Cloud Connector vs. Authorized Send: A Comparison
Both Cloud Connector and Authorized Send provide solutions for document distribution and cloud connectivity, but they differ in capabilities, scalability, and ease of installation. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
Cloud Connector
1. Licensing and Services:
• Sold as a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model.
• Requires a separate license (3 or 5 years) for each destination per device.
• Limited to one cloud service connector per license.
2. Capabilities:
• Provides simple scanning and printing to/from specific cloud services like Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox .
• User-managed setup without requiring IT administrators.
• Focused on single-destination workflows, suitable for basic cloud needs.
3. Target Audience:
• Designed for small businesses or setups with limited devices and no centralized IT management .
4. Ease of Use:
• Quick and independent user registration process.
• Minimal setup requirements, making it an efficient choice for smaller-scale operations.
Authorized Send
1. Licensing and Services:
• Offers a comprehensive package with multiple destinations supported per license.
• Includes advanced connectors for cloud, FTP/SFTP, SharePoint, email, and more .
2. Capabilities:
• Allows scanning and sending to multiple destinations simultaneously, improving workflow efficiency.
• Provides robust security features such as user authentication and metadata tagging .
• Supports advanced document management needs like multi-destination workflows, metadata tagging, and blank page removal.
3. Ease of Installation:
• Serverless deployment makes installation simple and cost-effective, eliminating the need for a dedicated server .
• Can be installed and configured quickly, making it accessible even for businesses without extensive IT resources.
4. Target Audience:
• While ideal for medium and large organizations with compliance and advanced workflow needs, its ease of installation and flexibility also make it an excellent choice for small businesses .
5. Scalability:
• Starts as a “foundation” product, with optional add-ons (e.g., fax, barcode recognition) that grow with the business .
6. Ease of Use:
• Customizable workflows with intuitive, user-friendly interfaces reduce the learning curve.
• Features like one-touch buttons simplify common operations, boosting productivity.
Key Differences
Feature Cloud Connector Authorized Send
Licensing Per destination per device Single license supports multiple destinations
Supported Destinations Single cloud service Cloud, FTP/SFTP, SharePoint, email, etc.
Ease of Installation Simplified and user-managed Serverless and easy to install
Target Use Case Basic cloud integration Advanced workflows, multi-destination needs
Flexibility Limited Highly customizable and scalable
Advanced Features Basic Metadata tagging, secure workflows, blank page removal
Conclusion
• Cloud Connector is a simple and efficient choice for businesses with basic cloud integration needs and limited IT resources.
• Authorized Send, with its easy serverless installation, advanced features, and scalability, is well-suited for small businesses looking to streamline document workflows while preparing for growth or handling complex distribution needs.
