Windows 7 / Networking

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Benefits of BranchCache

BranchCache can provide the following benefits to enterprises and their users:

• Reduces WAN link utilization By enabling branch office clients to use locally cached copies of files instead of having to download them from the central office over the WAN, BranchCache reduces WAN link utilization, thus freeing up bandwidth for other applications that need to use the WAN.
• Improves user productivity and reduces application response time Opening a file located on a remote file server from a locally cached version of the file is typically much faster than downloading the file over a slow WAN link. BranchCache thus increases user productivity when accessing content over the WAN for applications that use Server Message Block (SMB; for example, using Microsoft Office Word to open a document stored in a shared folder on a file server) or HTTP/HTTPS (for example, using Windows Internet Explorer to open a page on an intranet Web site or using Windows Media Player [WMP] to play a video embedded in an intranet Web page).

BranchCache adds significant value to Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 with little overhead by providing significant bandwidth savings and an improved user experience. BranchCache doesn't require additional equipment in the branch offices, is easy to deploy, supports your existing security requirements, and can be easily managed using Group Policy.