If your organization is still working from home due to the pandemic, it is best to invest in file-sharing tools, as they are more secure and offer better storage options. Building a hybrid work online collaboration space is not an easy task. You must look into various aspects for – the chances of hacking and data breaches are high.
You must invest in file-sharing tools that offer better storage options, quick collaborations, and secure transfers. A tool with advanced cloud storage features offers more than what local storage can’t, such as better security, more capacity, inline editing with multi-user versioning, and much more. Also, the one with a better security option guarantees that the data will remain protected at all times.
Unfortunately, various tools offer these options, thus making it hard for any business to compete and differentiate. However, there are a few considerations that are common for all. Based on this, we have shortlisted two business file-sharing tools that will ensure that the documents will be available to your team with a click, quickly, and securely.
Files.com and Box are popular business file-sharing tools and have many features in common, yet they differ from one another. Below we have listed their features, pros, cons, pricing plans, and other details that will give you a better idea of how each of them works and can benefit your organization.
Further, we have compared them based on various parameters, making it easier for you to determine which is the best fit for your organization.
Files.com Product Highlights
Files.com is a cloud-based file management system that offers file storage, quick collaborations, and secure exchange via links. Users have full access to control permissions and create file-sharing links with expiration dates. As a result, the recipient can download the file for a specific period. If he delays and tries to open the link after the expiry date, the link becomes invalid.
Key Features:
- Quick and Reliable File Transfers: It ensures that each file is encrypted, controlled, and properly tracked and reported in your business. It acts both as a client and server and offers quick transfers, i.e., connects you to the receiver instantly and securely.
- Better Security: Files.com safeguards your sensitive files with 256-bit AES encryption, SSH (SFTP) or TLS (FTPS) protocols, algorithms, and two-factor authentication. It ensures that all stored files are properly encrypted and securely exchanged with external parties. Thus, preventing you from data breaches or theft.
- Content Collaboration: Content collaboration makes it easier for employees to share and communicate about the files with other team members. Also, you can allow user permission to read, view, or modify files.
- Supports Dozens of Integrations: Files.com can integrate with multiple platforms, such as Google Cloud Platforms, Zapier, Azure, SharePoint, Active Directory, AWS., etc. Using the API support, you can also develop custom integrations.
- Track and Monitor: Another feature that makes files.com a suitable choice is it helps keep track of each file transfer and monitors the exchange. Also, it keeps you updated about the stored files.
Files.com is one of the security tools that supports two-factor authentication and encrypted data storage. Also, it has a single file directory interface, i.e., it is much easier to support and understand. Another factor that makes it a better option is it provides 100 GB of free cloud storage.
In terms of security, apart from two-factor authentication and encryption, the business file-sharing tool ensures that all the transfers are well protected using SSH (SFTP) or TLS (FTPS). Employees can also create and share files via password-protected links.
Files.com can be a great choice for organizations that want to perform business-critical file transfers. It is quick, secure, and requires no additional server for storage. Apart from the above-listed benefits, it supports Rest APIs and deep integrations.
At present, over 6000 businesses trust files.com, including The New York Times, PBS, Michelin, etc.
Pros:
- Prevents data breaches and other thefts via two-factor authentication (2FA)
- Uses 256-bit AES encryption for all stored files and the one in transit
- Allows employees to share password-protected links or the ones with an expiration date to avoid misuse
- Users can access all videos and documentation freely for guidance
- Allows integrations with platforms like AWS, GCP, Azure, or Microsoft
- Quick, easy to use, and secure storage and sharing platform
- Offers easy automation and does not require users to write any scripts or code for file transfers
- Supports SSO. API, SDKs, and session policies
- Customizable data retention timeframes
- Employees can control and manage who all can read, view, or modify shared files
Cons:
- US users may find it a bit expensive
- Not very intuitive for first-time users
- The receiver must create valid IDs and passwords to access the shared file
Pricing
| Starter | Power | Premier | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum User Commitment | 5 | Minimums Apply | Minimums Apply |
| Monthly Usage Included | 1 TB | 5 TB | 10 TB |
| Daily API Request Limit | 50,000 | 250,000 | 2,000,000 |
Files.com has three pricing plans starting with the basic package (starter) that allows only 5 users to transfer files with a daily API request limit of 50000. The monthly usage under this package is 1 TB. The users gain access to Rest APIs, SSL security assessment, inbound FTP and SFTP connections, and more under this package.
The second package is the power package, with an API request limit of 250,000 and minimum user commitments. The monthly usage under this package is 5 TB. It includes starter package features plus GPG encryption, webhooks, and more.
The third package is the premier package with an API request limit of 2,000,000 and access to beta features, SSO, etc. The monthly usage under this package is 10 TB.
For more quotes, get in touch with the sales team.
Use Cases
Popular American food ordering and delivery platforms like GRUBHUB use Files.com for storing, sharing, and transferring large data securely. The platform helps companies like GRUBHUB deliver a seamless and automatic experience to their customers, as well as saves time and enhances collaboration.
Box Business Product Highlights
Box for Business is a trusted cloud storage solution used by many businesses like BROADCOM, AstraZeneca, and more for protecting sensitive files. It is easy to use and can be accessed from any device for uploading and downloading files. It offers advanced security controls, data governance, strict data privacy, and industry compliance.
Key Features
- Supports All Browsers: You can transfer files from any browser or device using Box for Business. The reliable platform offers you full access to modify and manage files from any browser.
- Enhanced Security: The platform ensures that your highly confidential files and data will remain protected at all times via multi-layered encryption and 256-bit AES encryption. It also encrypts data with high-grade TLS during transfers. For more security, you can set expiration dates on your shared links.
- Tracking and Reporting: This feature provides complete information about the file status, who can access it, and more. It keeps track of each file and timely reports you on the same.
- Box View: This feature helps in quick scrolling, zooming, text selection, and converting PDF and other format documents into simple and easy-to-read display formats. Thus, enabling smooth content interaction.
- Supports Integration: Allows users to integrate their files and folders with other apps and popular tools like Google Docs, Microsoft Office 365, Outlook, and 150+ applications.
- Offers Seamless Collaboration: With Box for Business, you can seamlessly collaborate with your clients, partners, team members, and vendors in real-time. You can also add comments to the shared documents and enable secure communication.
- Unlimited Storage: All the business pricing plans supported by the tool offer unlimited storage space for users and access to upload files up to 150 GB under the Enterprise Plus package.
Apart from letting you store the important files, it offers seamless collaboration between teams, partners, and vendors. It is a secure platform and supports integration with platforms like Adobe Sign, Salesforce, Office 365, etc.
Another good part about Box for Office is you can store your files securely in any region of your choice. Additionally, it helps simplify the workflow and ensure that the exchange is quick and secure. The business file-sharing tool is also compliant with HIPAA, PCI, FINRA, FedRAMP, ISO 27018, ITAR, etc.
The monitoring and reporting tools supported by the platform give a better overview of how your content is shared and who can access it. It provides better visibility and control over all your files. Box for Business is an open platform that allows its users to customize their Box experience as well as connect with different business apps securely.
It is scalable and turns out to be a secure content repository for all your crucial files and documents. Its advanced features make the document-sharing process easy and quick. Also, employees have full access to set permissions for their confidential files.
Pros:
- Box for Business is compatible with all browsers and allows users to access files without any disruption
- Always protects your highly confidential data with multi-layered encryption and high-grade TLS.
- Supports setting up expiration dates and Enterprise Key Management (EKM) for data security.
- The reporting feature timely updates you about the files and enables you to keep track of who accesses them.
- Helps maintain your business in compliance with HIPAA, FedRAMP, ISO 27018, ITAR, etc.
- Allows seamless integration with 1,500+ apps without sacrificing their security or manageability.
- Allows users to convert the files and documents into different formats for display using Box view
- With Box, you do not require assigning the task of reviewing the file each time it is uploaded. Instead, it is done automatically with Box for Business.
- You can work offline as well with Box for Business.
- You can set permission for your confidential files and allow only authorized team members to access or edit them.
- Document sharing is much simple and easy with Box for Business.
Cons:
- Searchability features are not supported by the tool.
- Short trial periods
- It can be difficult for users to edit Excel files using the web app.
Pricing
Box for Business is available in four packages under the Business Plan – Business, Business Plus, Enterprise, and Enterprise Plus.
The Business Package will cost around ₹1,160 per user/month with access to upload files up to 5 GB. It offers unlimited storage and integrations with Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and Slack. Under this package, you also gain access to Box Sign, Box Canvas, and Box Relay.
The Business Plus Package is very common and may cost around ₹1,980 per user/month with access to upload files up to 15 GB. It includes all features of the Business plan, plus advanced search filters and custom metadata.
The Enterprise package costs around ₹2,730 per user/month and allows users to upload files up to 50 GB. Along with the Business plan features, it offers technical support, access to 1500+ enterprise app integrations, HIPAA/FedRAMP compliance, Password policy enforcement, Document watermarking, and 2FA for external users.
Lastly, the Enterprise Plus Package offers access to upload files up to 150 GB, Box Shield, Box Canvas, Box Relay, Box Shuttle, unlimited e-signatures, and 24/7 support services.
For more updates, contact the sales team.
Use Cases
Most Sales teams find the platform quite easy to use. Using the Box for Business file-sharing tool, the teams can share their proposal with customers more securely from any device. Secondly, they find it easier to invite and collaborate with clients on their proposals. They are able to work in real time and exchange files effortlessly and securely.
Files.com vs Box Business – Key Differences
| Parameters | Files.com | Box for Business |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | File transfer solution used to exchange business-critical files and storage | Cloud Storage solution is used for protecting sensitive files and secure transfers. |
| Supported Platforms | Supports Windows, Mac, Linux operating systems, and Android devices | Supports Windows and Mac, but not Linux |
| Security | For file security, it supports two-factor authentication and 256-bit AES encryptions | For protecting highly confidential data, it uses multi-layered encryption and high-grade TLS. |
| Storage Options | Users can freely store up to 100GB of files | Offers unlimited storage |
| Customer Support | Documentation and videos | Offers technical support via phone, chat, or email |
| Companies that trust | The New York Times, PBS, and more than 6000 businesses use files.com | BROADCOM, AstraZeneca, Morgan Stanley, and other world's leading organizations trust Box for Business. |
Conclusion
Finding the right tool for sharing business-critical files is not an easy task. You cannot depend on any random free business file-sharing tool for exchanging sensitive files or crucial data. Hence, we have shortlisted the two best and most secure business file-sharing tools that are easy to use and offer better storage options.
Also, the two tools offer smooth collaborations. No matter whether you want to transfer huge files or small ones, depending on a security tool like Files.com and Box is a great option.
Above we have listed trusted business file-sharing tools – Files.com and Box along with their features, benefits, and drawbacks.
Box for Business is a trusted cloud storage option with additional features like advanced security controls, quick file transfers, data governance, strict data privacy, etc.
Files.com is another popular file-sharing tool used for quick collaborations and secure transfers. It also allows users to store up to 100 GB freely in the cloud.
Both file-sharing tools are trusted and unique in their own ways. Compare them and decide which one meets your business requirements and budget.
