A Comparison Of File Sharing Service Providers
Below is a table comparing the available features of three file sharing service providers, namely ShareFile, YouSendIt and We Transfer. Feature
ShareFile
YouSendIt
WeTransfer
Explanation on feature Company details required to create an account
Registration Different package options Paid service Custom branded Multiple users for one account Own channel and URL Login box on your company website Activity Tracking & Alerts Granular folder-level permissions Activity reports API and command-line tools
yes
yes
no Price options available
yes yes
yes yes
no free or paid Branded portal with company logo
yes
no
no Amount of users with access dependant on package chosen
yes
yes
no
yes
no
yes
yes
no
no
e.g. www.techsys.sharefile.com
Confirmation that clients have received files
yes
yes
no Customise upload/download/delete/admin
yes yes
yes yes
yes no
See who uploaded files, when and where Automated uploads & software integration
yes
yes
no Search for files anywhere on the system
File search Max. file size upload Ms Outlook Plugin (desktop tool) Mac and PC compatible Telephone & email support Help with account set up
yes 10Gb
yes 2Gb
yes 5Gb
Maximum size of the files you can upload Send and request files via Outlook
yes
yes
no
yes
yes
only PC
yes
Email, community help forum scheduled chat
only email
yes
no
no
Receive personal help with set up and support
A Comparison Of File Sharing Service Providers
Feature
ShareFile
YouSendIt
WeTransfer
Data encryption
SSL encryption
SSL encryption
Encryption technology
Customizable security settings
yes
yes
no
Explanation on feature Type of coding used to protect files
Each user gets their own password and username
User specific login & password settings
yes
yes
yes Maximum number of recipients you can send files to at one time
Max person share
100
unlimited
100 Files saved on services providers server
File save
yes
yes
yes Access and activity restrictions on each level
User access levels
yes
yes
no
Mobile apps
yes
yes
no
Web app
No
yes
no
Max file storage (before charges incured)
20Gb
2Gb, 6Gb, or 12Gb
50Gb
share multimedia files
Share photos and videos yes
yes
yes Send large files and access online folders
Browser tool bar
No
Yes
no
A Comparison Of File Sharing Service Providers 1. ShareFile ShareFile is a file transfer system that has been created for businesses. Their system has been designed to support file sharing amongst multiple users in medium to large organisations. They have four package options available for clients to choose from.
1.1 Product differentiation 
ShareFile provides clients with their own account portal e.g. https://techsys.sharefile.com/
A Comparison Of File Sharing Service Providers
In addition to their URL, clients are also given the option to brand their portal with the company logo. This is done for the client by the ShareFile design team. ShareFile places a login box on your company website (this is done through coding). The maximum size of file uploads at one time is 10Gb, compared to competitors who only offer between 2 and 5Gb. A personal account manager is allocated to you when setting up your account, thereafter help is available via phone, live chat and email. A Blackberry phone app is available from ShareFile for their clients, a feature that YouSendIt and WeTransfer does not have.
1.2 Mobile Apps Share file provides apps for the following devices:
1.3 Desktop Tools 1. Sync App
ShareFile's Sync App streamlines the file sharing process beyond previous capabilities. Users, their team members and clients can work in the same "magic folder" in real time, regardless of physical or virtual location. 2. Outlook Plugin
The Outlook Plug-in allows you to insert links to your files, upload and send new files, and request files directly from Microsoft Outlook. Once downloaded, this tool can be linked to your account by entering your username, password, and account subdomain in the set up window. Additionally, you can choose for all attachments to be sent via ShareFile rather than your internal email server. The Outlook Plug-in supports Outlook 2007 and 2010.
A Comparison Of File Sharing Service Providers 3. Desktop Widget
Built on the Adobe Air platform, the ShareFile Desktop Widget is an efficient way to upload, download, and delete files from your account without ever launching a web browser. The Desktop Widget also offers a drag and drop utility, making it easy for you to upload files to your account 1.4 Power Tools 1. Command Line Interface
Command Line Interface (SFCLI) is a scriptable tool for interacting with your ShareFile account. It can upload and download files and synchronize entire directory structures. SFCLI is a great tool for uploading large amounts of data or connecting with Windows Scheduler to automate upload, download, and synchronization tasks. 2. FTP/FTPS Compatibility
ShareFile is compatible with most well-known FTP clients. This means you can connect to your ShareFile account using an FTP program. You can choose to connect via traditional FTP (port 21) or over an Implicit SSL/TLS connection (port 990).
A Comparison Of File Sharing Service Providers 2. YouSendIt YouSendIt has also been designed with businesses in mind and is similar to ShareFile. They offer customers two different price packages.
2.1 Product differentiation
YouSendIt allows users to send files to an unlimited number of recipients at one time (excluding the Lite account package), compared to FileShare who limits users to 100 recipients at a time.
YouSendIt lets you sign on the go. Users are able to sign uploaded documents (contracts, invoices, legal documents) online, a feature not provided by its competitors FileShare and WeTransfer.
Webb apps available for Yahoo and Webmail for sending files.
Clients have the option of downloading the YouSendIt tool bar onto their browsers, and are able to send, share or search for files from there.
A Comparison Of File Sharing Service Providers 2.2 Mobile Apps YouSendIt supports the following apps:
2.3 Desktop Tools (for Windows and Mac Platforms) 1. Desktop app
Easily drag and drop files and folders from the desktop in real time
Updates to your YouSendIt desktop folder are instantly available on the web and all other computers and mobile devices.
Get notified on the desktop every time someone modifies shared folders.
Share folders with others without leaving your desktop.
Set access controls and quickly add and remove users.
Files are always available offline.
Any changes that are made to files on the desktop are automatically pushed to the server.
2. YouSendIt Express This app lets you send files straight from the desktop without having to open a browser window first.
A Comparison Of File Sharing Service Providers 3. Microsoft Outlook Plugin This plugin is similar to the FileShare Outlook plugin, allowing the user to send files and folders directly from Outlook. 4. Thunderbird App This has been designed to send large files with the aim of decreasing bounce back rates.
A Comparison Of File Sharing Service Providers 3. WeTransfer WeTransfer is mostly aimed at serving individuals, or small businesses that don’t require multiple users to access one account. They have one price package available for $10 a month.
3.1 Product differentiation
WeTransfer functions on social media platforms, allowing users to share files with their contacts via Facebook and Twitter intergaration. Unlike ShareFile and YouSendIt, WeTransfer offers 50Gb of space with each account at no extra cost. Just like ShareFile, WeTransfer provides clients with their own channel e.g. https techsys.wettransfer.com. In addition to this clients get their own URL, a customized email address, and space to display up to three personalized wallpapers. URL
Customized wallpaper
A Comparison Of File Sharing Service Providers 3.2 Tools and Apps No desktop tools or mobile apps are available from WeTransfer for their clients.