Direct: OneDrive

While the Microsoft 365 portal is great for accessing files saved to OneDrive for Business, it has limitations compared to the Windows Desktop. Microsoft created the OneDrive Sync client to address some of these limitations. However, there are scenarios that the Sync client doesn’t support effectively or, in some cases, at all. These include and are not limited to the following:

  • Multi-user environments, hot desks, or library computers where different users come and go.

  • Limited persistence in virtual environments hinders your ability to minimize local storage.

  • Users with over 300,000 files in their OneDrive might face issues, as the OneDrive sync client limit is 300,000 files across all document libraries. This limitation can be particularly problematic with SharePoint Online but also applies to OneDrive for Business.

  • Preference for drive letters (S for sales, M for marketing, and so on) to maintain existing workflows without disruption.

  • The OneDrive Sync Client tends to be end-user-focused, which can cause additional management issues for IT teams. CDM empowers IT teams with considerable control over their end users’ experience.

  • When there is a need to avoid syncing data to local devices for security/data protection reasons.

Mapping a drive letter to a Direct: OneDrive using CDM addresses all these challenges. Additionally, a Direct: One Drive also supports folder redirection.

Folder redirection silently re-routes your Windows profile folders such as Desktop, Downloads, Documents, Pictures, Music, Videos, and so on. While these folders still appear local to you and function as such, in the background, they are re-routed somewhere else (traditionally to network storage). This process enables you to log on to any computer on the network and see your content in the profile folders.

When you enable folder redirection for your Direct: OneDrive, CDM redirects your profile folders to your OneDrive for Business account rather than re-routing these folders to network storage. This way, you have access to your profile folders even when you are not on your local network, and the data roams with you on both network-managed and cloud-managed devices.