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

October 24, 2015

FileCloud competes with Huddle 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 […]

FileCloudVsHuddle

FileCloud competes with Huddle 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 all 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 Huddle
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
Anti-Virus
NTFS Support
Active Directory/LDAP Support Buy Additional Product
Multi-Tenancy
API Support
Application Integration via API
Large File Support
Network Share Support
Mobile Device Management
Desktop Sync Windows, Mac, Linux Windows
Native Mobile Apps iOS, Android, Windows Phone iOS, Android
Encryption at Rest
Two-Factor Authentication Buy Additional Product
File Locking
Pricing for 100 users/ year $5000 $4000

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 Huddle

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.

SAML - FileCloud supports SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) based web browser Single Sign On (SSO) service that provides full control over the authorization and authentication of hosted user accounts that can access FileCloud Web based interface. FileCloud acts as a Service Provider (SP) and connects with the identity provider (IdP) for authentication. FileCloud SAML SSO service is based on SAML v2.0 specifications. Further, FileCloud also supports ADFS (Active Directory Federation Service) and third party identity providers like Okta for Single Sign-on.

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.

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.

NTFS Shares Support - Many organizations use the NTFS permissions to manage and control the access permissions for internal file shares. It is very hard to duplicate the access permissions to other systems and keep it sync. FileCloud enables access to internal file shares via web and mobile while honoring the existing NTFS file permissions. This functionality is a great time saver for system administrators and provides a single point of management.

Network Shares Support - FileCloud’s network share feature satisfies enterprise requirement of user/group specific access to folders. And, as files are already shared via network shares, no need for additional setup or products to buy. Moreover, FileCloud provides Active Directory & LDAP support along with NTFS permission support restricting access to network folders to just authorized users.

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.

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.

Huddle 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