An even more basic, and more common, use of shared file systems by applications is when applications simply store their output or intermediate results in files. Business applications can generate a lot of file data, and once this application-generated file data exists on shared storage, it needs to be protected against excessive access.

Digital media

No, we're not talking about employees who store their movies and music on your enterprise file servers. Instead, think: digital recordings of calls to your customer service representatives and telesales team, video from security cameras, and even training and education materials such as podcasts and videos. Media files can be large, and when they are generated through ongoing business operations--like contact center recordings and surveillance videos--there can be a lot of them. If, for example, your business is processing pharmacy refills or purchases made with credit cards, your media files are governed by regulations such as HIPAA and PCI, and need to be protected. Similarly, you will want to make sure only those with a business need-to-know can access your surveillance video.

Informal business processes

Files are sometimes just more practical, functional or convenient that formal systems. For example, despite the widespread deployment of customer contact center software, your customer representatives may keep documents or spreadsheets to track "hot" cases, details that don't fit in standard forms, or other information they want to have readily at-hand. These types of informal business process files are often stored on shared file systems to so that teams can communicate across work shifts and geographies. While these files facilitate more efficient business, they can expose sensitive or regulated data to too many users, depending on the nature of your business.