File-sharing software dramatically increases the ease with which businesses can create, share and track important documents. Even better, most modern platforms are inexpensive, easy to use and contain an array of powerful features.
This post gives you all the information you need to evaluate different document-sharing software providers and pick an application that meets your company’s unique needs.
Do You Need Document Sharing Software?
Most businesses will benefit from adding secure document-sharing software to their tech stacks.
Generally speaking, you should purchase a subscription to an app (most app plans are offered as subscriptions) if you meet any of the following criteria:
- You deal with large numbers of business documents.
- You regularly share confidential, sensitive client information.
- You gain clients by sending sales proposals and contracts.
- Multiple team members are involved in the creation of a single document.
- Documents often require approval from management or the legal department before sending.
If you are in doubt about whether or not to buy document software, the best strategy is to take out a free trial and see if it streamlines your workflow.
Top Features to Look for in Secure Document-Sharing Software
When evaluating different software providers, look for the following essential features:
- Secure storage and sending: Ensure that confidential client information is stored securely online and that files are encrypted during sending.
- Integrations: Integrating a document-sharing app with your existing tech stack will allow for the seamless transfer of data between platforms, which can dramatically reduce the time spent on manual data input.
- Automated workflows: Automating aspects of your document workflow, particularly when it comes to approval from senior individuals, saves significant resources.
- Tracking: An in-depth analytics dashboard enables you to see which documents have been sent, received and approved. You can send follow-up correspondence accordingly.
- Scalability: Do you expect your company to scale? If so, you will need a solution and pricing arrangement that will allow you to increase the number of users of the software and which provides advanced functionality that you may require in the future.
Our Verdict: The Best 3 Applications for Sharing Files
Here’s a quick-fire selection of three of the top document-sharing apps:
- Google Drive: Google Drive is our top pick for the best software for straightforward file sharing. It’s important to clarify that Google Drive doesn’t allow users to send files to recipients. Rather, it can be used to share documents within teams and collaboratively edit them.
- PandaDoc: We feel that PandaDoc is the best software for editing, sending and receiving files. It also happens to be the market leader. It’s a comprehensive solution with an array of features, integrations and pricing options.
- PandaDoc (Free Version): If you only want to send documents for e-signature, we recommend PandaDoc’s free version. There are no sending limits and users aren’t “forced” to upgrade at any point to keep access.