Which File-Sharing Solution Type is Best for Your Business?

At one time, sharing a document with a colleague was a labor-intensive process. A worker was required to save the file to a floppy and mail or walk it to that person’s desk. As computers have evolved, more options for file transfers opened up, including flash drives, e-mail, and saving to internal servers.

Cloud hosting has eased the process even further, providing businesses the ability to create central hubs where multiple workers can meet. Tools such as Basecamp give workplaces a place where employees can share documents, as well as update the status of projects without worrying about multiple versions of a document. But for businesses interested in simple file sharing without shelling out the monthly fee for a project management tool, there are two cloud-based options.

File Syncing

Dropbox introduced the concept of automatic file syncing to the average user. Being forced to manually save files to the cloud is time consuming for many busy professionals, and it’s easy to miss a few weeks of saves, resulting in the possible loss of data in the event of a computer failure. Dropbox automatically syncs files across multiple devices, ensuring the latest version is always saved.

File Storage

Services like Google Drive put a user’s storage in the cloud, where it can be accessed from anywhere. But customers using cloud service providers have another option for their storage. By entering only a username and password, users can access work files from any device, allowing them to stay connected while on the road. Best of all, because these files can be accessed directly in a web browser, there’s no need to install special software or worry about data overages from files constantly syncing.

Cloud computing has changed the face of work, allowing employees to easily share information. Cloud service providers are always looking for ways to more easily access their work files from anywhere, using either a mobile device or PC.