Windows RT 8.1 in the Enterprise: Data Access

  • Article

Applies To: Windows RT 8.1

In Windows RT 8.1 you can use devices to provide local storage for documents and settings with tools like OneDrive, Work Folders, Network Share Access, and WebDAV Access.

Windows RT 8.1 devices can be used in an enterprise environment to provide local storage for documents and settings, just like any version of Windows. Many devices will also support storage devices such as microSDXC cards, and will also support USB storage devices, including USB keys and USB hard drives.

  • OneDrive

  • OneDrive for Business

  • Work Folders

  • Network Share Access

  • WebDAV Access

OneDrive

Windows RT 8.1 devices can use OneDrive cloud storage for synchronizing personalization and configuration settings between devices, even between Windows RT 8.1 and Windows 8.1 devices.

To go beyond just personalization and configuration, OneDrive can also be used for storing and retrieving documents, pictures, or any other data files. These can be created or edited using Office Home & Student 2013 RT or other Windows Store apps.

ln Windows RT 8.1, OneDrive supports synchronization of some or all of the files and folders on a user’s OneDrive, enabling the use of these files even when the Windows RT device is not connected to the Internet.

OneDrive for Business

Using the available OneDrive for Business app available in the Windows Store, Windows RT devices can access files stored in a SharePoint library, as long as the appropriate network connectivity is available.

Using Office Home & Student 2013 RT, users will also be able to easily access SharePoint libraries directly from the Office desktop applications just as they can from other Windows-based PCs, as long as network connectivity and security allows (as discussed in Windows RT 8.1 in the Enterprise: Connectivity).

Work Folders

Windows RT 8.1 includes support for the new Windows Server 2012 R2 Work Folders feature that enables synchronization of a user-specific folder on the server to the Windows RT device. Unlike offline files or folder redirection, this synchronization is done using the HTTP protocol. After the server-side configuration is in place, adding a Work Folder to a Windows RT device uses a simple wizard where the user just needs to specify their email address and credentials.

Network Share Access

Windows RT 8.1 devices can access file shares on other Windows-based devices using standard Windows networking protocols to make a connection to these file shares. Because users of these devices will not be logged on using domain-based credentials, it will typically be necessary to specify an alternate user ID and password (or use a smart card) to access these file shares.

Note

Windows RT 8.1 does not include support for offline files, folder redirection, or other client-side caching (CSC) functionality found in Windows 8.1 Pro and Windows 8.1 Enterprise.

WebDAV Access

Windows RT 8.1 devices can access files and folders through the WebDAV protocol, which leverages the built-in WebClient service capabilities.

See also