Item: Progress ShareFile
Rating: 8
Author: Terry Hamberg

Overall Satisfaction with Progress ShareFile

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We primarily use ShareFile to upload and download large files, although we have used it a bit for ad proof approval procedures. Sometimes we need to deliver large printable files which either won't send via email or are very slow and block up email programs. Having ShareFile gives us a way to send them with a quick link.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Share large files, as the name implies
Give control over access to files
Doesn't "nag" about running out of space unless you upgrade all the time like Dropbox does

Cons

Pricing has gone up quite a bit during the time we've used it
The need for increased security has impacted usability - staff more resistant to using it now
The feedback/approval process seemed easier before, not as user friendly as it used to be, so not using it as much anymore

Return on Investment

As much of our revenue comes from ad sales and job printing sales, being able to share large files over a secure platform that allows for access control definitely has an impact on our bottom line.
When we need to share a large file of our publications in a way that keeps them secure and helps prevent widespread sharing of premium content, ShareFile helps us protect our investment in providing content only to those users who should have access.
Have investigated other services, and when comparing apples to apples, ie plans that provide the same levels of services, the cost is comparable for better user role control, access and file management.

File Sharing Management

When it comes to centrally managing client interactions, ShareFile does add to that ability. The shared folders allow us to access each other's work projects and help serve our customers better that way. If a client needs access to a file that another employee is working on, we can get to it and take care of the need without having to wait until that co-worker is available.

Collaboration Impact

We can't speak much to this feature as it is not one that we have taken advantage of heavily yet as we use another service for this, although it does have some appeal for us since it's already included with the plan. We have used the proofing approval workflow (back when it was called that and easier to use), but not the E-signature specifically.

Alternatives Considered

Dropbox and Google Drive

ShareFile offers more professional level services, and doesn't constantly "run out" of space, forcing you to upgrade to continue. When doing a cost comparison, the competitors may seem cheaper at first, but by the time you add on the features to make it comparable, the pricing is as much, if not more, than what we're paying for ShareFile. The access control level is better with ShareFile, so we chose to stay with them.

Key Insights

Do you think Progress ShareFile delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Progress ShareFile's feature set?

Yes

Did Progress ShareFile live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Progress ShareFile go as expected?

Would you buy Progress ShareFile again?

Yes

Other Software Used

Asana, Adobe Acrobat, Gemini

Likelihood to Recommend

When we have a particularly large ad or job printing file that would "clog up" the email process, using ShareFile is very helpful. It's also useful for particular photographers we work with to upload a batch of photos all at once. Where it doesn't work as well for us is when trying to get clients to make use of a login to access folders. We find them reluctant to take on the learning curve. It works best for us when we just send them a clickable download link, and at most just require a tracking name and email address.

Progress ShareFile Feature Ratings

Comments

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ShareFile is useful when files are too big to email efficiently

Software Version