Progress ShareFile

Score8.2 out of 10

256 Reviews and Ratings

What is Progress ShareFile?

ShareFile is a cloud-based file sharing and storage service built for business. The product was acquired by Citrix Systems in 2011.

Categories & Use Cases

Media

Screenshot of ShareFile's Outlook Plugin

Screenshot of ShareFile's link sharing options

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Screenshot of the ShareFile dashboard

File organization
The ability to choose where files will be stored, and manage individual users' storage; includes control over file organization structure.
Category average: 8.3
Audio files
Supports audio file types, such as .mp3, .mp4, and .wav
Category average: 8.1
User and role management
Administrators can manage users and user groups by role, in terms of setting permissions for things like file access, sharing, and editing permissions.
Category average: 8.1

Document collaboration
Users can edit files and attach comments to files.
Category average: 7.9
Reliability
Cloud storage platform is secure, all features are consistently available, and the platform maintains file integrity.
Category average: 8.3
Performance
Platform runs at a good speed on all browsers; files load and sync quickly.
Category average: 7.7

George Fuller View profile

Managing Member in Finance and Accounting at A3 Accounting Services LLC (1-10 employees employees)

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

It addresses the need for a secure data repository. It allows me to request and send documents securely, as well as electronically sign documents and send them for signature. I use it for all my secure data storage needs and greatly appreciate it. I recommend it to other CPAs and professionals who need a secure way to store sensitive client data.

Pros

Stores documents for my clients securely.
Allows me to stay organized with folders and subfolders for each client.
With the 365 subscription, I can create documents, spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations within ShareFile.
Allows me to send and request files from within ShareFile.

Cons

I'd like to better know how to use templates.
I would like to have some pre-created templates for clients.
I want more space within my subscription in case I ever run low on it.
I want to be able to send templates to many clients at once, rather than one at a time.

Usability

Return on Investment

ShareFile keeps everything secure. Clients appreciate the fact that I can give them a link to a folder, rather than uploading a number of attachments into an email.
It shows that I care about data security.
Clients appreciate that I am storing their paperwork in a secure location. I appreciate the lack of need for filing cabinets, and the fact I can access data on any device.

Alternatives Considered

Dropbox

Other Software Used

OLT OnLine Taxes, QuickBooks Online

Terry Hamberg View profile

Publisher in Corporate at Northern Kittitas County Tribune (1-10 employees employees)

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

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.

Alternatives Considered

Dropbox and Google Drive

Other Software Used

Asana, Adobe Acrobat, Gemini

Matthew Gaylor

Managing Member in Professional Services at Gaylor Tax Service LLC (1-10 employees employees)

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Progress ShareFile allows for transfer of data between our company and our clients in a secure manner. The system provides a portal and secure email transfer of documents. Our business does not accept documents via unencrypted email or attachments to emails and this facilitates that process.

Pros

Secure file storage & transfer
Integregation with signature software
Large file sharing via Outlook add-in app

Cons

Allowing notes posted in the web version to be seen in the desktop app
Permissions to be changed by admin that are not owners of the folder
Allow file conversion to PDF when uploaded
Suggest renaming file for ease of identification

Usability

Return on Investment

The ability to have remote access to date via cloud storage
Secure, cloud storage access
Collaborative work space - sharing of documents.

Chris Marreel View profile

Technical Expert in Information Technology at SAVACO (51-200 employees employees)

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Progress ShareFile is mainly used to create anonymous download-links to files we put onto our Progress ShareFile account. But you can also create anonymous download-links with e-mail notification so you get a message 'who' has done the download.
With the Progress ShareFile "connector" (I hope I use the right terminology) we have also access to a local (on-prem) fileserver. There is also a Progress ShareFile -connector, but not used this until now....

Pros

easy and intuitive user interface
always available (I have at least that experience)
good support and follow-up

Usability

Return on Investment

ROI is extreemly hard to calculate (in my situation)

Alternatives Considered

OneDrive

Verified User

Executive in Professional Services (1-10 employees employees)

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

I use ShareFile as a Customer Document management and Customer Access portal. It also allows me to securely share large or encrypted files with others outside my organization or customer list. I love the security it provides for everything related to my business and personal needs.

Pros

Secure File Storage and Sharing.
Workflows to get customer/affiliate responses to comments on documents.
I used to have the signature feature initially, but it was removed from the original plan, so I could only use it if I chose to select the higher plan price.
I love the upload notifications and reports on user activity.
The document storage versions are fantastic. I am the only user with Delete privileges, and I love that I can make those selections.
Integrations with Microsoft 365 - FANTASTIC - thank you.

Cons

I would return to using the Right Signature feature if it were less than my Adobe Pro subscription.
If the platform could replace the features in Adobe Pro, I would consolidate to one less subscription to meet my business document management, file sharing, editing, or form completion features, as well as customer/affiliate document signatures with secure encrypted standards that meet IRS requirements.
My firm does not need all the client workflow and onboarding that the accountant plan offers, so I just can't justify the expense for my little firm and me. Some type of Sole employee user business plan pricing for the Accounting Level plan would be nice, but I know I am being unrealistic. I can't afford it.
Citrix had a significant name brand presence that would reassure those you sent documents to sign or documents to download via a link.
When I store specific folders on my computer, it can be scary when the computer link to ShareFile needs to be reset. I have lost entire years' worth of documents because the backup before resetting took too long and would stall or stop before completing the backup. I now limit the locally stored documents so I don't risk losing documents. I would love to see something or learn how to ensure everything added from my file explorer use on desktop is completely uploaded to the ShareFile cloud storage. The emails are to detailed to quickly review what was added, A more streamlined (less detailed) email notification option would help me review what has been uploaded quicker.

Return on Investment

Collaboration is EXCELLENT.
I haven't learned to use some features, but I love that you have returned to having print with photo example instructions and the video links on "how-tos". There are many styles of learners, and when Citrix limited the customer and even the administrator user instructions to just video, I almost left the platform. I am very visual but not a good audio learner and I like to have print instructions with image examples to refer back to for items i frequently forget. I understand this may take longer to keep current, but I appreciate it. Thank you again for returning those learning options.

Alternatives Considered

Microsoft SharePoint and Adobe Acrobat Sign

Other Software Used

Microsoft 365 Business Premium, Adobe Acrobat, QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise

Dropbox

Box

DocuSign

Progress ShareFile

What is Progress ShareFile?

Categories & Use Cases

Media

Key Features

Top Performing Features

File organization

Audio files

User and role management

Areas for Improvement

Document collaboration

Reliability

Performance

Reviews

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Pros

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Use Cases and Deployment Scope

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