7 File Sharing Options For Your Small Business

Small business operations depend on information shared among their teams. Sending secure data and receiving it is imperative to avoid data breaches. Fortunately, users can utilise many reliable file-sharing options to transmit to key personnel safely.

Some software is free for anyone and accessible to those in collaborative projects. Here are seven reliable file-sharing solutions you can use for your business today:

1. 1. USB And Email

Companies still rely on emails and removable storage devices like Universal Serial Bus (USB) flash drives to store and share files. You can attach media files and documents to emails, while the USB is a supplementary backup for copies.

Small businesses or startups can still utilise these methods. But for data-driven companies, there are other options for you. While USBs and email can offer security to some extent, there are more advanced ways to send documents safely.

For instance, suppose you have physical documents you want to send someone over fax. A more secure way is to convert physical faxes to digital PDFs and encrypt them. Fortunately, you can get specific software that provides this service and more ways on how to fax a PDF to your recipient securely.

1. 2. Network Drive

Network drives are another shared storage option for workstations or on-site servers. It’s also a public drive accessible for employees through a local access network (LAN), where they can easily store and retrieve data.

It works with a collection of devices operating in a single location (like an office). Network storage works even though your office doesn’t have access to the internet. You can keep and share files without using software, licensing passwords, and other resources. A hard drive with ample capacity can back up computers linked through a single network.

1. 3. Virtual Data Rooms (VDRs)

You can utilise virtual data rooms if your small business deals with highly sensitive information. Some companies rely on VDRs to store away confidential documents where multiple people can have access to the same information, especially if the business is a joint venture. Business owners can access the document simultaneously.

Even small businesses can use VDRs. These are platforms accessible through the internet where they can safely conduct digital meetings such as fundraising events. They can also use it for confidential financial transactions. VDRs also offer different levels of access when sharing files and documents.

1. 4. Peer-To-Peer (P2P) Networks

This method allows users to exchange files without utilising a central server for file hosting. It’s an efficient solution for smaller operations.

To share files and documents, you’ll need hardware and software communication. One computer that contains the files can transfer the files to another with a different server. Social media messaging services use P2P technology, where users can send different media types.

P2P is a secure platform for sharing private files in a group. While secure, other methods are best for collaborative projects since it tends to be slow.

1. 5. File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

Using a file transfer protocol program is expected for sharing files. The method transfers significant file content through the computer and a server. It is an excellent way of sharing information with multiple shareholders.

An FTP server holds the information that users can access. FTPs can also publicly share, view, or edit files except for health and financial information. Some examples of data transferrable through FTPs are images, web applications, and documents. You can also use managed file transfer software included in FTP technology if you want more ways to share files and documents securely.

1. 6. Cloud Storage

Cloud storage solutions have grown in demand due to their ample storage space at low to zero cost. You can keep any file safe and receive support for access and collaboration.

Various platforms offer cloud storage, where they store information on the internet. They also feature file-sharing capabilities that provide authorisation controls for those in teams.

Cloud storage can synchronise data automatically while using a mobile or desktop device. It’s a fast and straightforward way to share data with colleagues.

1. 7. Collaboration Tools

Collaboration tools are hybrid storage programs that use third-party hosting. They’re accessible to multiple people working on a project. They can access or use the document simultaneously, especially for employees working remotely.

These tools use cloud implementation and can also be integrated with other programs. You can build a custom sharing program using collaboration tools without expense. They may also feature version history and sophisticated data tracking when creating document revisions.

Takeaway

Data storage and sharing files are possible with specific programs that anyone can use. They have user-friendly interfaces and features that allow people different levels of access. You can use emails and removable media, network drives, FTP, collaboration tools, and P2P and multiple options depending on your needs. One of the best parts is that you can get more space at a low cost or for free. They’re perfect storage solutions for startups.