Build a ‘synchronization tree’ with file distribution software

In healthcare, quickly accessing the most up-to-date data is more critical in some scenarios than others: for example, doctors retrieving real-time medical data that can save a life. But that doesn’t mean other data can simply be pushed aside: payrolls and billing, and such, must be updated quickly and accurately, too, for operational continuity. That creates challenges for getting the most out of your file distribution software. 

The challenge: Updating files without obstructing access

How do you balance the need to manage timely file updates for mission-critical files and the foundational data used to support a sprawling organization, like a healthcare network?

That was the challenge facing one large regional healthcare provider, which routinely had to distribute application updates across thousands of servers. And they needed to do it without impacting other traffic on their network, like medical records that had to be updated and accessible at any moment.

That’s a tough balancing act. When you have a lot of data synchronization across many devices, it can take a long time for data to get to all those machines. But if you just push everything out ASAP, it can impact other services on your network because of the bandwidth it consumes. That meant having to choose between taking forever to get everything updated or risking overloading your network and having access issues when time is of the essence. 

This healthcare provider was used to the slow pace of its legacy file synchronization software to keep bandwidth free for immediate patient care data access. But trickling out data like that was suboptimal for operations as a whole. They needed to improve file replication software efficiency across all departments while optimizing bandwidth usage.

The solution: ‘Domino effect’ via file distribution software

That’s when they turned to Software Pursuits and its SureSync managed file transfer (MFT) tool to unlock a solution. Software Pursuits proposed leveraging SureSync to create what’s called a distribution tree or synchronization tree.

With a synchronization tree, you start with a single server—a master source machine, where people put in updates to be pushed out to other servers—that kicks off and mirrors data synchronization to a tier of multiple servers. When that tier is finished with updates, each server in that tier kicks off to another tier, and so on.

In doing that, the synchronization builds branches of a tree that distribute the updates to as many levels as needed. And by spreading your synchronization load into tiers, you keep bandwidth from being overwhelmed as updates spread through the tree.

It’s a domino effect: by using file replication software to create a sync tree, you set off an efficient chain reaction of updates like a falling row of dominoes. 

Plus, the sync tree – through its file synchronization software – doesn’t require administrative babysitting. Administrators can:

• Automate update processes,
• Run updates on a schedule or in real time,
• Throttle bandwidth as they like,
• Stop or resume updates at any time,
• And know exactly how far along the updates are at any given time.  

The results: Fast updates and constant access; not either-or

By leveraging a synchronization tree, the healthcare provider was able to benefit from: 

• Constant access to critical data updates. Mission-critical files get prioritized updates and bandwidth is optimized to maintain instant access.
• Faster file updates throughout your organization. You enable greater efficiency in updating all files in a systemic, organized manner.
• Ability to maintain adequate bandwidth at all times. If more bandwidth is needed situationally, you can stop the tree at any time, and pick up from where you left off when you’re ready. A dynamic bandwidth throttle can be used to adapt the synchronization’s bandwidth usage automatically based on changing network load.
• Greater visibility into file distribution. At any time, administrators can see how far down the tree they are, and what tiers have been updated.
• Quicker disaster recovery. Sync tree tools double as file backup software and disaster recovery software, by ensuring files are updated and saved in an orderly fashion. 

In the end, the healthcare provider was able to ensure that human life was effectively cared for while unlocking efficiency for the broader organization.

Find the file distribution software you need to succeed

SureSync MFT can enable such efficiencies for your organization, too. It’s a next-gen solution that solves such challenges for growing enterprises anywhere and at any time. Better file synchronization and replication ensure files are consistently up-to-date and transparent across users. 

What this healthcare provider did with a synchronization tree can benefit many different industries with a large number of servers dispersed across a wide region. A sync tree can work well in sectors such as:

• Finance: Secure and real-time synchronization of financial data across multiple branches, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency.
• Education: Managing file distribution for large educational institutions, ensuring that academic and administrative files are always up-to-date.
• Retail: Synchronizing inventory and sales data across numerous locations, enhancing supply chain management.

Don’t just take our word for it: try it out for yourself with a free guided demo of SureSync.