Alternative to Novell Filr – Why FileCloud is better for Business File Sharing?

June 8, 2015

FileCloud competes with Novell Filr for business in the Enterprise File Sync and Share space(EFSS). Before we get into the details, I believe an ideal EFSS system should work across all the popular desktop OSes (Windows, Mac and Linux) and offer native mobile applications for iOS, Android, Blackberry and Windows Phone. In addition, the system […]

FileCloudVsNovellFilr

FileCloud competes with Novell Filr for business in the Enterprise File Sync and Share space(EFSS). Before we get into the details, I believe an ideal EFSS system should work across all the popular desktop OSes (Windows, Mac and Linux) and offer native mobile applications for iOS, Android, Blackberry and Windows Phone. In addition, the system should offer allf the basics expected out of EFSS: Unlimited File Versioning, Remote Wipe, Audit Logs, Desktop Sync Client, Desktop Map Drive and User Management.

The feature comparisons are as follows:

Features sharefile
On Premise
File Sharing
Access and Monitoring Controls
Secure Access
Document Preview
Document Edit
Outlook Integration
Role Based Administration
Data Loss Prevention
Web DAV
Endpoint Backup
Amazon S3/OpenStack Support
Public File Sharing
Customization, Branding Limited
SAML Integration Under Development
Anti-Virus
NTFS Support
Active Directory/LDAP Support
Multi-Tenancy
API Support
Application Integration via API
Large File Support
Network Share Support
Mobile Device Management
Desktop Sync Windows, Mac, Linux Windows, Mac
Mobile OS Compatibility iOS, Android, Windows Phone iOS, Android, Windows Phone
Pricing for 100 users/ year $5000 $4500

From outside looking-in, the offerings all look similar. However, the approach to the solution is completely different in satisfying enterprises primary need of easy access to their files without compromising privacy, security and control. The fundamental areas of difference are as follows:

Feature benefits of FileCloud over Novell Filr

Embedded File Upload Website Form - FileCloud's Embedded File Upload Website Form enables users to embed a small FileCloud interface onto any website, blog, social networking service, intranet, or any public URL that supports HTML embed code. Using the Embedded File Upload Website Form, you can easily allow file uploads to a specific folder within your account. This feature is similar to File Drop Box that allows your customers or associates to send any type of file without requiring them to log in or to create an account.

Document Quick Edit - FileCloud's Quick Edit feature supports extensive edits of files such as Microsoft® Word, Excel®, Publisher®, Project® and PowerPoint® — right from your Desktop. It's as simple as selecting a document to edit from FileCloud Web UI, edit the document using Microsoft Office, save and let FileCloud take care of other uninteresting details in the background such as uploading the new version to FileCloud, sync, send notifications, share updates etc.

Unified Device Management Console - FileCloud's unified device management console provides simplified access to managing mobile devices enabled to access enterprise data, irrespective of whether the device is enterprise owned, employee owned, mobile platform or device type. Manage and control of thousands of iOS and Android, devices in FileCloud's secure, browser-based dashboard. FileCloud's administrator console is intuitive and requires no training or dedicated staff. FileCloud's MDM works on any vendor’s network — even if the managed devices are on the road, at a café, or used at home.

Device Commands and Messaging - Ability to send on-demand messages to any device connecting to FileCloud, provides administrators a powerful tool to interact with the enterprise workforce. Any information on security threats or access violations can be easily conveyed to the mobile users. And, above all messages are without any SMS cost.

Multi-Tenancy Support - The multi-tenancy feature allows Managed Service Providers(MSP) serve multiple customers using single instance of FileCloud. The key value proposition of FileCloud multi-tenant architecture is that while providing multi-tenancy the data separation among different tenants is also maintained . Moreover, every tenant has the flexibility for customized branding. MSPs who are interested in becoming FileCloud partners click here

Customization & Branding - FileCloud can be customized extensively to reflect their brand. Some of the customizations include Logos, Labels, Email Templates, UI Messages and Terms Of service. However, Accellion's kiteworks customization is very limited to header images displayed on the login and registration pages.

Amazon S3/OpenStack Support: Enterprise wanting to use Amazon S3 or OpenStack storage can easily set it up with FileCloud. This feature not only provides enterprise with flexibility to switch storage but also make switch very easily.

Conclusion

Based on our experience, enterprises that look for an EFSS solution want 3 main things. One, easy integration to their existing storage system without any disruption to access permissions or network home folders. Two, ability to easily expand integration into highly available storage systems such as OpenStack or Amazon S3. Three, ability to truly customize their self-hosted EFSS solution with their company branding.

Novel Filr neither provides OpenStack/Amazon S3 storage integration support nor extensive customization/branding capability. On the other hand, FileCloud provides easy integration support into Amazon S3/OpenStack and extensive customization/branding capabilities.

Here's a comprehensive comparison that shows why FileCloud stands out as the best EFSS solution.

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By Team FileCloud