Alternative to PowerFolder – Why FileCloud is better for Business File Sharing?
March 31, 2015
FileCloud competes with PowerFolder 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 […]
FileCloud competes with PowerFolder 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.
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 PowerFolder
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.
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.
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
Pricing
PowerFolder:
Enterprises need to buy add-on or upgrade to satisfy basic requirements of an EFSS solution. For a 50 user package, the cost adds up to around $1950.
FileCloud:
Enterprises get one simple solution with all features bundled. For the same 50 user package, with an all-inclusive rich feature set, the cost is $1799/year, better value than PowerFolder.
Conclusion
The reality is that every business out there small, medium or large has network shares already setup for their users. And, they have employees using their personal mobile devices to access enterprise data and network shares. Hence, it would be best for businesses to choose a solution that provides support for network share integration and mobile device management.
PowerFolder provides very limited network share integration and mobile device management. Moreover, some of the key features such as over the web document edit & branding needs an upgrade. On the other hand, FileCloud not only provides the ability to integrate into existing network shares, but also has a robust mobile device management solution built-in that will provide administrators tighter control on user access. Plus, all features are included in one simple price.
FileCloud is the least disruptive solution for any business that is looking for an on-premise EFSS solution.
