What is Alfresco Advanced File Type Blocker?

The Alfresco Advanced File Type Blocker addon is a straightforward user-specific tool for limiting file uploads based on file type and size. It is a permissions control solution that allows file managers in your company to decide exactly how much is too much. Since the module is user-related, the system can recognize if a specific employee or department is going overboard with their file uploads. It’s also an easy way to set system-wide default upload sizes that keep employees accountable to your company policies regarding file storage.

Why is Alfresco Advanced File Type Blocker so important?

• Control – encourage employees to stick with work-related uploads
• Storage space – keep your server clutter-free by avoiding oversized uploads at all times
• Reinforce company policy – mirror your content handling guidelines with tech solutions
• At-a-glance management – check and adjust restrictions quickly and easily

The Benefits of Alfresco Advanced File Type Blocker

Skytizens has developed the Alfresco Advanced File Type Blocker addon to put a stop to the temptation of using cloud-based storage for inappropriate reasons. This addon is a convenient way to put simple restrictions on file uploads. This module encourages employees to avoid misusing their work cloud. Company policies about size limits are reinforced by the system and there is no need for embarrassing confrontations–it is simply not allowed. The other benefit is assurance that companies won’t run out of server storage by setting working limits and adjusting them as needed. Employees attempting to upload oversized files will get an error message about the limit. The next step is to contact a supervisor for special permission, use an alternate compressed format, or keep the file on a local machine.

How Does It Work?

The Advanced File Type Blocker addon is controlled from the Admin Tools area of Alfresco under the Skytizens Features menu.

The “Create New Config” button opens a small pop-up window with three required fields. These fields dictate the setting s of a new user-based restriction. The file manger has three simple options:

• User
• Mimetype
• File size (MB)

Users are chosen by individual username or user group in the company-wide Alfresco system. File managers can search for users by letter or keyword. Next to each name, the file manager can select the “+” symbol to add that user to this specific restriction. The chosen user will appear on the right half of the window. Only one user or group can be selected per restriction.

Company-wide rules are easy to make. Simply add a restriction for a user group that includes all employees!

Mimetype is a dropdown list where file managers choose the type of file to restrict based on the file extension. The list has over 100 options of the most popular file types in modern enterprise.

File size (MB) is a text box to write in the maximum file size allowed by number of megabytes.

Each restriction is listed in the Admin Tools area with the headings User, Mimetype, File Size, and Action. Action options include an Edit button (change parameters of the restriction) and a Remove button (delete restriction). This list of blockages is available for export in Microsoft Excel format.

Main Features

Create New Configuration – Based on file type and size, the system can control the upload of user files. The configuration of this module can be relatively lenient by only blocking specific files/sizes or it can be quite restrictive by blocking all uploads and providing exceptions based on three parameters. C

1. User – Individual or user group
2. Mimetype– dropdown menu of all supported file types (100+)
3. File size – maximum file size in MB

Edit Configuration – By selecting the Edit button from the list of restrictions, file managers can change the following parameters and still keep the restriction active.

1. User – Individual or user group
2. Mimetype– dropdown menu of all supported file types (100+)
3. File size – maximum file size in MB

Remove Configuration – By selecting the Remove button, the restriction is deleted from the system and cannot be retrieved.

Master List – The list of restrictions on file uploads is available to administrators in a table with dynamic search capabilities. This list is available for export to Excel.

Dynamic Search – The Master List can be filtered by the three parameters above (user, mimetype, file size) using keywords or dropdown menus.

Global Policy – To set a maximum size of upload on a company-wide basis, simply create and select a User Group that includes all employees.

Permissions Control – The ability to use this module is managed by Group and Role.

• Group Access – Permission to access this module is given by the client’s administrator by designating members of a group.
• Role Access–Permission to accessthe module is given by managers based on role access in the Alfresco system.

Conclusions

Don’t run out of server space because Allen from Accounting uploaded the Lord of the Rings trilogy to his work cloud. Be specific about who can upload what. Put a cap on file size. It’s tempting to misuse cloud resources, but this tool nips that kind of activity in the bud.

The Alfresco Advanced File Type Blocker addon was developed by Skytizens to empower companies with simple controls for what size and type of files are appropriate to upload to the work server. The module is flexible enough to have user-specific settings and allow for variances between departments and even users who legitimately need large amounts of storage space to do their job.

This addon is designed to be precise. It specifies user or group, file extension, and maximum size allowed. The restrictions are immediate and removals are equally as fast.  We designed the module for efficiency and easy navigation. Restrictions can be searched dynamically and authorized staff can make quick adjustments so it never gets in the way of anybody’s work.