File sharing has changed over the years to the point where it is now even easier for a team to work on the same document from different corners of the world. Oftentimes seen as the pinnacle of efficiency by companies and corporations, file sharing has become commonplace in today’s busy, mobile society.
The global file sharing industry is expected to be g over $4 billion by 2023, with a 13.69 percent a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 2017 and 2023. Countries that are leading the way include the U.S. and Canada, thanks to early adoption and a willingness to innovate, followed closely by Asian countries, particularly China, according to a Market Research Future’s report.
The rise of file sharing has largely been driven by the intersection of three major changes in the business and tech world: cloud technology, smartphones and the gig economy, according to Vancouver tech expert, Thierry LeVasseur.
- Cloud technology
Many companies have been moving to the cloud as a way to save on cost and increase efficiency. In fact, one survey found that 85 per percent of enterprises had a multi-cloud strategy in 2017. This was up from 82 percent in 2016.
Cloud technology has made it easier to share documents because they are all kept in one central location. All a user needs is an internet connection, username and password. They are then able to download files, make changes or edits and then upload them back to the cloud, which makes the teamwork process much simpler.
Software as a Service (SaaS) providers have been driving the change in the industry. Names like Adobe, Google and even Amazon have been expanding into the cloud marketplace, giving it a legitimacy.
Many industries have been heading to the cloud including those in the retail sector, financial institutions and banks, insurance companies and even education providers among many others, according to Reuters.
- Mobility (Smartphones)
Another key factor in the rise of file sharing is the advent of the smartphone and tablets, according to Vancouver’s Thierry LeVasseur. These devices help workers stay productive regardless of where they are, making collaboration from a distance even easier.
Companies have even developed Bring Your Own Device policies in an effort to encourage employees to work on the go.
- Rise of the gig economy
As more companies find they need to cut their staff expenses, some have been turning to the contractor or freelance industry to fill the gap.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released statistics that showed over 16 million workers were involved in the gig economy. Another 10.6 million were working as independent contractors such as temp workers. It is easy to see why, as over 40 percent of companies that employ contractors save about 20 percent in employment costs, according to Forbes.
As technology and the workplace continue to transform, file sharing will be central to success for most companies. Thanks to cloud computing sharing documents, photos or other files has become safe and easy. Mobile technologies have made accessing files through the internet not only feasible but simple.
