Google Drive vs. Suralink

Suppose you require quick access to files across multiple systems. Real-time collaboration on Google Docs, Slides, and Sheets. You don’t have to send ten different versions of the same file back and forth. One person can write a document in Los Angeles, and someone in Tokyo can be on at the same time and see their edits as they make them.

SuraLink makes perfect sense for a CPA firm that works with a number of clients. It provides easy access, and well-presented display of each client and the corresponding files provided. The security of the files is also imperative for sensitive client information. The format of the portal also allows for ease of understanding which files coordinate to what requests. This is in contrast to a something like a "drop-box" in which it is simply a list of files. This may not be the proper product for a smaller operation that only seeks secure file transfers on a non-regular basis. Additionally, for the smaller organizations, the cost may be prohibitive for little to sparing use. In those situations, a more simple secure file transfer options may be more advantageous.

Incentivized

• Any user with access can store a file using different platforms like Android, IOS, Windows, or Ubuntu (Desktop version)
• You can share files with any number of different users with different access rights or you can even keep it public by providing the access link and assign different rights for public access
• You can open Excel/Word files using google software Sheets/Docs in the browser environment without having to install software like Microsoft Office etc on your Windows OS

Incentivized

• Live open items list for both the engagement team and the client
• Secure file transfer with ease and customization for alerts
• Optimal encryption for data security and safety

Incentivized

• Advanced File Search, personally I find it uncomfortable to search for files with specific extensions within my drive in Google Drive, the interface is not very clear and the search options are limited, making this work tedious.
• In applications like Google Sheets, the number of cells is extremely small, which limits the amount of information that can be saved, this makes the tool focus on small files.
• Inherited permissions, it happens to me that in certain shared files when analyzing the permissions granted to the participants some of them are left with owner permissions without having given such property, that point is confusing so I would like the interface to be clearer.

Incentivized

• There seems to be a number of situation in which the site is down or experiencing difficulties. This makes it difficult to work with clients and obtain documentation.
• When uploading a large volume of workpapers, there are occasions in which some or all of the files will not upload properly. This creates additional back and forth and frustration with the client for re-requests or follow-ups.
• The email notification alerts could be stronger in how they are displayed and how the changes/updates are utilized.

Incentivized

It's perfect for me. It keeps things saved and is easy to remove items if needed. Also, I very much enjoy the formatting options. Along with the integrations it has for SSO. Overall, this is the most user friendly system I have ever come across.

It's easy enough to use for computer users of all ages and skill levels. I am an advanced user, and I think the hardest part might be showing someone how to download and set up the app on their device if they weren't too familiar with computers, but overall it is very easy to understand.

Incentivized

Always available

Incentivized

The documents load fairly quickly and also update in real time, especially given the fact that multiple people can be using it at once. The "Offline" feature works great to allow the user to make edits and access the document without access to the internet, and then sync changes later once they're back.

Incentivized

It takes a few days for customer support to get back to you. Although, I have not had to use support too often. Once you get an email back, they are very thorough and work hard to fix the problem quickly. It is a really great resource and a great way to get the help you need if you're stuck. A phone call also works quickly but you have to call during specific times.

The effective google workspace using training that my organization received and was conducted by me (as a team lead of the ICT team) was mind-blowing and as a result, our staff is performing well in terms of using the application for their daily jobs than before. Now, in my institution, all teachers and all the administrative personnel are very much interested in cloud storage facilities, in previous my institution was afraid of losing all important documents in the cloud storage. But, after having received the training they are now realized that if anyone has only one google account then he or she can use 15GB of cloud storage freely and they are now happy because now it is not necessary for anyone to carry the traditional pen drive.

Incentivized

It's an extremely easy software to implement, once you sign up for a google account you automatically have access to google drive with a set amount of storage space. The business or Google Suite accounts have more storage space than a regular free account, but setting up and accessing google drive is very easy in both cases

Apple Drive dosn't offer that much storage and doesn't provide vast features with collaborative tools like docs , spreadsheet and forms etc. Google drive also allows you to search for files and folders that contain certain words in their title or content in any perticular file. therefore search is very deep and reliable and hepls to access your data easily

I have always been able to access

Incentivized

• It has given our operation remote capabilities
• Easier to access and understand client's need through collaborative enviroment
• availability to digital resources fast and easy
• saved our operation hundreds of dollars in physical storage (both investment and maintenance)
• our operation became easier for new staff to get onboard: small learning curve to use it

• Positive - Significantly reduced time searching for files that correspond to audit requests
• Positive - Reduced time creating list(s) of open items or documents that remain needed from the client, as the portal serves as a "live" request list
• Positive - Integration with EXCEL for PBC lists of items needed, which removes the need for a special format list to import correctly

Incentivized