Why does the world need another file sharing solution?

Now that SolarWinds has released its own ad hoc file sharing solution, where does it fit in an increasingly crowded market?

What Exactly IS File Sharing?

When we're talking about file sharing, we're talking about the ability for individual end users to send files to other people: literally to ANYONE with an email address, at ANY TIME they feel like it.

Serv-U_File_Sharing_Concept_DRAFT.png

We're also talking about the ability for end users to REQUEST that other people send them files.  In both cases, an email with a link to files or a link to a site where someone else can upload files is essential.

To Cloud Or Not to Cloud?

The first thing you'll note about SolarWinds' file sharing offering is that you don't "sign up" for it - instead you buy a copy of Serv-U MFT Server, install it in your datacenter, plug it into your Active Directory, and roll it out to your end users.  You are certainly welcome to try our file sharing offering online, but you deploy it in your own infrastructure - under your complete control.

Saving Serious Money

OK, so there are dozens of online file sharing offerings and even a few other server products like Serv-U that you deploy onsite.  So what can Serv-U MFT Server do for you that no other solution can?  The answer is SAVE MONEY.  Unlike almost every cloud offering and many on-premise offerings, Serv-U MFT Server lets an unlimited* number of end users share files and request files with anyone.

In practical terms, Serv-U makes it easy to calculate an ROI against almost any hosted offering on a per user basis.  For example, you can easily create a "what's a better deal" chart based on Serv-U's current retail price of $2995**, Serv-U's annual renewal charge of $599**, and a three-year timeframe (e.g,. total Serv-U MFT Server cost of $4,193 or $1,398/yr over three years).

Serv-U File Sharing ROI vs. Hosted Offerings (Over 3 Years)

Cost $ per user per month5 Users10 Users15 Users20 Users25 Users
$5not Serv-U
(pay $300/yr)

not Serv-U
(
pay $600/yr)

not Serv-U
(
pay $900/yr)

not Serv-U
(
pay $1,200/yr)

Serv-U ROI: $102/yr
(vs. $1,500/yr)

$10

not Serv-U
(pay $600/yr)

not Serv-U
(
pay $1,200/yr)

Serv-U ROI: $402/yr

(vs. $1,800/yr)

Serv-U ROI: $1,002/yr

(vs. $2,400/yr)

Serv-U ROI: $1,602/yr
(vs. $3,000/yr)
$15not Serv-U
(pay $900/yr)
Serv-U ROI: $402/yr
(vs. $1,800/yr)
Serv-U ROI: $1,302/yr
(vs. $2,700/yr)
Serv-U ROI: $2,202/yr
(vs. $3,600/yr)
Serv-U ROI: $3,102/yr
(vs. $4,500/yr)
$20not Serv-U
(pay $1,200/yr)
Serv-U ROI: $1,002/yr
(vs. $2,400/yr)
Serv-U ROI: $2,202/yr
(vs. $3,600/yr)
Serv-U ROI: $3,402/yr
(vs. $4,800/yr)
Serv-U ROI: $4,602
(vs. $6,000/yr)
$25Serv-U ROI: $102/yr
(vs. $1,500/yr)
Serv-U ROI: $1,602/yr
(vs. $3,000/yr)
Serv-U ROI: $3,102/yr
(vs. $4,500/yr)
Serv-U ROI: $4,602/yr
(vs. $6,000/yr)
Serv-U ROI: $6,102
(vs. $7,500/yr)
$30Serv-U ROI: $402/yr
(vs. $1,800/yr)
Serv-U ROI: $2,202/yr
(vs. $3,600/yr)
Serv-U ROI: $4,002/yr
(vs. $5,400/yr)
Serv-U ROI: $5,802/yr
(vs. $7,200/yr)
Serv-U ROI: $7,602/yr
(vs. $9,000/yr)
$35Serv-U ROI: $702/yr
(vs. $2,100/yr)
Serv-U ROI: $2,802/yr
(vs. $4,200/yr)
Serv-U ROI: $4,902/yr
(vs. $6,300/yr)
Serv-U ROI: $7,002/yr
(vs. $8,400/yr)
Serv-U ROI: $9,102/yr
(vs. $10,500/yr)
$40Serv-U ROI: $1,002/yr
(vs. $2,400/yr)
Serv-U ROI: $3,402/yr
(vs. $4,800/yr)
Serv-U ROI: $5,802/yr
(vs. $7,200/yr)
Serv-U ROI: $8,202/yr
(vs. $9,000/yr)
Serv-U ROI: $10,602
(vs. $12,000/yr)

* = OK, not quite unlimited; hardware and performance will eventually limit the number of users that a single Serv-U can support.  But at least there are no limits built into the software or licensing. 

** = US - legal also makes me say "subject to change"

Thwack - Symbolize TM, R, and C