Amazon Challenges Microsoft's OneDrive with Its WorkDocs Drive for Windows Preview

Amazon WorkDocs Drive is meant to expand the workflow options for Amazon cloud service customers, a clear sign it's taking on Microsoft and Google's one-two punch of cloud services + office apps.

Richard Hay, Senior Content Producer

November 16, 2017

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Amazon has started a limited preview for their upcoming Amazon WorkDocs Drive software. This expands how AWS customers can access the Amazon WorkDocs service. Previously, users could only gain access to WorkDocs cloud storage from AWS via a Web browser on Windows based devices.

This new offering is the equivalent of the recently released OneDrive Files On-Demand for the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update.  Amazon's WorkDocs Drive will work on Windows 7, 8, and 10, plus Windows Server 2008, 2012 R2, and 2016. It is available in all AWS Regions.

Although Amazon WorkDocs had a sync client to provide copies of cloud-stored files on the local computer, the big change with WorkDocs Drive is integrating the service into Windows File Explorer. This brings access to that cloud storage right in alongside OneDrive. The new WorkDocs client also introduces on-demand access to your stored files so only those documents you download or select for offline storage will take up space on your local hard drive.

In addition, WorkDocs users will be able to perform the following actions with this new client directly within Windows File Explorer:

  • Share links to files

  • Invite other user to collaborate on files

  • Lock files to prevent them from being overwritten

  • Add files to your favorites

  • Store favorites for offline access

  • Search for files across WorkDocs Drive

  • Open files in Amazon WorkDocs web client

All changes made are synced to Amazon WorkDocs and across any devices you use for WorkDocs access.

You can learn more about Amazon WorkDocs here and you must sign-up to request access to the limited preview of Amazon WorkDocs Drive.

But, wait...there's probably more so be sure to follow me on Twitter and Google+.

About the Author

Richard Hay

Richard Hay

Senior Content Producer, IT Pro Today (Informa Tech)

I served for 29 plus years in the U.S. Navy and retired as a Master Chief Petty Officer in November 2011. My work background in the Navy was telecommunications related so my hobby of computers fit well with what I did for the Navy. I consider myself a tech geek and enjoy most things in that arena.

My first website – AnotherWin95.com – came online in 1995. Back then I used GeoCities Web Hosting for it and WindowsObserver.com is the result of the work I have done on that site since 1995.

In January 2010 my community contributions were recognized by Microsoft when I received my first Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Award for the Windows Operating System. Since then I have been renewed as a Microsoft MVP each subsequent year since that initial award. I am also a member of the inaugural group of Windows Insider MVPs which began in 2016.

I previously hosted the Observed Tech PODCAST for 10 years and 317 episodes and now host a new podcast called Faith, Tech, and Space. 

I began contributing to Penton Technology websites in January 2015 and in April 2017 I was hired as the Senior Content Producer for Penton Technology which is now Informa Tech. In that role, I contribute to ITPro Today and cover operating systems, enterprise technology, and productivity.

https://twitter.com/winobs

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