Which copy of the file is the real one?

Your organization's files may soon be more accessible and easier to manage without increasing costs.

The Register is hosting a private, off-the-record dinner on October 20, 2026, in Soho, to discuss persistent issues with file infrastructure in distributed work environments. The event aims to address the challenges organizations face with managing multiple file versions, the inefficiencies of using VPNs and traditional NAS systems for remote teams, and the resulting costs in storage duplication and security risks. Senior technology, infrastructure, and data leaders are invited to share practical workarounds and discuss modernizing existing investments without complete overhauls. Rupert Watson, VP GTM for EMEA at LucidLink, will join The Register's Joe Fay as chair. The discussion will focus on handling unstructured data growth, supporting distributed teams cost-effectively, and maintaining security posture.

The widespread reliance on file infrastructure designed for physical offices, coupled with the persistence of legacy practices like VPNs and local file syncing, creates significant hidden costs for organizations. These include duplicated storage, wasted employee time spent resolving version control issues, and security vulnerabilities arising from inconsistent permissions across multiple file copies. This event signals a growing recognition of these pervasive inefficiencies and the need for practical, private discussions among leaders to identify effective solutions.

The discussions at this dinner highlight a market need for solutions that modernize existing storage and governance investments rather than requiring wholesale replacement. Participants will explore strategies for handling unstructured data growth and supporting distributed teams without incurring the expense of multiple file copies. The focus on security incident resilience suggests a demand for solutions that offer robust, unified control over file access and versions, potentially driving innovation in cloud-native file management and data governance tools.