topic Re: Is it possible? in Alfresco Archive

Is it possible?

tytanix — Thu, 26 Sep 2013 13:45:48 GMT

Is it possible to create, in Alfresco, only a logic tree of the directories and files stored on a server without move them phisically into Alfresco?If so, can I also associate to the elements of this hypotetical tree the metadatas retrieved from the respective files and link every element to the cor

Re: Is it possible?

parzgnat — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 04:06:32 GMT

You might want to take a look at the Bulk Import Tool that's included in Alfresco. The tool can be used to import files and folders from a filesystem. There are two options when using the bulk import tool:

1. Streaming Import - where the content is streamed (copied) from the file system into Alfresco
2. In-Place Import - imports files that already exist within the repository content store (meaning that you can just move them into the storage location without having to create a copy). This can result in a significant performance improvement.

If you have metadata to import along with the files/folders, there is a way to create side-car XML files that contain the metadata, which will automatically set the metadata on the files/folders in Alfresco when they're imported. Unfortunately the in-place upgrade option is only available in the Enterprise edition of Alfresco.

Here is a link to the bulk import tool user guide

http://docs.alfresco.com/4.1/index.jsp?topic=%2Fcom.alfresco.enterprise.doc%2Fconcepts%2FBulk-Import-Tool.html‍

Re: Is it possible?

tytanix — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 07:38:00 GMT

Thank you very much for your answer, i will try this solution.
Another question, is there a method to automatically upload files from a server to alfresco?
My problem is that i don't want to force my colleagues to change their method of storing files. So, i'd like to create a system that change automatically the files in alfresco, even if they are created, modified or deleted directly on the server without pass through Alfresco.

Re: Is it possible?

mrogers — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 09:10:00 GMT

Changing files behind alfresco would cause chaos. And at that point it is not alfresco that is "managing" the files, for example all alfresco's security would be bypassed as would any features like locking or versioning.

You can use a filesystem projection for alfresco instead.

Re: Is it possible?

tytanix — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 09:42:40 GMT

Thanks for the answer,
Do you mean that i can create a projection of the alfresco filesystem? But if i choose this way, can i see and mange it like a normal filesystem's directory or i must pass through alfresco management pages?

Re: Is it possible?

mrogers — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 12:28:49 GMT

it looks like a normal filesystem.

Re: Is it possible?

tytanix — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 12:46:45 GMT

Thank you very much this is perfect.
Could you tell me how to do this or link me an how to guide?