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Many service providers still manage clients who run traditional on-premise file servers. These servers are often expensive to maintain, difficult to scale, and require VPN access for remote work. For MSPs and resellers, replacing them with a cloud file server solution is a chance to reduce support overhead while adding recurring revenue.

A cloud file server for MSPs is not the same as consumer file sharing. It is a managed platform where providers can host multiple clients, control access, and ensure compliance. By shifting from on-premise servers to a file server in the cloud, MSPs give clients modern access without losing ownership of the service

Why MSPs Replace On-Prem File Servers

On-prem servers remain common in SMB environments, but they bring recurring issues:

• Hardware and licensing costs increase year by year.
• VPN access frustrates end users and creates support tickets.
• Security patches and upgrades consume IT resources.
• Compliance requirements (GDPR, HIPAA, ISO) are harder to meet without audit logs and encryption.

For these reasons, MSPs actively plan business file server replacement projects. The typical goal is to move data into a modern file server solution that combines cloud scalability with MSP control.

Cloud File Server Solutions for MSPs

A proper cloud file server replacement gives providers the ability to:

• Manage multiple tenants from one platform.
• Rebrand the solution under their own name and domain.
• Offer both pure cloud and hybrid cloud file server deployments.
• Provide audit trails, encryption, and regional hosting to meet compliance needs.

This is not simply about storage. It is about creating a secure file storage and sharing infrastructure that supports both the MSP’s delivery model and the client’s daily workflows.

Migration: Moving File Servers to the Cloud

MSPs are often tasked with projects to migrate a file server to the cloud. Clients expect folder structures, permissions, and user access to remain intact. A channel-ready solution must support:

• File server migration to cloud with minimal downtime.
• Preservation of existing NTFS permissions.
• Centralized administration for providers.
• Flexible hosting: in the EU, private cloud, or on-premises as part of a hybrid model.

By offering a controlled migration path, providers can show clients clear value compared to unmanaged consumer cloud drives.

Cloud File Server with Secure File Sharing

Beyond access, many clients now expect collaboration tools. A cloud file server with secure file sharing allows MSPs to offer:

• Encrypted file transfer.
• Role-based permissions and sub-folder control.
• External sharing with expiry dates or password protection.

This lets providers position the service not only as storage, but as a secure file sharing server software replacement that strengthens their portfolio.

Conclusion

For MSPs and resellers, replacing on-prem file servers with a cloud file server solution is both a technical upgrade and a business opportunity. It reduces maintenance, removes VPN dependency, and creates recurring revenue. With options for hybrid deployments, white-label branding, and compliance support, a cloud file storage server becomes a long-term service providers can confidently own and deliver.

Start Your File Server Replacement with RushFiles

RushFiles is a cloud file server built for MSPs and resellers. With multi-tenant management, full white-label branding, and deployment options across EU cloud, hybrid, or on-prem, it lets providers deliver modern file access while keeping client ownership and margins.

Learn more on our File Server Replacement page