According to one embodiment, a method includes storing instances of a file in a first storage tier and a second storage tier of a storage system; associating each instance of the file on the first and second storage tier with a unique program identifier (UPI); receiving a request to access the file or instance thereof from a user in a group of users; searching for a UPI associated with an instance of the file that exists on the first storage tier; and providing the user requesting access to the file with remote access to the instance of the file on the first storage tier. Additional methods are also presented.