This guest post is by Jesse Langley
The Internet has changed the way we consume information and collaborate with co-workers and clients. Instead of just reading documents, we want slide shows, videos, advanced graphics and real-time collaboration. However, many of these files are too large to send the old-fashioned way ‚Äì via email ‚Äì so more businesses are turning to the cloud and cloud file sharing services to get it done. There is now an increasing number of file-sharing services ‚Äì free, paid, or “freemium” ‚Äì available. How do you know which one is right for your company?
According to Varun Parmar, Director of Product Management at YouSendIt, there are three primary considerations that business users should consider when selecting a file sharing and collaboration service:
Ease of use: Look for a service that doesn’t require you to change the way you already communicate and collaborate. Most of us use email, so look for a file-sharing or collaboration service that will integrate with your existing email application. For example, if you use Microsoft Outlook your collaboration tool of choice should offer a plugin so that you can continue to collaborate and share content from within that program.
Security: Data is often the lifeblood of an organization, and securing that data when it is shared is paramount. YouSendIt uses the highest level of security for the files through its personal data centers and high level of encryption for files shared through its service.
Access anytime, anywhere: We all move at such a fast pace now and we need to have easy, full access to our data when we are on the move. Look for a service that works where you work – across the Web, Windows, Mac, mobile, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Office.
Here are five file-sharing services, ranging from free to premium, to consider.
Wiggio
Wiggio is a free online toolkit that offers all the tools a business needs in one application, including a shared folder to upload files and edit documents within private groups. The service is completely free to use. Users are able to upload any number of files, in any file type. The only restriction is individual files must be smaller than 100MB.
Dropbox
Dropbox has become a popular file sharing service both for business and personal use. Once installed, it looks like a normal folder on your desktop or mobile device. Save any file to your Dropbox folder and it will show up in the DropBox folder app on your synced desktops, laptops, phone, tablet. If you edit a file on one device, DropBox will sync all of your devices with the latest version.
“One of the best parts of DropBox is you can use it on virtually any platform, from iOS devices to Windows and Android, even access data from a web browser if you‚Äôre using a public computer,” said technology columnist Andrea Eldridge. The service for 2GB is free, with different professional-level offerings.
YouSendIt
YouSendIt allows users to save and sync content in the cloud with unlimited storage and collaborate with co-workers and business partners through secure file and folder sharing. ‚ÄúYouSendIt is designed for professionals who need an easier way to collaborate on business content without abandoning the tools they use today,” said Parmar. The service operates under the ‚Äúfreemium” business model, offering plans for individuals, teams and enterprises. The maximum file size you can share with YouSendIt is 2GB, and users can also share a folder, which contains multiple files.
Kicksend
Kicksend has apps for Mac and Windows desktops, iPhone OS and the Web. The files are dragged into the app and sent via email. On the receiving end, if the user is not a Kicksend user, they will get an email with links attached to the files. If the recipient is a Kicksend user, files will be auto-downloaded on to their hard drives via their own desktop app; they will get mobile alerts via the iPhone app. Kicksend is a ‚Äúfreemium” service. There are no file size limits on any platforms except the web, which has a 150MB limit.
EADOC
EADOC provides a document sharing and workflow management cloud application specifically for the construction industry and is a pay service. Pricing is based on the size of the project, rather than per-seat licensing. EADOC supports file sizes up to 1/2 Gigabyte, and supports projects from under $5 million in contract valuation to more than $1 billion.
“To date, our maximum file size limit has not been an issue,” said Eric Law, founder & CEO of EADOC. “More generally, however, files that are too big to share via cloud-based services can still be moved through FTP.”
Jesse Langley is a Midwest freelance writer who divides his time between work, family, and his collection of Apple products.Connect with him on Facebook | Twitter
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