Today, many organizations, to increase collaboration among their team members and improve their communication processes, rely on business file-sharing tools. Business file-sharing tools are more secure and allow employees to transmit data freely and faster. The employees feel less worried about data loss as all the files stored or shared are encrypted.
Most of the tools available online for file exchange are no more expensive and leverage a 256-bit encryption key to ensure that the data is never at risk. There are various benefits to investing in business file-sharing tools. We have shortlisted two trusted business file-sharing tools and have compared them in this blog to make it easier for you to choose.
Files.com and Google Workspace Drive are popular business file-sharing tools used for sharing, storage, and collaboration. We will discuss the two in detail, highlighting their features, pros, cons, use cases, and pricing plans. We will also compare the two based on various factors to make it easier for you to choose between the two.
Files.com Product Highlights
Files.com is a reliable and fast file transfer platform used by organizations for secure business-critical transfers. The Cloud-Native SaaS platform does not require you to have separate servers and store all files in the cloud securely.
Key Features
- Cloud Storage Options: Users can freely store up to 100 GB of data using the cloud-based platform. Also, they can conveniently share files with password-protected links with other team members using the platform.
- Security: Single-sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and 256-bit AES encryption are a few features supported by the tool for maintaining privacy. The tool also supports SFTP and FTPS protocols.
- Rest API: The feature allows users to create custom applications via different programming languages.
- Permission Controls: The feature gives users the full responsibility to grant access to view, manage, or download the shared file as per their choice. They also have the access to set up link expiration dates with the shared file so that no other user can access the data after the time limit.
- Supported Platforms: Users having operating systems or mobile devices can easily share files using Files.com. Only on-premises and Chromebook are not supported by the platform.
- Tracking and Monitoring Features: Your employees can also maintain track of every activity relating to storing files using files.com. For quick recovery, all you need to do is visit the trash menu.
It is a perfect solution for B2B platforms if they are looking for a tool that helps save, share, and collaborate. Written in Java makes the platform an easy-to-use option. It also supports multiple integration patterns and Single Sign-On (SSO) features. One can effortlessly and securely exchange files with Files.com
Below are some of its features that will convince you that it is a better business file-sharing tool than others available in the market.
Pros:
- Supports deep integrations with AWS, Google Cloud Platforms, Drive, etc.
- Offers documentation and videos for training purposes.
- For customer support, the platform offers live support
- Allows users to store, share, and collaborate with team members securely
- Users can set link expiration date while sharing files for better security.
- Supports Single-Sign On (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), 256-bit AES encryption, and other security features for file security and to prevent data loss.
Cons:
- The Premier package is expensive for most users
- For exchanging directories via links, it is mandatory to create valid IDs and passwords.
Pricing
Files.com is available in three packages. You can contact the sales team for quotes and other details. But before that, let us have a look at the packages and their supported features.
| 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 |
The cheapest plan supported by the platform is the Starter plan, with a monthly usage of 1 TB and access to five users. The plan provides a daily API request limit of 50,000. For data security, it offers SSL security assessment, HTTPS features, and inbound FTP and SFTP connections. Under the package, you also get Rest API support for custom integrations.
The second plan is the Power Package with a monthly usage of 5 TB and minimum user commitment. The plan provides a daily API request limit of 250,000 and comprises all features of the started package. Additionally, it offers permission controls and support for webhooks. For security, it included GPG encryption, custom SSL certifications, etc.
The expensive plan is the Premier package with a monthly usage of 10 TB. The daily API request limit is 2,000,000 and includes all features of the Power package plus Single Sign-On (SSO), access to beta features, etc.
Look for yourself which plan suits your budget and business requirements.
Use Cases
GoPro and GRUBHUB are a few top-rated companies that rely on Files.com for exchanging files. Files.com has been in the market for a while and supports strong security features and collaboration tools. It is a highly secure file-sharing option for businesses and makes the process quick and simple.
Google Workspace Drive Product Highlights
Google Drive is a part of Google Workspace used for file storage and sharing. It is a secure platform that allows organizations to store every file and access them anytime from any location. Users also have full power to control how files are shared.
Key Features:
- Better Storage Capacity: Google Workspace offers you ample space to store your files and data in the cloud. It offers centralized administration and a secure Vault to protect data from breaches and loss.
- Discover Vital Files in Real-time: The Google AI supported by the platform helps in predicting and displaying important files in real time. Over your daily use and access, drive displays important content and events on top before you’ve even searched. It supports Quick Access features and ML-based search enhancements that help connect users with their crucial files.
- Maintains Shared Drives: You can easily view the teamwork or shared files under the shared drive section. It is secure and easy to use or manage. Different team members can be added or given access to the files, and they can view all shared files under this section.
- Supports third-party apps: Google Workspace also supports hundreds of integrated apps like CloudLock, Lucidchart, and DocuSign to make things easier for users.
- Supports Different File Formats: Another feature that makes Google Workspace a great option for file sharing is it is open to different file formats, i.e., users can upload or download files in PDFs, MPEG4s, word files, etc., using Google Workspace.
- Full Control over Files: Whether you want to keep your files privately or want to share them with your team members, the control is completely in the hands of the crater of the file or system administrator. You have full access to grant permission controls as per your requirement. Also, you can set up an expiration date with the shared files for data security.
It is a part of the Google Workspace package that offers centralized administration and productivity tools like a word processor and spreadsheets that make the storage process simple and quick. The platform also helps maintain security with its advanced features.
Google Drive is hosted in the cloud and available for free for personal use. The Business version however gives special administration controls over accounts and content to users to maintain security. Access controls are managed by the crater of the file or system administration. Only the authorized administrators have the access to transfer or share controls among the team members. Authorized employees can also provide viewer-only access as per their choice.
The data stored in the drives are collectively owned by the team. As a result, each member stays up to date with Google Workspace Drive. Using Google AI, the drive users can also predict and track important content in real-time. It also supports Quick Access features and ML-based search enhancements.
With Google Workspace Drive, you no longer have to store every file or folder on your PC/Mac disk space and fear data loss, instead, you can easily streamline all your data directly from the cloud and store it securely. Be more productive and work seamlessly with Google Workspace Drive.
Pros:
- Allows users or team members to access their files or documents from any location or device with an internet connection.
- Built-in productivity tools make it easier for users to edit files in bulk or in real time.
- You no longer need to perform manual searching to access required files. It offers instant search results that make the process simple and quick.
- Allows users to access a file in different formats, including .txt, .psd, PDF, .doc, .xls, .rar, etc.
- Sharing files with team members is easy with Google Workspace Drive.
- Offers granular permission controls to users that allow them to share files as view-only or read-only, depending on what you want to achieve.
- It supports comment or discussion features that help employees share their thoughts easily.
- It provides flexible storage options and an amazing user interface.
- Also, sorting and re-arranging files or folders is a quick process. Users can move an entire file from one folder to the other with one click or via simple drag-and-drop options.
- It provides proper backup and keeps the files safe and sound at all times.
- Offers SSL Encryption, HTTPS encryption, and a double RSA-2048 key for data protection.
Cons:
- Users must have an internet connection to use its service properly
- Users can upload limited file sizes in a day.
- It supports multiple security systems, but still can get exposed to security risks.
- An Internet connection quality plays a key role in its performance. A poor connection can create an impact on upload and download speed.
Pricing
Google Workspace is available in four packages – Business Started, Business Standard, Business Plus, and Enterprise.
The cheapest package is the Business Starter, starting at $4.20 per user per month. Under this package, you will get standard support and access to 30 GB of storage per user. Also, only 100 people can participate in video meetings. Additionally, it offers custom and secure business email for your employees and full management controls with better security features.
The second and most opted package is the Business Standard, starting at $9.60 per user per month. Unlike the Business Started, here you get access to 2 TB storage space per user with better security and management control features. Also, around 150 people can be a part of video meetings. Another plus point is you can record your video meetings under this package.
The Business Plus Pricing Plan starts at $18 per user per month with access to secure business email, eDiscovery, and retention. Under this package, users get 5 TB of storage space per user and management controls like a vault and advanced endpoint management with enhanced security. Additionally, 500 users can participate, record, attend, or track video meetings. It offers standard support but can be upgraded to enhanced support with extra pay.
The enterprise package has no storage capacity limit and offers all features of the Business plan plus S/MIME encryption, noise cancellation or in-domain live streaming for video meetings, and compliance controls with DLP and data regions. Lastly, it offers Enhanced Support, but can be upgraded to premium support with extra pay. For Enterprise package quotes, contact the sales team.
Use Cases
All Nippon Airways, Woolworths, and Sompo Insurance are some of the leading businesses and organizations that rely on Google Workspace to make the file transfer process smooth and simple. Using the platform, organizations find it easy to streamline and modernize their traditional work practices. Additionally, the load on IT teams is reduced, and they can concentrate on other areas for better performance.
Files.com vs Google Workspace Drive – Key Differences
| Parameters | Files.com | Google Workspace Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Files.com is used by organizations for exchanging business-critical files. | Google Workspace Drive allows users to streamline all their data directly from the cloud and store it securely. |
| Deployments | Supports most operating systems, and Android, and iPad devices except on-premises and Chromebook | Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based platform |
| Security | Offers Multi-factor authentication and file storage encryptions | Offers Cutting-edge cloud security with multi-factor authentication and security keys |
| Storage Options | Allows users to store up to 100GB freely with proper encryption | Supports Flexible Storage Options |
| Includes Services | Offers File Transfer, Storage, and Collaboration | Offers Storage, File sharing, Collaboration, Video Meetings |
| Training | Offers Documentation, Videos, and webinars for Training | Offers Documentation only |
| Video Conferencing | Not Available | Available |
| Customer Support | Live support is available | Phone support, Knowledge Base, 24/7 live support, Forum, Email |
Conclusion
As said earlier, business file-sharing tools can be highly beneficial for any business. They are secure and offer quick file transfers. With business file-sharing tools, your organizations can streamline and modernize traditional work practices. Users can quickly move or share their files with other team members with tools like Files.com and Google Workspace Drive.
Files.com is a fully Cloud-Native SaaS platform compatible with most operating systems and Android devices except on-premises and Chromebook. Similarly, Google Workspace is a Cloud-Native SaaS platform compatible with most operating systems but supports flexible storage options.
Another point of difference is Google Workspace Drive supports web and video conferencing. Have a look at more of their features and drawbacks to conclude which one suits best your requirements. Compare their pricing plans to discover if they match your budget requirements. Make a decision after comparing the different factors and features supported by the two popular platforms.
