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ShareFile vs. Google Drive

Much like Google Drive, Citrix ShareFile is a cloud-based file-sharing application that allows users to send and receive files. While Google Drive is well-known as an inexpensive file-sharing service, ShareFile has its advantages, especially for enterprise-level clients.

Let's take a look at ShareFile vs. Google Drive at a glance, then dive in to what separates the two file-sharing platforms on a larger scale.

Google Drive vs. ShareFile at a GlanceUse this quick comparison chart of ShareFile and Google Drive to get a better idea of the pros and cons of each.

Features

ShareFile Features

  • API
  • Audit Trail
  • File Transfer
  • Full Text Search
  • Retrieval
  • Security & Encryption

Google Drive Features

  • API
Security

ShareFile Security

  • HIPAA Business Associate Agreement (BAA)
  • SOC 1/SSAE 16/ISAE 3402
  • Encryption of data at rest
  • Multi-factor authentication options
  • Data backup in multiple locations/GEO regions

Google Drive Security

  • Files stored in secure data centers
  • Files kept private unless you share them
Support

ShareFile Support

  • 24/7 support
  • Knowledge base
  • Video tutorials

Google Drive Features

  • Knowledge base

ShareFile vs. Google Drive: What to look forThe right file-storage and sharing service can save your business time and money. The ability to send and receive documents online is essential to most businesses, so you want to make sure the service you are using encompasses everything your business needs, from ease of use to security measures.

When comparing ShareFile and Google Drive, it's important to keep these three factors in mind:

  • File-size restrictions for storage. Many cloud-storage services, such as Google Drive, offer free storage but limit the amount. While these services might work for individuals, businesses are better off with a cloud-storage service that won't limit file sizes and offers security benefits.
  • Maximum file size for sharing. When sending important business files, no one wants to encounter the dreaded "File size limit reached" error message. When comparing Google Drive and ShareFile, make sure you pay attention to the maximum file size you can share.
  • Access ability. In today's on-the-go society, being able to access your files from anywhere is crucial. The file-storage and sharing service you use should work with all major operating systems as well as cellphones and tablets. Does your platform of choice have an app? Does it integrate well with other services such as Microsoft Outlook? Does it sync your data across all devices? These are all questions worth asking.

ShareFile vs. Google Drive: deep dive

Features

ShareFile Features

What ShareFile lacks in photo editing tools and applications, it makes up for in enterprise-level security features and other benefits. With ShareFile, your business will enjoy:

  • Ease of use. You won't have to download any software or plugins to use this simple file sharing platform.
  • 24/7 support. The support of Google Drive is limited to an online knowledge base, but ShareFile offers 24/7 support, plus an extensive knowledge base complete with video tutorials.
  • Email integration. With Google Drive, you're really limited to one email platform (Gmail). With ShareFile, you can easily send and receive messages from any email address. Plus, the ShareFile Plugin for Microsoft Outlook makes it easy for you to encrypt email messages in Outlook. You can also use the Kloudless Plugin for Gmail to automatically convert any attachments to secure ShareFile links.
  • Mobile apps. Mobility is key in any business. You can use ShareFile on any iOS, Android, Windows or Blackberry device to securely access, share, request and edit files from anywhere.
  • Sync capabilities. Just like Google Drive, ShareFile syncs your files automatically so you'll always have the most up-to-date data no matter when or where you access them.
  • Better workflow controls. When sharing and storing business documents, you want to make sure you have complete control over your data. ShareFile enables you to see when a user has checked in or out of your document, and enables you to set permissions, assign access and receive notifications when someone downloads or shares a file. We also offer two-factor authentication and single sign-on for extra security.
  • E-signature. With ShareFile + RightSignature, you can send files for electronic signature directly from your ShareFile account. And once the files are signed, they are automatically saved back to their original ShareFile folder. Plus, when used properly, all e-signatures carry the same validity as an ink and paper signature.
  • Easy integrations. You shouldn't have to completely change the way your company does business to share and store files. That's why we've designed ShareFile to sync with applications you already use. Whether you are in healthcare, construction, accounting or education, ShareFile can help you simplify your workflow.

Google Drive Features

When you subscribe to Google Drive, you can:

  • Store any type of file, from spreadsheets and photos to audio files
  • Access the files in your Drive from any smartphone, tablet, or computer
  • Invite others to view, download, and collaborate on files without having to attach them to email
  • Use in combination with the Docs, Sheets, and Slide apps to create documents and collaborate with others
  • Search feature recognized objects in your images and text in scanned documents
  • Automatically back up your files and photos with Chromebooks
  • Make files available offline so you can view them at any time, no Internet service required
  • View previous versions files from up to 30 days prior

While these features make Drive a great tool for individual use, they don't do much to help on an enterprise level. Unlike ShareFile, Google Drive was not built with businesses in mind. It was designed for individual use.

Security

ShareFile Security

When it comes to enterprise-level security, ShareFile can't be beat. ShareFile uses multi-factor authentication and secures files in transit with no less than 128-bit encryption. Stored files rest using AES 256-bit encryption.

Google Drive Security

Google Drive offers two-step verification and uses SSL to encrypt data in transit and 128-bit AES encryption for data at rest.

Support

ShareFile Customer Support

ShareFile provides users with 27/4 customer support via phone, email and our online support forum. Plus, we offer an extensive online knowledge base full of video tutorials as well as live training sessions for our customers and their clients. Learn more about our award-winning support options.

Google Drive Support

Google Drive's support is limited to it's online knowledge base and no one-on-one support. In order to receive an answer to a question about Drive, you have to visit the Google Drive support forum and search for your question. Then, if you can't find the answer, you must submit your forum to the question and wait for a response. In a fast-paced business environment, you don't always have time to wait around for help.

Learn more about the many benefits of ShareFile. Check out our Resource Center or contact us. Or sign up for a free, 30-day trial.

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