File Share and Synchronization Services

April 12 2012 08:00:00 PM Add/Read Comments [5]
Some things to think about when choosing a vendor:
  • Is it just cloud storage/sharing and file sync across devices, or do they offer collaboration, (ex: comment, Like, etc), built in file viewers, authoring, etc.
  • What type of sharing permissions are available? (view, edit, etc.) Folder level and/or file level?  Domain restrictions?  
  • What are the terms of service around ownership of the content you upload.  
  • Are they cloud only or is there an on-premises storage option?
  • What security/encryption options are available? (storage on your computer, during upload/download and in their data center)  
  • What OS/devices are supported: Windows? Mac? Linux? - Web? iPhone? iPad? Android?  
  • Ecosystem: What other products/tools/services is it integrated with? Is there an app store?  
  • Do they offer an API? If so, how well documented is it? Are there samples? Is there a developer support community? How are objects references, via pointer to a location or does each have a unique identifier?
  • How much storage is offered? What is the max file (upload) size? How does this change at various price points?  
  • Do they have profile/group integration & sync with directories, or is this yet another directory to manage?
  • Do synched files have to be in a specific parent directory on your computer?
  • How does sync occur? Is the entire file replaced or are just changes sent?
  • Are there any task/workflow features?


Last Updated April 11, 2013  - latest editions: Tresorit and SpiderOak