Why aren't some file types suitable to open via MyWorkDrive?

Why can't I open certain file types (such as Databases, PSTs, Accounting systems, etc.) via MyWorkDrive?

Some file types are not suitable for remote access tools like MyWorkDrive or VPNs. These programs were built for constant local access or, at most, SMB protocol over a LAN. They were not designed for slow, high latency connections such as the internet or VPN, and were not designed to be converted/transmitted via HTTPS the way MyWorkDrive does (pulling from the sever on demand; not storing files locally in anticipation of access), nor being subjected to the types of packet inspection HTTPS is subjected to by firewalls, WAFs and endpoint security.

The average home internet bandwidth in the US is approximately 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload, not accounting for ping time latency and vulnerability scans at each hop. Whereas the typical office LAN is 1000 Mbps each direction, with no hops and minimal scanning. Programs designed to expect an immediate response with very short timeouts will not function well with long waits, deep scans, and packet interruptions when only given 1/10th of their expected connection, at best.

Files such as databases, large media, and design files should only be accessed using the application’s recommended networking methods or through a remote desktop session, not MyWorkDrive. For this reason, our optional default block list specifically includes QuickBooks, Access, and PST files.

Applications to Specifically Avoid Opening on MyWorkDrive

Quickbooks

https://quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/en-us/help-article/product-system-requirements/recommended-networks-quickbooks/

https://community.spiceworks.com/topic/2081684-does-quickbooks-2018-support-vpn-connection

Photoshop/Adobe Creative

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/kb/networks-removable-media-photoshop.html

https://community.spiceworks.com/topic/1434968-editing-adobe-files-directly-on-a-network-volume-share-is-not-supported

https://community.adobe.com/t5/indesign-discussions/file-save-issues-on-network-using-indesign-2020/td-p/10901738

Autodesk/Autocad

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/autocad-forum/vpn-and-working-remotely-questions/td-p/6335855

Microsoft Access

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/using-an-access-database-over-vpn/2be6b18c-51ba-4ff2-8ec3-740a7a355c7c

Legacy Sharing in Excel (Shared Workbooks)

The Legacy sharing feature uses a peer-to-peer sharing method between Excel users. MyWorkDrive does not support this type of sharing (as the files are moved to the user's workspace in memory and are not edited on the server. MyWorkDrive does support co-editing/co-authoring via Office Online using Office 365 or Office Online Local Server.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/about-the-shared-workbook-feature-49b833c0-873b-48d8-8bf2-c1c59a628534

(not to be confused with co-editing/co-authoring via Office365, which is fully supported in the web client, iOS/Android and Windows Client)

Note that Microsoft has intentionally hidden the Shared Workbook feature in Excel to prioritize Office 365 co-editing. Also of note, MyWorkDrive supports co-editing in Office 365 from the mapped drive clients, when edit in Office Online is enabled, using the Open in co-edit mode option in the context menu (right click).

Outlook PST Files

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/297019/limits-to-using-personal-folders-pst-files-over-lan-and-wan-links

In general, if it is a multi-user database product or a product that uses a large number of reference files, the files should not be stored on a share in MyWorkDrive and opened remotely by clients. Please refer to the original software author for networking best practices for the product.