New Windows 7 Features – BranchCache

| August 29, 2010 | Comments (1)

BranchCache

BranchCache enables content from File, Web and other servers on a wide area network (WAN) to be cached on computers at a local branch office.

Using BranchCache can result in shorter application response times and reduced WAN traffic.

Benefits of BranchCache include:

System Responsiveness: With BranchCache enabled, copies of files downloaded from intranet websites or a file servers are cached on a local host in the branch office. Other users on the same network can now download the same file much faster from the local cache instead of through a limited bandwidth connection to the head office.

Flexible architecture: BranchCache checks user permissions to ensure that only users lacking the right permissions have access to a file. The application ensures that it is delivering the current version of the file. BranchCache operates in one of two modes. Hosted Cache mode uses a server in the branch running Windows Server 2008 R2. This server hosts the cached files. A second approach called Distributed Cache, negates the need for the branch server. Instead copies of files are directly cached on PC’s at the branch and forwarded to other Windows 7 clients when requested.

Versatile and efficient protocols: BranchCache supports major protocols for web servers (HTTP and HTTPS) and file servers (Server Messaging Block [SMB]). This enables it to be used in a large variety of settings and for the widest number of applications. It works with key network security technologies such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), SMB signing, and Internet Protocol security (IPsec) for encryption, while maintaining high performance.

BranchCache retrieves data from the remote enterprise server only when the user requests it. It is a passive cache, decreasing bandwidth utilization between headquarters and branches.

BranchCache caches only read requests, therefore it does not interfere with users saving files.

What do you guys think about BranchCache?

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Category: New Windows 7 Features

About Onuora Amobi: Onuora Amobi is the founder and CEO of Nnigma, a leading online marketing firm headquartered in Pasadena, California. A Microsoft MVP with close to two decades of IT experience, he is also the co-author of the Windows 7 Deployment Guide for small businesses and IT Professionals(http://www.windows7deploymentguide.com). View author profile.