After thoroughly testing both Briefcase and Offline Files, the better solution at this time appears to be Briefcase. Although the use of Offline Files shows great potential, there are a few issues that would need to be addressed before using it. For example, unlike Briefcase, Offline Files does not maintain the directory structure. Instead it creates a flat list of all files.
There are a few different ways to use the briefcase, but for the sake of having a standard, please follow this document.
Right click on the user?s desktop and select ?New Briefcase?. After the shortcut has been automatically created on the desktop, rename it to something that will easily identify it?s contents (ie: H DRIVE BRIEFCASE).
?The briefcase is now ready for use. It is important to understand how briefcases work in order for them to be useful. All files must have a ?parent?, or a regular storage location outside of the briefcase. Documents or folders saved directly into the briefcase are considered ?orphans? and will not synchronize. Documents or folders must be copied, moved, or dragged into the briefcase. They should not be created and directly saved into the briefcase. A user creating a new document at home should not save it into the briefcase. They should save it to their C:\ Drive and then copy it to their network drive the next time they are connected. Basically, the briefcase should be an extension of the network for a user?s mobile use.
?To easily place a file into the briefcase, I recommend opening an explorer window so that the briefcase on the desktop is still visible. This makes it easy to drag files and folders into the briefcase.
?Once all files and folders have been moved into the briefcase, you should open the briefcase for verification.
