File sharing is becoming a hot topic in cloud services discussions. Users want to be able to work on their files on which ever device they’re using: desktop, laptop, tablet, smart phone, etc., and the cloud can provide an ideal way to coordinate that access. Before the cloud, file sharing outside of the corporate LAN meant copying files onto USB sticks, setting up complex VPNs or even emailing files to oneself or others. Obviously, this was very inefficient and didn’t easily allow for collaboration across organizations or with partners outside the company.

A number of vendors are now offering file sharing services based in the cloud which store a copy of each file, keep it updated as changes are made and synchronize this same file between the user’s compute devices. These cloud-based services can solve the file access issue, but storing file copies in the cloud may not be the best way to do it. TappIn has another answer. 

TappIn is a cloud service that allows users to share access to their content between computers and mobile devices, and with other users. Data stays on the storage space where it was created; the cloud is only used to facilitate the movement of files between devices. This includes local storage connected to a work desktop or laptop, a cloud storage account, pictures taken on a mobile phone, etc.

Users download the TappIn desktop app for Windows, Mac or Linux computers and the mobile app for iPhone, iPad, Android and Windows7 devices. Once installed, they go through a few configuration choices and they’re ready to start accessing files, including web access to data on their computers. TappIn doesn’t store files in the cloud, but instead, stores file metadata and device information in order to create a secure pathway between devices and facilitate sharing. Files are encrypted to maintain security in transit and compressed and optimized to improve performance. In addition, TappIn uses block-level caching in the cloud to speed up file transfers.

TappIn Lite is a free service with a limited set of features but unlimited access and sharing for an individual user on one source device. The Standard and Group editions are $20 per year per user (up to 9 users) and include all features and functionality, on unlimited devices. The Enterprise edition is a site license for companies with 10+ users at a negotiated price.

While it may seem like a semantics discussion sharing file access is quite different from physically sharing files and if access is all that’s needed, making copies of content in order to facilitate that access is inefficient. Re-buying storage capacity in the cloud (and paying for it every month) just so you can get at your content in multiple locations is a waste of money. Similarly, having to remember to upload files that need to be shared, (or will need to be shared) adds another layer of complexity to the workflow process.

Storage Swiss Take

File access and sharing is emerging as a strong use case for cloud technologies and many providers are responding with cloud-based file sharing services. But physically sharing the files themselves in the cloud is a case of solving the wrong problem or at least solving it less efficiently. TappIn can provide shared access to content (not shared content) and leave it on the platform in which it was created, enabling companies to save money on cloud storage solutions that charge by the GB (stored and/or transferred).

Besides solving the file access problem for users, TappIn facilitates the use of mobile devices within the existing corporate infrastructure and increases IT’s control over corporate data in the process. By providing one place to go for all content access, they’re simplifying users’ lives and reducing the proliferation of data copies at the same time.

TappIn is not a client of Storage Switzerland

 

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