Accellion is an international managed file transfer solution that was originally designed as an appliance-based/in-house solution for large corporations. While their focus continues to be on large companies that can afford a high-end, in-house file transfer service, they have recently added a slightly more cost-effective solution for medium-sized busineses. They have a wide range of tools to aid integration, including an Outlook plug-in and automation capabilities.

Strengths: Accellion offers a number of plan levels and several tools to help with integrating thier file transfer solution into your workflow . Specific benefits include an Outlook plug-in, automated file transfers, and notifications.

Weaknesses: Expensive. The minimum plan starts at $5,000 and is limited to 125 GB of space and 100 users.

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ShareFile is a custom-branded FTP Site that is designed for business use, specifically for businesses with 1 - 100 employees. The two most distinctive features of the service are its complimentary custom branding of your portal to match the look of your web site and the level of customer service that ShareFile provides (when you sign up, you get the name of a real person you can contact for training or support).

In addition to its web-based interface, ShareFile offers an MS Outlook PlugIn, a desktop upload tool, and compatibility with traditional FTP software such as FileZilla, Fetch, and WS FTP. ShareFile plans start at $29.95 per month.

Strengths: Custom branding is more professional than competitive services, customer support and training, compatibility with FTP software, focused on business users, affordable pricing for multi-user accounts.

Weaknesses: For companies with very few employees and fairly small storage requirements but very large bandwidth requirements, ShareFile's pricing may not be competitive with other services. Also, the system is strictly for businesses, not consumers.

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Tumbleweed SecureTransport(TM) is a managed file transfer solution designed for large corporations with high-volume bulk data transfer needs. It is a client-server configuration, meaning the sever is located and administered in-house.

Strengths: SecureTransport(TM) can be integrated into the corporate workflow, centralize all file transfer needs, and reduce stress on other areas of your infrastructure. Additional benefits include automated file transfers, notifications, advanced tracking and audit reports.

Weaknesses: Expensive to purchase (~$15,000 to start), requires annual maintenance fees, and dedicated personnel to administer.

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