Earlier, we had to save a file or document in a folder on a network drive every time we wanted something to be shared with our fellow team members. They would be able to open, view, update, and edit those files or documents, if they had access rights to that folder. This created a lot of problems back then as it was hard to search the documents easily by date, title, or by the actual content of the document. Today, we have nearly endless options when it comes to file sharing. In this digital era, we like to carry our work and work devices with us, so, often we need to share files with others while on the move and collaborate on them as we go. This is where file sharing platforms like Dropbox and SharePoint come to the picture.
What is Dropbox?
Dropbox is a popular cloud-based document storage and sharing platform that brings your files and cloud content close so that you can always access them anytime you want using any device you want. Dropbox is a complete cloud storage solution that acts like a repository which keeps all your private files, documents, pictures, and videos for safe storage. It moves your data into the cloud and syncs them with across all your mobile devices so you can easily access them from anywhere you want and even on-the-go. You simply go to Dropbox site, log in, and drop your files onto a web page, and your files are stored securely, and you can access them from any device as long as you have an Internet connection.
What is SharePoint?
SharePoint is a web-based document sharing and management platform that integrates with Microsoft Office and provides you with a place where you can share your confidential files or documents with your fellow team members. SharePoint is a document repository where you can store, organize, share, and access your files from any device you want from virtually anywhere you want. It is a file folder system where you can check in and check out documents, leaving a trail of who changed what, making it easier to control who has access to the documents.
It was originally developed as document storage and sharing platform, but now it’s been used extensively among larger organizations as a highly customizable content management and collaboration system that empowers teams to work and collaborate together. SharePoint can be used to create websites via which you can share information with other users within or outside the organization. You can also use SharePoint to setup an intranet site where you and your team can customize it without worrying about any complex coding. You can also publish news posts to keep your team informed.
Difference between Dropbox and SharePoint
Platform
– Dropbox is a complete cloud storage solution that acts like a repository which keeps all your private files, documents, pictures, and videos for safe storage. Dropbox is a modern workspace that keeps all your work or personal files automatically backed up and synced across all your mobile devices, such as smartphone, tablet, laptop and personal computer. Microsoft SharePoint, on the other hand, was originally developed as document storage and sharing platform, but now it’s been used extensively among larger organizations as a highly customizable content management and collaboration system.
Ease of Use
– One of the major differences between the two document sharing platforms is how easily you can start using each one. With Dropbox, you can simply go to its website, create an account, log in and drop your files onto a web page. You are all up and running in a matter of minutes. Your files are stored securely in the cloud and you can access them from any device from anywhere you want. SharePoint, on the other hand, is not as easy to use as Dropbox. You simply cannot drop files onto it.
Pricing
– Microsoft does not offer a free trial of SharePoint Online, but the Office 365 Enterprise E3 does give access to SharePoint Online through its 30-day free trial period. The paid plans start at $5 per user per month on annual billing, which is great for small to mid size businesses, and goes up to $10 for annual commitment which offers everything the basic plan offers and more. You can also access SharePoint through any of the Enterprise plans in the Office 365 suite.
Dropbox, on the other hand, offers a variety of options when it comes to storage. It offers 2 GB of free storage, and also offers 2 TB and 3 TB of storage options priced at $12 and $20 per month respectively. Dropbox divides its plans into two categories – personal and business. The business plans start as low as $12.50 per user month for smaller teams if billed annually and goes up to $20 for larger teams.
Dropbox vs. SharePoint: Comparison Chart
Summary
While both Dropbox and SharePoint are great document sharing platforms out there, there are a few subtle yet noticeable differences between the two that make either of them stand out. Dropbox is a complete cloud storage solution that keeps all your personal and work files safe in a secure repository which you can access from anywhere you want from any device you want. It is easy to setup and you can all be done and start using it in a matter of minutes. SharePoint was originally an on-premise software solution, but now organizations around the world use it as a secure content management and collaborative platform to improve their effectiveness to streamline content management flow.