Enterprise File Synchronization and Sharing

Enterprise file synchronization and sharing (also known as EFSS and enterprise file sync and share) refers to software services that enable organizations to securely synchronize and share documents, photos, videos and files from multiple devices with employees, and external customers and partners. Organizations often adopt these solutions to prevent employees from using consumer-based file sharing apps to store, access and manage corporate data that is outside of the IT department’s control and visibility.^[1][2]

Key Characteristics of EFSS

EFSS applications are often characterized by having most or all of the following features and capabilities:^[3][4][5][6]

• Sync files stored in corporate storage to user desktops and devices
• Send links to large files with support for multiple file extensions and protocols
• Integration to existing business applications via APIs, plugins and mobile apps
• Built-in file creation, editing and previewing
• User access permissions to files and folders
• Protection of files stored and transferred by encryption, antivirus scanning, and DLP (data loss prevention)
• Publish links to files with the ability to set a login requirement to access data
• Authentication options for Active Directory, SAML, Azure Active Directory, etc.
• Schedule and automate file transfers from automated systems and repositories
• Audit and report file activities and system actions

Depending on what an EFSS provider offers, services can be deployed in the Cloud, On-Premises, or Hybrid. According to Forrester Research, some EFSS providers can provide the ability to lockdown data in certain geographies for companies that have requirements to store content/metadata in specific jurisdictions.^[7]

History

Around 2010, the EFSS market emerged with over 100 vendors from a variety technology backgrounds including backup and cloud storage (Citrix ShareFile, Syncplicity), managed file transfer (Accellion, Thru, Box (formerly Box.net), Hightail [formerly YouSendIt]), enterprise content management and more. Many vendors developed solutions as alternatives to consumer file sync and sharing services that didn’t have the security features in place to protect company information nor the flexibility to integrate with existing content repositories and business applications.^{[8][9][10][11]}

In October 2011, software company, Citrix Systems, announced that it had acquired private enterprise file sync and share service, ShareFile, to add to the Citrix product line. ShareFile was a competitor of Box and Dropbox but focused on selling its product to IT departments of large organizations.^[12][13]

In July 2013, Forrester Research released the first “Forrester Wave” report on the EFSS market where they identified and scored products from the most significant providers.^[14][15][16]

In July 2014, Gartner Research released its first “Magic Quadrant” report on the EFSS market. The study evaluates the strengths and cautions of the most notable vendors in the industry.^[17][18]

On June 25, 2014, Google announced at its I/O Conference that it was entering the enterprise file sharing market with the release of “Google Drive for Work.” ^[19][20]

In April 2015, BlackBerry Limited paid between $100 million and $150 million to buy WatchDox Ltd. for its enterprise file sync and sharing capabilities.^[21]

In July 2015, one EFSS vendor, Syncplicity, was sold to private equity firm, Skyview Capital, by previous owner, EMC Corporation.^[22][23]

References