The older generations likely remember the time when file sharing was a very slow, difficult, and time-consuming process. People were using, by today’s standards, antiquated technologies such as CDs to transfer information, or they were waiting long periods of time for uploads to complete just to share a file via email. This issue was so widespread that specialists began working hard on solving this challenge, and today we have powerful file-sharing options. File sharing makes business processes easier; despite that, not all file-sharing options accomplish what you’d need or expect from them.
Here are some of the best options available for sharing files among individuals, including in personal and professional environments.
Dropbox
One of the companies that has been most popular for file sharing among ordinary guys who want to share their files is Dropbox. Dropbox allows you to synchronize files, meaning you can share your “Cloud” or “box” with one or many users. Whatever someone does, the upload will be visible and ready to download for everyone in this group of people. Although the main focus is on the synchronization of shared information, Dropbox keeps track of downloads, and after deleting files from the server can restore data. Dropbox keeps track of file changes, which are available for up to 30 days after changes have been made. This version history feature makes Dropbox unique and easy to use. Users don’t having to worry about lost or deleted files.
A fun fact about the the conception of Dropbox is that the founder and CEO of Dropbox, Andrew W. “Drew” Houston, thought of Dropbox while riding a bus when he forgot a USB flash drive one day. He did not have the information required to do his job and thought that having a virtual box into which he could easily drop data would improve business processes.
The Dropbox service offers 2GB of free space that can be expanded up to 16GB by either inviting new members or purchasing space up to 1TB.
While Dropbox is great for individual users storing pictures and other not-so-critical data, if you are running a business, you will likely need a more robust solution.
Google Drive
Google Drive is an excellent file-sharing choice, especially for those who use Google every day and want to use it to its full potential. In short, Google Drive is file hosting, created and maintained by Google. Its functions include storing files online, sharing them, and collaborative editing. The structure consists of Google Drive and Google Docs, spreadsheets, and presentations—a set of office applications to collaborate on text documents, spreadsheets, presentations, drawings, Web forms, and other files. For Google users it’s one of the best and most logical choices, as it includes both file sharing and editing. Google Drive features 15GB of free space to use. If that’s not enough for your needs, an amount of 100GB up to 30TB can be purchased. This fact makes Google Drive a little bit better and cheaper than Dropbox.
Again, Google Drive’s solutions for business aren’t as robust as more customized document management software (DMS).
eFileCabinet Document Management System
If you own a small or medium-sized business and want a paperless cabinet (or you are a part of such business), eFileCabinet is the perfect choice for you. eFileCabinet was created for businesses. It facilitates file sharing, and its main function is to create a fully operating paperless office, where employees can quickly and effectively operate, share, and modify data at their computers.
eFileCabinet has Cloud and desktop document management versions. Just a few of the features of eFileCabinet include version controlling, role-based security, audit trails, storage of files in native format, easy sharing, and military-grade encryption. It is built to be easy to store, share, and search for both personal and business use.