VPN alternative The fast, headache-free VPN alternative

Connecting to a file server via VPN is a multi-step process that can be irritating for even the most tech savvy of users. But Dropbox only requires a one-time installation and sign-in. Accessing files shared by team members is as easy as navigating through folders through our apps:

• Windows, Mac, and Linux: Any time you join a folder shared by someone inside or outside your team, the files will automatically appear in the Dropbox folder on your computer.
• Web: Sign in at dropbox.com from any computer to access your files from anywhere.
• iOS and Android: Share, preview, and comment on files from your phone or tablet with our mobile app.

If you think you need a VPN, switching to Dropbox means less hassle all around. Using Dropbox is as easy as saving files to a folder, minimizing the need for training and end user support. And our “user-first” design approach to admin tools means you’ll spend less time configuring software—and have more time for important, strategic projects.

With VPN file storage, sharing inside your company is difficult enough, but sharing outside your company can be downright impossible. File sharing with Dropbox, on the other hand, is as easy as clicking “Share” or copying and pasting a link. There’s no need to create accounts for every person that needs access to a file or folder. And Dropbox shared links stay up to date with the latest versions of your files.

• No special software required: Anyone can access shared links—and even preview files and add comments—from any web browser.
• User-friendly permissions control: End users can easily grant and revoke access, and add password protection and expiration dates to shared links, without complicated command-line tools.
• No “file in use” errors: If multiple users access the same file at the same time, Dropbox preserves each person’s changes in a separate copy so nobody overwrites someone else’s hard work.

No matter how your VPN is set up, it’s bound to slow down users’ connections. Dropbox comes with several features designed to speed up file transfers:

• Delta sync: If only part of a file has changed since the last sync, Dropbox will just transfer the portion that’s changed, saving time and bandwidth.
• Auto-resuming uploads: If your internet connection goes out during a transfer, Dropbox will pick up in the background where it left off—speeding up large file transfers.
• Smart Sync: This advanced feature lets users mark files as online-only, saving hard drive space while keeping directory listings continuously up to date for quick navigation.

VPN security might be the top reason to use the technology for file sharing, but for many, it’s more trouble than it’s worth. Dropbox gives you the security you need to keep team data safe:

• Encrypted transfers: Dropbox encrypts network traffic with SSL/TLS and uses 256-bit AES encryption at rest to protect your company’s data.
• Account protection: Advanced security tools including two-step verification, SSO provider integration, and remote data wipe ensure only the right people can access your team’s Dropbox accounts.
• Detailed auditing: Dropbox Business team admins can track how data is shared inside and outside their companies with extensive activity auditing.