Windows Server 2008 R2 bundled with Windows 7 clients can provide an industry solution called “Wide area files services” (WAFS). A WAFS is a solution that allows remote office workers to access and share company files at network speeds across the wide area network. Some examples of the WASF offered in the past are the Cisco wide area files services, or GlobalScapes WAFS.

Microsoft takes a different approach with BranchCache. It accepts the reality that most companies don’t have fast links between head and branch offices, and offers a solution that works within the limited bandwidth for accessing multiple file types from the head office. In a nutshell, BranchCache allows branch office workers to cache content obtained from head office file and web servers locally.

Continue reading to learn more about Microsoft’s BranchCache solution.