Item: ShareFile
Rating: 8
Author: Chris Cromer

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We moved away from a previous cloud based project management service which caused us to regularly run into permissions issues and storage limits. We found the ability to send files to someone who doesn't have a Citrix account to be very easy and the unlimited storage tier is a much needed option. We struggled before with adding someone else to the project late in the process, but now we can easily give permission to a file or whole folder as needed. The Outlook plugin is also a game-changer for us, which I'll speak of in the Pros.

Pros and Cons

The Outlook plugin for Sharefile is the most useful feature they offer. The ability to automatically convert files that are too big for normal email into Sharefile links is extremely useful.
Along the lines of the Outlook plugin, but important enough for it's own "bullet point", is the ability to request files from others that may not have a cloud storage or "FTP" site solution yet. We just require a First & Last name, and email, so that we can track who downloads & when, and they don't need to set up any account or remember a password.
The user interface in the web browser and on the Android/iOS apps are very clean, smooth, and intuitive to use.

Right now it's lacking some minor customization options that I would expect from this type of product. The banner and URL links that embed in emails could use some extra customization like company logos or other unique features to let the recipient know the links are really us, because we've gotten comments that it looks like a virus link to some people.
The Dashboard screen has many shortcuts and buttons, but they are all fixed and unchangeable. Some of the features are a little buried in sub-menus, that could easily be pulled out.

Return on Investment

We have been able to collaborate much more easily within our office, with our consultants, and with clients.
Speed of upload/download has dramatically improved, and the ability to attach large files automatically in emails has saved us lots of time.

Alternatives Considered

Google Drive

Sharefile "plays slightly nicer" with Microsoft products than Google, though I think Google Drive has a more, and more powerful feature set. It's a very competent alternative though, and I do enjoy using it, now that I'm more comfortable with the interface. As I've said before, the Outlook plugin is really what sets it apart. I use the "Send Files" or "Request Files" about every day, and it's an invaluable resource.

Other Software Used

Revit, Adobe Photoshop, Google Drive, Skype for Business, Microsoft Office 365, Bluebeam Revu, GoToMeeting, Deltek Ajera

Likelihood to Recommend

It's great if you're new to "cloud storage" and/or aren't totally locked in to another ecosystem, such as Microsoft Office 365 or Google G Suite which have their own cloud storage solutions. Sharefile does have plugins to help ease that gap between the two companies, but it's not ideal. We use Office 365 for the typical programs, such as Word & Outlook, but decided not to use OneDrive, since ShareFile seemed to actually have more features in their Outlook plugin and the ease of adding/removing users within files and folders.

If you're already heavily using Google Drive with G Suite, there's no real benefits to switching, as that has a pretty well-rounded feature set at the moment.

Solid alternative to the "big guns" in the cloud storage market.

Overall Satisfaction with Citrix ShareFile