With technology becoming so advanced and most businesses working remotely, you cannot deny the importance of file sharing. To run everything smoothly, you need to share files securely with your team members.
Let’s say, if you want to hire a freelancer for running a marketing campaign, you will be required to send files over the network to keep him updated on the details. Similarly, if you want to discuss a project with your team member, you will need to send files to him over a platform to receive and check the data.
Today, file sharing is a critical component in any business and must be done efficiently and securely. Also, things have become far more manageable than before. Emailing documents is no more an ideal solution. Also, there is an attachment size limit issue.
However, there are a few file-sharing tools in the market that allow users to share large files securely over the Internet. As a result, the team members can access specific files in real time, regardless of their file size.
Improper sharing can bring more risks, so we have shortlisted two known and trusted business file-sharing tools – Files.com and ShareFile that have been in the market for a long and offer better security features. They allow users to have full control over who can read, edit, view, and share files. We have listed more such features, benefits, and drawbacks for each tool which will help determine which one to choose for your business.
Files.com Product Highlights
Files.com is a reliable and quick cloud-based file-sharing platform that helps manage business-critical files. Emailing files is no more a 100% secure option, but depending upon tools like files.com can be highly beneficial. They offer inbound FTP and SFTP connections, HTTPS link features, two-factor authentication (2FA), and more for better security.
Key Features:
- File Transfer and Storage: Using Files.com, employees can free store up to 100 GB of data in the cloud and run quick transfers. Every time you make a transfer, each file is properly tracked, monitored, and reported. Files.com is a reliable and quick business file-sharing tool that acts as both a client and server.
- Security: The platform uses FTP and SFTP inbound connections by default to secure every transfer. It also supports a two-factor authentication system to ensure no third party can access files and misuse it. Thus, ensuring each file exchange is secure and files encrypted.
- API Support: Using the Rest API support, your employees can build custom integrations using programming languages and develop a better workflow for file logistics.
- Granular Permission Controls: The user has full control over who can view, edit, or share files with other team members.
- Webhook Support: This feature allows users to send automated messages to different apps and gets notified about the same. It also updates the sender immediately if something suspicious happens.
- GPG Encryption: Files.com uses the OpenPGP standard for digital encryption and signing services. This feature ensures that all communications are secure when sharing files across an insecure network.
It offers free cloud storage for up to 100 GB, quick collaborations, and permission controls for secure transfers. The sender can also add a link expiration date to the shared links or generated password-protected links that only an authorized user can access and open.
Another great feature of Files.com is it keeps all its files, whether in transit or at rest, fully encrypted. In terms of security, files.com is a great option for any organization that wants to make business-critical file transfers. You can also access its documentation and videos for better guidance or understanding of how it works.
It supports deep integrations with Google Cloud platforms, AWS, Azure, and more. Also, it is highly compatible with most operating systems and mobile devices but cannot be deployed on-premises.
Below, we have listed some of its features that will help determine if the tool is best for your business needs and meets its requirements or not. Also, check and compare its pricing plan before making the final move.
Pros:
- Offers permission controls, i.e., users can control who can view, read, or edit files
- Offers session policies and supports APIs and SDKs
- Encrypts all stored files and the ones in transit to prevent data breaches
- Users have access to set up expiration dates on the shared links to avoid misuse
- Clients can easily connect with the support team via phone, email, and chat options for help
- Integrates well with AQS, Azure, Microsoft, and other platforms
- Users can keep track of stored files and other activities related to the file exchange
- Supports two-factor authentication and inbound FTP and SFTP connections
Cons:
- A bit costly platform for US users
- It is essential to generate ID and passwords for accessing files
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 |
Organizations can choose from three different packages. The basic one is the starter package with a monthly usage of 1 TB, access to 5 users, and an API request limit of 50000 per day. The package includes HTTPS features, REST API for custom integrations, Inbound FTP, SFTP, SSL security assessment, group permissions, alert options, EU-US Privacy Shield, and more.
Then comes the Power package with a monthly usage of 5 TB, minimum user commitments, and an API request limit of 250,000 per day. It includes all Starter package features plus Clickwrap, SMTP for Outbound Email, Slack notifications, webhooks, GPG encryption, SSO via Dropbox or Google, and other features.
Finally, the expensive one is the Premier Package with a monthly usage of 10 TB and an API request limit of 2,000,000 per day. It covers all the Power package features along with access to beta features, full migration assistance, Service Level Agreement (SLA), and more.
For quotes and other details, reach out to their sales team.
Use Cases
GoPro is an American technology company known for manufacturing action cameras and video-editing software. To share sensitive photos and videos, the company relies on a secure file-sharing tool like Files.com.
Files.com is known best for sharing business-critical files and offers better security features. Also, it allows users to share files in different formats. As a result, it is one of the best options for videographers, photographers, and companies like GoPro.
ShareFile Product Highlights
ShareFile is a business-class file-sharing tool used for securely accessing files, storing them in the cloud, and for collaborating in real-time. You can even share large or heavy files using this platform. Remember, you do not require any FTP, CDs, or thumb drives to share large files.
Key Features:
- File Syncing: ShareFile promotes automated and centralized workflows using this feature. It assigns a task to a series of folders to automatically upload received files to a central folder. As a result, the team members can easily access files from a central location and if any changes are made to the file, it will automatically update all others.
- Real-time Collaboration: With ShareFile, team members can easily collaborate and perform document editing in real time. You can customize and control permission as to who can access, view, or edit files. Also, the real-time collaboration gives a quick update on exactly where things stand.
- Security: The platform uses military-grade AES 256-bit encryption to secure all your files, whether in transit or at rest. As a result, no third party or outsider will be able to intercept your connection or breach the data. The military-grade AES 256-bit encryption prevents you from cyberattacks and other threats.
- Supports E-signature: This feature allows users to get signatures for engagement letters, tax forms, and other confidential documents quickly, rather than waiting for them to return from the recipient. It is a quick and efficient way to get your documents signed.
The tool helps maintain regulatory compliance with HIPAA, HITECH, FINRA, CFPB, and other guidelines affecting your industry. Another plus point of the tool is it allows you to transfer files via email, all you need to do is install an email plugin to perform the process.
It is a highly secure file-sharing tool that offers bank-level data encryption along with 25 customizable security settings for data recovery and theft prevention. It also supports a mobile device editing feature that enables users to annotate their documents via a mobile content editor.
With ShareFile, you can share your confidential files in different ways, i.e., by uploading them to the account or dropping and dragging them into the send form. It keeps all your files in a file sync folder to which everyone has access, i.e., if any changes are made to the file, it will automatically update all others. You can also work offline using the tool.
ShareFile is compatible with Windows and Mac Operating systems and can be deployed as subscription-based software as a service (SaaS). Organizations in finance, accounting, real estate, engineering, or construction use ShareFile for large file transfers.
Pros:
- Offers unlimited storage and automated workflows
- Allow users to share files securely via implicit FTPS or HTTPS
- The reporting feature gives a clear view of the file transfer activities, storage, and security settings
- Enables users to get signatures for their confidential documents quick using e-signature
- Prevents files from data loss and theft using military-grade AES 256-bit encryption
- Allows users to send large files via email using an email plugin
- Accelerated productivity and protects email via bank-level encryption capabilities
- Securely connects with 3rd party users from any location
Cons:
- It may say unlimited storage, but is never truly unlimited
- Some organizations find it difficult to manage files and users at a scale
- E-signature capabilities can be accessed only by Premium users
Pricing
ShareFile is available in four packages under the Business Plan – Standard, Advanced, Premium, and Virtual Data Room.
Starting with the Standard package, it will cost around $50 per month and offers access to unlimited client users and mobile apps. It supports two-factor authentication, custom branding, file syncing, and unlimited storage.
The secondary plan is the Advanced Package which may cost around $80 per month with access to unlimited client users, mobile apps, Gmail plugins, and advanced collaboration. Apart from the Standard Package features, it offers advanced security, encrypted email, Office 365 co-editing, feedback, and approvals workflows.
The Premium Package will cost around $122 per month and includes all features of the Advanced Package. It is one of the most common business file-sharing plans and supports Electronic Signatures and Custom Workflows.
Lastly, the Virtual Data Room package is available at $338 per month with 5 GB storage, access to Gmail plugins, e-signatures, dynamic watermarking, view-only features, and click traits.
For more details, we recommend connecting with the sales team.
Use Cases
Using ShareFile, many client portals can collaborate with stakeholders from outside your organization and perform document editing in real time. It ensures quick and secure file exchange. Also, allows users to comment on ongoing client projects and share their views. As a result, it helps provide clients with a great user experience.
Files.com vs ShareFile – Key Differences
| Parameters | Files.com | Citrix ShareFile |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | To exchange business-critical and highly confidential files | Used for transferring large files |
| Supported Platforms | Supports Windows, Mac, Linux operating systems | Supports Windows and Mac operating systems and can be deployed as subscription-based software as a service (SaaS) |
| Security | Offers 256-bit AES encryptions for file or data security. Also, supports two-factor authentication. | Offers military-grade AES 256-bit encryption for file or data security. |
| Storage Options | 100GB free file storage | Offers unlimited storage |
| E-signature Capabilities | Not supported | Available to users only under the Premium Plan |
| Companies that trust | Over 6000 businesses like The New York Times, PBS trust files.com | QBE, Prime Healthcare, Synopsys, and many other companies trust Citrix ShareFile. |
Conclusion
File sharing is an important component of any business and cannot be ignored. It ensures quick and secure transfers across different devices, regardless of your location. You can find many file-sharing tools for your business operations, but we have shortlisted the best ones.
Improper sharing can bring more risks, hence we have chosen the ones that offer advanced security and better storage options – Files.com and ShareFile. The two file-sharing tools have been in the market for a long time and offer better services. They offer collaborations, permission controls, monitoring, reporting, etc., features in common yet differ from one another.
Files.com is a cloud-based solution used by organizations for transferring highly confidential files securely among team members and partners. It supports deep integrations with Google cloud platforms, AWS, Azure, and more. Over 6000 organizations use Files.com for storage and file transfers. They comprise various features that make them a top choice in the market.
ShareFile, on the other hand, is used for sharing large or heavy files and maintains compliance with HIPAA, HITECH, FINRA, CFPB, and other guidelines affecting your industry. It is secure and offers e-signature capabilities to premium users.
Organizations in relation to finance, accounting, real estate, engineering, or construction use ShareFile for large file transfers.
Learn more about the business file-sharing tools and compare their features and pricing plans to conclude. Have a look at their pros and cons, use cases, and other factors to determine which one meets your business requirement.
