Forrester recognizes Microsoft OneDrive as a Leader for Cloud Enterprise File Sync and Share

Forrester yesterday published their Wave report for Cloud Enterprise File Sync and Share. Microsoft was placed in the “Leaders” position and it was ranked highest in current offering and tied for second in strategy.

Forrester reported that Microsoft offers comprehensive collaboration and aims for a consistent UX. They mentioned the following regarding Microsoft’s OneDrive for Business in their report.

• Microsoft delivers workplace productivity, file sharing, and content management capabilities that are increasingly powered by cognitive content services. Microsoft helps clients migrate from on-premises systems with its FastTrack program; eligible customers can move files at no cost. Files on Demand allows users to access cloud-stored documents via desktop interfaces. The Security and Compliance Center portal enables life-cycle policies, legal holds, and investigative searches via a single interface.
• OneDrive for Business remains an area of investment for Microsoft as it works to resolve lingering usability issues, such as sync consistency and user experience (UX) across devices and platforms — particularly for customers using old sync clients. Customers still express some confusion over the use of OneDrive for Business versus SharePoint Online for document storage. Other Microsoft 365 components, such as Flow (its workflow tool) and enhanced metadata and event-driven retention policies, enhance OneDrive’s position in the file sharing landscape.
• Businesses that hold licenses for OneDrive for Business as part of their entitlement should not adopt it merely because it is “free” — but because it serves user needs. Test its capabilities against key use cases, including ease of external sharing or support for large files.

You can get a complimentary copy of The Forrester Wave: Enterprise File Sync and Share Platforms—Cloud Solutions, Q4 2017 report here.