Then there's WinZip, which began as a simple, free file compression tool. It makes file sharing seamless, but you can archive the portal contents when the project is over, so it doesn't eat away at your storage space.Ĭons: These are getting into expensive territory.Īlternatively, you can choose a free compression application, like 7-Zip or iZip. Ideal use case: If your projects require large file sharing or storage and have concrete start and end dates, then a client portal is useful. Note: If you already use a paid, cloud-based business application that holds client information, like a project management or invoicing system, you may already have access to a client portal feature you can use to share files. They can be a great option if your work requires sharing lots of files with clients, regardless of whether you also need collaboration. Some client portals might also include other functions, like storing communications and sharing live project plans. A client portal is a secure, centralized, cloud-based space for you and a specific client to share files with each other. Paid WeTransfer subscriptions also include a branded portal for individual clients. WeTransfer started as a file transfer service in 2009, and it's since expanded its services to include file storage, some collaboration features, and a specialized tool for multimedia file organization, with a paid subscription. Since both P2P and third-party server file sharing methods create a second file, they're not suitable for real-time joint collaboration. It's also great for sharing research or reference files.Ĭons: Have I mentioned that you have to keep your browser open for P2P sharing? If you're in direct contact with the recipient waiting for access, and you both have passingly acceptable internet connections, P2P can be great. For example, if you need to share graphic or wireframe files that require feedback, but the recipient won't edit them directly. Ideal use case: When sharing a large file is a one-off or irregular event, and no collaboration is required within the file, these are the tools you should go for. Generally, these tools provide greater security than cloud sharing since the encrypted file is outside your environment for only a short period. The free version of WeTransfer, another file sharing app that stores your files on its servers, allows file sizes up to 2GB. The main downside of Dropbox Transfer is that the free version has a comparatively small file size limit of 100MB. A copy of your file will remain on Dropbox servers for a week, unless you set a shorter time frame. You can send a link to access the file, or you can email the file directly to your recipient. Finally, files on the cloud are more vulnerable to hacking than locally-stored and shared files. Plus, it can be expensive: the free plans have storage and file size limits and might lack some of the more advanced collaboration tools, like approval workflows. It's also ideal when you want people to be able to edit a file: cloud sharing apps often have version control, approval workflows, and local syncing.Ĭons: Managing the permissions in cloud sharing can become a headache and could lead to some oversharing. Ideal use case: If you and your team or clients are already working together in a cloud environment that offers document sharing, using that same tool is the simple and efficient option. If team file collaboration is your priority, select a tool designed with collaboration in mind. A cloud-based app built as a backup-and-archive storage tool may offer some limited sharing functionality, but that's not its purpose. One last note: when you're shopping through cloud sharing options, don't conflate cloud storage with cloud sharing.
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