Evaluating Web-Based File-Sharing Tools
One of the things that I love about providing technology and marketing consulting services is that I am required to be in a state of constant curiosity and learning. Sometimes I feel like I’m moving through life like an absorbent pinball. A meeting with or research for one client regularly leads to opportunities or collaboration with another client. On one such meeting a few weeks ago, I was asked to research and evaluate existing web-based project management and file-sharing tools. The client was looking for a better way to manage projects and share documents between employees and clients. The requirements were:
- Cloud-based file sharing and storage with syncing
- Safe and secure
- Multiple user accounts
- Ability to create layers of permissions on folders
- Easy to use interface
- Different kinds of documents: word, excel, pdfs, videos, photos
- Branding consistent with client site
- Low cost
Dropbox
Dropbox is a set of very secure folders in the cloud that are synced with original files that reside on your computer. Users get 2 GB of storage for free. Dropbox is a great solution for people trying to keep track of documents while working in multiple places and/or offices. Changes in a document in one location are automatically synced and updated in another location.
Pros:
- Emphasis on file sharing and syncing
- Can create a photo gallery and restrict or permit access
- Safe and secure
- Easy to use
- Works with any type of document
Cons:
- Lacks branding. Looks like Microsoft Windows folder structure
- Not cloud storage – you must maintain original documents on your computer
Cost:
$99/year for 50 GBs
$199/year for 100 GBs
Smugmug
Smugmug is a gorgeous photo sharing website that meets the needs of both hobbyists as well as professional photographers. This is the best – and least expensive option – for cloud storage and sharing for your photographs.
Pros:
- Customized sites with unique domains
- Best way to organize and share photos
- Video as well as photos
- Unlimited capacity for only $60/year
- Backs up photos online
Cons:
- No pdfs, word docs, excel docs – only photos and videos
Cost:
$40 to $150/year
Box.net
With file sharing, syncing, and project management, Box.net is an interesting combination of Dropbox and Basecamp.
Pros:
- Safe and secure
- Any type of file
- Share links to file or folder
- Easily turn any folder into a web page
- Online work spaces for commenting and discussion
Cons:
- Expensive – $15/user/month
- More complicated because of the project management features
Conclusion
Although none of these three options met all of my client’s requirements, he decided to try Dropbox. It’s the only option of the three that has a plan that’s completely free – 2 GBs – and it’s the most straightforward, user friendly option. What’s certain is that this is a rapidly changing market, and as demand for these specific requirements grows, Dropbox, Box.net, Smugmug, and their competitors will grow and adapt to new needs. While Dropbox is the solution today, it may or may not be the solution six months from now.
