Overview
UBC Workspace 2.0 is implementing the latest upgrade to its platform from Saturday, August 5, 2017, 6:00 am to Sunday, August 6, 2017, 6:00 am. The upgrade will enhance user experience, which includes features such as an improved file synchronization across devices and larger file size for uploads.
Purpose
Hosted on-campus, UBC Workspace 2.0 is a cloud-based file sharing service that offers an easy and secure way for staff and faculty to share files via folders, both internally and externally with colleagues, partners and clients, from any supported device, while still complying with Canadian, provincial, and UBC security requirements.
Since launched in 2014, Workspace has become an essential work tool for staff and faculty. The latest upgrade will provide a better user experience and resolve some known issues with the current version of the platform.
We will be offering a series of information sessions showcasing the new features. We will provide more details shortly.
Workspace 2.0 Upgrade Features
- A more robust and simplified desktop sync client
- File synchronization between clients and users will be more reliable and faster
- Users with a Mac operating system will have a full file sharing integration (with files and folders able to be shared directly from the desktop)
- Users on desktop clients will be able to select individual foldersto synchronize
- File size upload will increase from 2GB to 8GB
Issues to Resolve with Upgrade
Like all other file sharing software, there are limitations to what it can provide and support.
Below is a list of known issues and the status of resolution from the upgrade:
| Issue | Resolution Status |
|---|---|
When connecting to Workspace with a desktop client, you receive the message: |
Resolved |
Files exceeding 2047MB (Just under 2GB) are not properly uploading |
Resolved. Users will be able to upload files up to 8GB |
Empty files not able to be uploaded to Workspace via web browser or a desktop sync client |
Still an issue |
Downloading files, using Firefox, where the file has a space in its name, may result in downloading a file with a truncated name. |
Resolved |
Having special characters (e.g. \/:*?"<>|) in filenames will impact synchronizing with desktop synch clients |
Still an issue. Unfortunately, this is an operating system limitation and not something that the product can resolve. |
The maximum path length including the file name and enclosing folders is 260 characters |
Still an issue.Unfortunately, this is an operating system limitation and not something that the product can resolve. |
Desktop Client Downloads
We strongly recommend installing the latest client version prior to the upgrade to ensure your changes are uploaded and backed up on the server before the upgrade takes place.
Windows Desktop Client
- Installation Link: Windows Desktop Client (7MB)
- Set-up Guide: Windows Client Installation Guide
Mac OS X Desktop Client
- Installation Link: Mac OS X Desktop Client (111MB)
- Set-up Guide: MacOS Client Installation Guide
Timeline
- June 30, 2017 to August 4, 2017
- Prepare for upgrade
- August 5, 2017 6:00am to August 6, 2017 6:00am
- Implement upgrade- Workspace users will not be able to access the service during this time. This will affect external users that may need to access to links and files that have been shared with them
- August 9 and 22, 2017
- Information Sessions - Please click here to RSVP.
Contacts
For questions, feedback, and technical support, please contact the IT Help Desk at www.it.ubc.ca/helpdesk.
