- SYS-CON.tv @ 9th Cloud Expo | Nand Mulchandani, CEO and Co-Founder of ScaleXtreme - Video [Last Updated On: March 13th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 13th, 2012]
- Oni Launches New Cloud Services for Enterprises Using CA Technologies Cloud Platform [Last Updated On: March 14th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 14th, 2012]
- SmartStyle Advanced Technology - Video [Last Updated On: March 14th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 14th, 2012]
- SmartStyle Infrastructure - Video [Last Updated On: March 14th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 14th, 2012]
- The Hidden Risk of a Meltdown in the Cloud [Last Updated On: March 14th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 14th, 2012]
- FireHost Launches Secure Cloud Data Center in Phoenix, Arizona [Last Updated On: March 14th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 14th, 2012]
- Panda Security Launches New Channel Partner Recruitment Campaign: "Security to the Power of the Cloud" [Last Updated On: March 14th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 14th, 2012]
- NetSTAR, Inc. Announces Safe and Secure Web Browsers for iPhones, iPads, and Android Devices [Last Updated On: March 14th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 14th, 2012]
- Amazon Cloud Powered by 'Almost 500,000 Servers' [Last Updated On: March 15th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 15th, 2012]
- NetSTAR Announces Secure Web Browsers For iPhones, iPads, And Android Devices [Last Updated On: March 15th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 15th, 2012]
- Be Prepared For When the Cloud Really Fails [Last Updated On: March 15th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 15th, 2012]
- Dr. Cloud explains dinCloud's hosted virtual server solution - Video [Last Updated On: March 15th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 15th, 2012]
- New estimate pegs Amazon's cloud at nearly half a million servers [Last Updated On: March 15th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 15th, 2012]
- Amazon’s Web Services Uses 450K Servers [Last Updated On: March 15th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 15th, 2012]
- Saving File On Internet - Cloud Computing - Video [Last Updated On: March 15th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 15th, 2012]
- DotNetNuke Tutorial - Great hosting tool - PowerDNN Control Suite - part 2/3 - Video #311 - Video [Last Updated On: March 15th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 15th, 2012]
- Linux servers keep growing, Windows & Unix keep shrinking [Last Updated On: March 15th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 15th, 2012]
- Cloud Desktop from Compute Blocks - Video [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2012]
- Amazon EC2 cloud is made up of almost half-a-million Linux servers [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2012]
- HP trots out new line of “self-sufficient” servers [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2012]
- Cloud Web Hosting Reviews - Australian Cloud Hosting Providers - Video [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2012]
- Using Porticor to protect data in a snapshot scenario in AWS - Video [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2012]
- CDW - Charles Barkley - New Office - Video [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2012]
- Nearly a Half Million Servers May Power Amazon Cloud [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2012]
- Morphlabs CEO Winston Damarillo talks about their mCloud Rack - Video [Last Updated On: March 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 20th, 2012]
- AMD reaches for the cloud with new server chips [Last Updated On: March 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 20th, 2012]