Comparing the use of Microsoft Outlook and modern attachments, with and without Attach2Cloud

Microsoft Outlook with traditional attachments:

Benefits:

• Simplicity: Native Outlook integration, easy to use for users familiar with Outlook.
• Compatibility: Widely compatible with all email clients and web browsers.
• Total control: The user has total control over the attachment, its size and content.

Drawbacks:

• Size limit: Maximum attachment size generally limited to 25 MB (may vary depending on mail server).
• Security issues: Attachments can be vectors for viruses and malware.
• Version management: Difficult to track changes to attached documents.
• Inbox clutter: Large attachments can quickly fill the recipient's inbox.

Modern Attachments in Outlook :

Benefits:

• Online storage: Attachments are stored in the cloud (OneDrive, SharePoint or Teams) rather than in the inbox.
• Space-saving: Free up space in the inbox and on the hard disk.
• Enhanced security: Files stored in the cloud benefit from advanced security measures.
• Easier collaboration: Simultaneous access and modification of documents by recipients.
• Version tracking: Track changes made to documents.

Drawbacks:

• Internet dependency: Requires an Internet connection to access files stored in the cloud.
• External sharing: Sharing files with people outside the organization can be more complex.
• Opening attachments: Recipients may sometimes have difficulty previewing or opening such attachments.

Attach2Cloud :

Benefits:

• Additional functionality: Offers additional features for modern attachments, such as compression, optimization to native format without quality loss, PDF conversion and link expiration.
• Enhanced security: Adds an extra layer of security to attachments stored in the cloud.
• Granular control: Allows access and sharing permissions to be defined for individual attachments.
• Invitations: Attach2Cloud lets users create invitation folders, so recipients can easily upload large files even if they don't own the M365 cloud solution themselves.
• Previewing and editing: With Modern Attachment Previewer, which can be integrated into the Attach2Cloud package, modern attachments can be previewed directly in Microsoft Outlook, and if the user has editing rights on the document, they can even be directly edited, modified without leaving Microsoft Outlook.

Drawbacks:

• Additional cost: Attach2Cloud is a paid service, which may represent an additional cost for users.
• Changes for the user: Although Attach2Cloud can be made almost completely transparent, it adds steps to the message sending process. These changes are designed to be as simple and non-intrusive as possible.
• New habits: With Attach2Cloud, users will find themselves more quickly involved in new uses and collaboration with online document editing, so there will be a phase of adaptation to these new habits.

Conclusion :

The choice between using Microsoft Outlook with traditional attachments, modern attachments or Attach2Cloud depends on your specific needs.

Here are a few points to consider helping you choose:

• File size: If you regularly send large files, modern attachments or Attach2Cloud are more suitable solutions. Attach2Cloud facilitates access to all M365 platforms (OneDrive, SharePoint and Teams) where modern attachments from native Microsoft Outlook offer minimal service.
• Collaboration: If you need to collaborate on documents with others, Modern Attachments or Attach2Cloud make this process easier. With Modern Attachment Previewer, this can even be done directly in the Microsoft Outlook preview pane, significantly boosting user productivity.
• Security: If security is a priority for you, Modern Attachment or Attach2Cloud offer more advanced security options. Attach2cloud (with the option including the Z-OptimiZr engine) even offers AES256 encryption of attachments before they are deposited in the cloud.
• Cost: If you're on a budget, traditional attachments may be a more affordable option. You can even opt for modern Microsoft Outlook attachments. But Attach2Cloud's ROI shows that with just a few minutes per day saved in use, the product pays for itself very quickly, and even produces savings far in excess of its cost.

The choice is yours!

Fully functional evaluation version available on

https://www.attach2cloud.com/download/