Using File Sync Policies

Overview

File sync policies enable you to exchange and synchronize files between your devices and a server. Files synchronize automatically according to a schedule. You can choose to use the device update schedule or specify your own.
Important: File Sync policies are not bi-directional. You require two separate file sync policies to upload and download files between your devices and SOTI MobiControl.

When setting up the file sync policy, the deployment server must have permission to read and write to the specified server location. SOTI recommends using a Universal Naming Convention (UNC) path and ensuring the deployment server runs under its Active Directory user profile. You can use a local path when using only one deployment server which points to a location on the computer running it.

File sync policies are available for the following platforms:

  • Android

  • Apple (macOS and iOS)

  • Linux

  • Windows Desktop Classic, Windows Modern, and Windows Mobile/CE

This section consists of the following topics:

File Manager

For file sync policies, SOTI MobiControl utilizes a master folder containing transferable files and folders. Your devices either download file(s)/ folder(s) from this master folder or upload them. To access and customize this master folder, select the File Manager button. File Sync: File Manager

Perform the following operations with File Manager:

  • Import (upload) file(s) from your local computer.
  • Create a new folder.
  • Search, rename, download, or delete existing file(s)/ folder(s).
  • Download an existing folder (with its files) as a .zip file.

File Sync Scripts

Restriction: You can not use file sync scripts on iOS devices.
Use scripts to add automatic processes to the file sync. You may perform these processes on the device (before or after file synchronization). For information on device-side scripts, see Using Script Commands.
Important: From SOTI MobiControl 15.7.0 and later, server-side scripts are not supported. See File Sync Rule Server Actions Deprecation for more information.

SOTI MobiControl provides several utilities for managing devices on the deployment server, including one for moving devices. If you run a device move utility (Device Relocation policy) before file synchronization, you can make sure that all devices are in the proper location before exchanging files. Contact SOTI Support for help using this utility.