Now that offices are re-opening and bringing employees back under one roof, do you need to revisit your on-premises file sharing solution?
What is On-Premises File Sharing?
Like other file sharing solutions, including Dropbox, Google Drive, and Box, on-premises file sharing solutions give employees flexibility in how and from where they access work-related documents. Unlike those three solutions (and others), on-premises file sharing systems are not cloud-based, and rather live on your organization’s dedicated servers – the on-premises part.
Related Reading: SaaS vs. Cloud vs. On-Premises: What’s the Difference?
Made for Enterprise-Level File Sharing
Why should you choose an enterprise file sharing solution over a different type of file sharing solution? There are lots of personal tools available that also offer business-specific features or enterprise tiers, but only file sharing tools built with the enterprise in mind are created around data security from the ground up.
Tools used for both personal and business data storage may be the best of both worlds, but they might not meet expectations in some key areas, like data protection. And yet, individuals need to share files to get work done, all while keeping sensitive business information secure. That’s where enterprise file sharing solutions come in.
Related Reading: Is Dropbox Secure?
Alternatives to On-Premises
On-premises simply means that you are running software on your own servers. You can also opt for cloud-based solutions, which run software you manage in virtual machines (aka, on someone else’s servers), or SaaS, in which someone else runs your software on their servers.
More and more organizations are opting for hybrid or integrated setups. This allows them to use multiple tools with varying degrees of security, flexibility, and cost.
Knowing if On-Premises is Right for You
There are pros and cons of both on-premises and cloud environments. When it comes to file sharing, it typically comes down to a handful of considerations:
See the Info-Graphic: On-Premises and the Cloud
1. Compliance
Some industry or geography-based compliance requirements limit what data can be stored in the cloud. If one of these requirements applies to you, you will have to use an on-premises file sharing solution.
2. Cost
On-premises requires up-front expenses, while cloud file sharing costs are often based either on subscription or “pay-as-you-go.” Cloud can allow you to scale based on usage, while on-premises requires regular upkeep after your initial investment.
You can think of this as buying versus renting: you may put down a chunk of change with on-premises up front, but after that you’ll only have regular maintenance or upgrade costs. With cloud, you’ll keep that initial investment in your pocket, but could be subject to changing subscription costs.
3. Control
On-premises data means you’re in control of your data, while cloud-based file sharing inherently means a third-party has at least tangential access to your data. This can impact your data security as well as potential downtime.
4. Customization
Cloud-based services may limit how much control or customization you have over processes, while on-premises is completely up to you.
Related Reading: 4 Benefits of On-premises Enterprise File Sync and Sharing
What is GoDrive?
GoDrive is an on-premises enterprise file sync and share (EFSS) file storage solution. It’s a secure way to share sensitive files with employees, and allows teams to work together with full visibility into any changes made to shared documents.
As an enterprise solution, files are secured end-to-end as well as “at rest,” user permissions can be specified at multiple levels, and you’re able to invite new collaborators with the click of a button.
GoDrive vs. GoAnywhere MFT
GoDrive is the secure collaboration piece, while GoAnywhere MFT is the file transfer powerhouse. GoAnywhere MFT is a secure FTP solution that automates and centralizes file transfers. While it can help move the files you’re collaborating on securely, it’s primary purpose is as a secure vehicle between trading partner both inside and outside of your organization.
Learn more about GoAnywhere MFT
How to Choose Between On-Premises and Cloud-Based File Sharing
You may already be using the cloud or thinking about moving from on-premises or a hybrid solution. Either way, your organization or department should select a secure file sharing solution. If you don’t, you run the risk of employees selecting their own methods that may not align with your cybersecurity policies.
