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Whether you’re looking to deploy Apple in your business, increase digital collaboration in your workplace or improve your IT infrastructure, our solutions have got you covered. They’re delivered by experts who’ve worked in your field and are passionate about helping your business meet its objectives with technology. Read more
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There have been times in history when Mac computers and PC servers were less than friendly, but with iOS devices overrunning offices and people outside the design department asking for Macs, those days are long gone. OS X offers you tools to make integration easier than ever, and there are some great third party tools available, too.
It's a myth that you can't integrate Mac computers into a Windows environment. The latest version of OS X, Yosemite, even supports SMB 3.0, so everyone's on the same file sharing protocol and integration is even easier.
While huge strides have been made, SMB 3.0 is only supported by Windows Server 2012 and OS X Yosemite, and Mac users in a Windows environment can still experience issues like seeing certain files as 'greyed out' and inaccessible, or be denied certain permissions that their PC counterparts have. There are also Mac-only features, such as Spotlight search, that aren't supported if you're just using Apple's built-in integration tools, but which contribute a considerable amount to your Mac users' productivity and the hassle-free user experience they expect from their Apple kit.
Acronis Access Connect (formerly known as ExtremeZ-IP) is a tried and tested solution for solving these issues. By allowing Mac computers to connect to Windows servers over AFP, it re-enables instant search and indexing, and allows Mac users to integrate their files with volumes and file structures on your Windows network. It also returns support for Time Machine, Apple's built-in backup technology, to the Mac.
Part of Access Connect's appeal is that it installs quickly, and automatically integrates with Active Directory accounts and NTFS permissions. It then allows end users running any version of OS X to connect using AFP. This results in better performance from their core apps (which are all optimised for AFP) and gives parity of functionality between users.
It also makes life easier for IT admins – not just because they don't have to deal with incompatibility-based help desk queries, but because Access Connect supports key features like single sign on through Kerberos, DFS/network reshare, home directories, clustering, quotas, file name policies and advanced logging.
If you need to back up your servers (hint: you do) but don't have the money, capacity or desire to store all your backups locally (perhaps your office is a flood risk, or the office dog likes to gnaw through wires, or you're just incredibly professional and thorough), then we can help there too.
Our Backup24 managed backup service allows you to back all your data up to our tier 2+ data centre. It's based in the UK, so you know exactly where your data is, and we physically check that all backups have been successful every day. And if you're feeling particularly worried about any particular day's save, our team are only a phone call away. You can find out more here.
Want to know more? Give us a call on 03332 409 306 or email business@Jigsaw24.com. For all the latest news and reviews, follow @WeAreJigsaw24 on Twitter or 'Like' us on Facebook.