[ILUG] Offline Folder in Linux and sync'able

[Kuda Dube]

Hi all,

A friend has asked me the following problem and it happens I have also
been looking for a solution to the same problem. I have not found a
solution so far. Here is how he puts the problem:

<quote>

[...] I have (and am still) searched the internet for information on how
one can implement the windows concept of "offline folders" in a linux
client environment.

Offline folders means that a folder (could be home, in Windows is My 
Documents) is stored on a server but a cached copy is kept on the 
client/workstation. The user works with the cache and sees no
difference.On login and logout any changes are synchronized with the
serverbased folder. If you are offline (travelling or server down) you
will see no difference except an error when you log on or off that synch
could not be done.

The advantage is of course that users files can be centrally backed up 
and if a computer crashes or gets stolen you simply configure a new one,
"resync" and the user is all set to go. In Windows domains it works with
"roaming profiles" meaning that if you log on to another workstation you
will have access to your files but not your own desktop or configs.

I am looking for a way to implement this concept (minus the roaming 
profile if that is not possible) in an environment where the servers are
either Windows or Linux (Ebox) and the clients also mixed Windows and 
Linux (Kubuntu hopefully). The organisation are moving away from 
Windows, are not going Vista but staying with XP and for new computers 
going LInux. But the offline folders is a security aspect for them, 
securing that users files gets backed up "automagically".

Any pointers, help, someone did something like this, assistance of any 
kind most welcome.

</quote>