Millions of users have used TrueNAS to share files via SMB and NFS protocols, but with more and more users working from tablets and smartphones, an easier way to let these devices leverage the power of TrueNAS was needed. Apps like NextCloud or SyncThing worked for certain use cases, but we thought – why not find a way to access a share via a web browser?
TrueNAS WebShare resolves the challenges from previous web access methods like WebDAV and the FileBrowser app. Functionality and compatibility was severely limited using previous solutions, and they were used typically when there was no better choice. With WebShare, you’ll have strong security, integration with ZFS, and full compatibility with NFS and SMB – allowing you to access your data over every protocol, at the same time.
TrueNAS has resolved all of these issues with WebShare, a new web interface for sharing files via any browser. It is secure, compatible with SMB and NFS, and highly functional. This is Enterprise-grade file sharing delivered through a modern web browser interface. The WebShare UI is below.
The WebShare functionality was demonstrated on video on the TrueNAS Tech Talk (T3) podcast just before the holidays – if you missed it, tune in to Episode 47 and join the discussion in the TrueNAS Forums.
Why create WebShare?
Both SMB and NFS are fast on the LAN and great at server-side file editing, but the experience is highly client-dependent and features sometimes have to stay “frozen” to maintain backwards compatibility. For example, the macOS SMB client is not nearly as powerful as a Windows client, and requires special configuration under some circumstances. WebShare is more functional, universally available to any browser supporting HTML, and operates faster over a WAN than native SMB and NFS protocols.
WebDAV was web-based but very unpopular. There was no support for modern Web conventions, and no leverage of popular storage features beyond basic CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete). In addition, there were significant security and performance issues, and no reliable way to interoperate with NFS or SMB shares of the same data. WebShare resolves all those WebDAV issues and adds additional features, such as media preview and ZFS snapshot integration
Web interfaces are a major draw for users and have very low friction to get started. WebShare offers a seamless experience for all TrueNAS storage capabilities, eliminating the need to test and verify every client OS version. WebShare is ideal for BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) environments that include a variety of laptops, tablets, and smartphones. The WebShare interface provides tools, including media and text previews, additional metadata, directory usage, quotas, and file counts that are typically unavailable via standard storage interfaces.
WebShare provides an Enterprise-class cloud experience. WebShare is Intuitive, fully integrated with ZFS functionality, and offers secure interoperability with SMB, NFS, Active Directory, and LDAP. TrueNAS development owns both the front and back end code, and can evolve functionality at a rapid pace. The front-end user interface is elegant and includes file browsing, snapshot, and search capabilities. The back-end ZFS storage features all of TrueNAS’s capabilities, including ACLs, file locks, previous versions through ZFS snapshots, transparent support for high availability, and FIPS-140 security.
WebShare can enable sharing between internet users and organizations. Through integration with TrueNAS Connect, WebShare offers the option to securely share and upload files, similar to Dropbox, while avoiding the security issues associated with using a public cloud service. It enables support for modern password management techniques using WebAuthN and Passkeys.
WebShare Search and Spotlight
Searching a mapped network drive from a client is typically slow. WebShare includes a server-side search engine that indexes the files by name, metadata, and even content – and provides a fast, intuitive search tool with many options. Available via a web browser on any client, WebShare Search makes finding files happen in seconds rather than minutes. For macOS users, the same search engine will be available via Spotlight, the integrated macOS search utility.
Next Steps for WebShare
WebShare is a TrueNAS 26.04 Enterprise feature wholly developed by TrueNAS. Rather than keeping it Enterprise-only, it will be made available in TrueNAS Community Edition through the TrueNAS Connect service. Users with TrueNAS Connect Foundation will allow one connection, enabling system administrators or power users to have remote access to their personal system. Once set up, all WebShare access is directly to the TrueNAS system via HTTPS, with certificates established and maintained by TrueNAS Connect. Data remains on your TrueNAS system.
TrueNAS Connect Plus users will be allowed five simultaneous connections to their system, enabling shares with multiple users accessing and working on files at once. Large households or small businesses can easily collaborate and share with each other without complicated configuration of each client system.
For TrueNAS Enterprise users, there is no session limitation, allowing organizations to enable WebShare access globally. For organizations like schools and universities that embrace a BYOD policy, this adds another option in addition to existing SMB and NFS, making it easier than ever to leverage TrueNAS. All protocols will have secure access to the NAS files, with the same Directory service.
TrueNAS 26.04 “Halfmoon” is currently being tested internally within TrueNAS, preparing for a BETA release in February and a full launch in April. Nightly images are available now for development purposes, with more information on “Halfmoon” and the enhanced features in TrueNAS and TrueNAS Connect coming over the next two months.
Once the WebShare product is ready for Community trial, we’re excited to release it to the public to get your feedback and hear how you’re using it.
Ready to experience TrueNAS? You can download TrueNAS Community Edition to try it out. If your business is ready to join the more than 60% of Fortune 500 companies already using TrueNAS, contact us to discover how TrueNAS unified storage can help you and your business take control of your storage.