How to Synchronize a Synology NAS with FileCloud using CloudSync

In recent years, more and more companies have been moving to Cloud storage solutions like FileCloud to manage, store and share their files. Although many companies have switched entirely over from local on-premises solutions to hosted solutions, some companies prefer using a hybrid of the two solutions, so as to always have a copy of their data stored locally as backup, or for easy access of in-office teams.

This is where NAS technology comes in handy, as it is an affordable and easy way to store large quantities of files for local access.

When a FileCloud Online customer asks how to synchronize their hosted solution with their local NAS, we often suggest the VM solution. That is, to run a Windows VM and run FileCloud ServerSync. This way, it will have access to the NAS storage and sync it with their Team Folders on FileCloud Online (we will cover this use case in a separate article in the future). However, this is not always possible depending on your NAS system and system resources.

There is an alternative approach to solve this requirement. If you are using a Synology NAS (even a small DS 200J), you can sync your data using the built-in Cloud Sync application.

These are the requirements:

1. Your FileCloud system needs to have the WebDAV protocol.
2. You need to install the Synology CloudSync application if it is not already available in your DiskStation.
3. Your NAS needs access to the internet to reach your FileCloud Online server.
4. Configure CloudSync with FileCloud Online Server.

Enabling WebDAV Protocol in Your FileCloud Server

We will use our demo site for this example (democompany.filecloudonline.com). Open your web browser and navigate your admin portal (usually <yourcompany>.filecloudonline.com/admin).

After logging in, go to Settings / General and check whether the WebDAV checkbox indicates that the protocol is enabled. Remember to save your settings.

[caption id="attachment_29675" align="alignnone" width="1149"] Enabling WebDAV Protocol in Your FileCloud Server[/caption]

Installing the Synology CloudSync Application

Login to your Synology DSM and open your Package Center. Search for CloudSync.

[caption id="attachment_29684" align="alignnone" width="1099"] Installing the Synology CloudSync Application[/caption]

If not already installed, please install it.

Configuring CloudSync with FileCloud Online Server

Open your CloudSync application. Once the Wizard pops up, please search for WebDAV.

[caption id="attachment_29669" align="alignnone" width="770"] Configuring CloudSync with FileCloud Online Server[/caption]

Now select WebDAV and hit next. You should now fill in your FileCloud Online server details.

• The server address will be your FileCloud Online production URL, with “/webdav” added at the end.
• The username and password will be that of your Team Folder account.
  • To locate your account ID, please login to your FileCloud admin panel, and go to Settings / Team Folders.
  • To set up a password, please click on “Manage” and enter a new password.

Team Folder account:

[caption id="attachment_29690" align="alignnone" width="851"] Team Folder Settings[/caption]

Change password:

[caption id="attachment_29687" align="alignnone" width="743"] Change Password[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_29654" align="alignnone" width="921"] Team Folder Account Details[/caption]

Back to your CloudSync setup:

[caption id="attachment_29657" align="alignnone" width="776"] Account Settings[/caption]

In the next screen, you will define your Sync Folder and Sync direction:

[caption id="attachment_29660" align="alignnone" width="773"] Task Settings[/caption]

Note: If you want to synchronize “all” your Team Folders, select the top folder in “My Files” as the “Remote path.”

Once you configure your settings, you will need to confirm them in the following window:

[caption id="attachment_29672" align="alignnone" width="773"] Confirm Settings[/caption]

Once configured, CloudSync will now start syncing your data.

[caption id="attachment_29666" align="alignnone" width="1122"] FileCloud Cloud Sync[/caption]

If you click in the “History” tab, you will see a list of files synced:

[caption id="attachment_29681" align="alignnone" width="1285"] History Tab[/caption]

Your FileCloud Online Team Folder is in sync with your Synology NAS through the CloudSync application.

Synology NAS File Station Company Data Folder:

[caption id="attachment_29678" align="alignnone" width="1150"] Synology NAS File Station[/caption]

FileCloud Online Team Folders / Company Data:

[caption id="attachment_29663" align="alignnone" width="1465"] FileCloud Online Team Folders[/caption]

Note: The synchronization using CloudSync and the WebDAV protocol uses an HTTP protocol. This process will easily work properly for hundreds or thousands of files. However, if you have millions of files, this option is not recommended.

By abhishek bakshi