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

July 13, 2015

FileCloud competes with SmartFile 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 […]

FileCloudVsSmartFile

FileCloud competes with SmartFile 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 SmartFile
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
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
Native Mobile Apps iOS, Android, Windows Phone
Encryption at Rest
Two-Factor Authentication
File Locking
Pricing for 100 users/ year $999 $2000

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 SmartFile

Native Mobile Apps - With mobile exceeding the internet usage of PC, a mobile app cannot just be an add-on for a software solution. Regardless of industry, mobile devices are the primary source of access and communication. Hence, a complete self-hosted cloud solution should not only offer cross-platform compatibility on Windows, Mac & Linux, but also should provide native apps that can run on popular mobile OSes. FileCloud has highly rated (4+ stars) apps across all major platforms - iOS, Android and Windows Phone. These mobile apps makes access simple and truly native to the device.

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.

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

FileCloud is highly scalable and provides solid mobile extensions and apps. With mobile apps across all platform, backup, versioning, and mobile device management tools, FileCloud is a complete self-hosted EFSS solution than SmartFile.

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

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By Team FileCloud