CloudFiles vs Salesforce Files Connect
A comprehensive technical and feature breakdown of two approaches to connecting Salesforce with SharePoint - native simplicity vs. deep integration platform.
Quick summary
- CLOUDFILES is a deep Salesforce SharePoint integration platform. Folders mirror your Salesforce record hierarchy, files are managed from inside Salesforce without switching tabs, bulk migration moves your existing file library to SharePoint, and the integration extends to document generation, AI data extraction, and engagement tracking - all within the Salesforce–SharePoint connection.
- FILES CONNECT (by Salesforce) connects SharePoint and OneDrive to Salesforce using Salesforce Connect. Files remain stored in SharePoint and are surfaced in Salesforce as external references, allowing users to search, preview, and access them. It is best suited for teams that need straightforward file access without additional document management or automation layers.
- If you need your Salesforce–SharePoint integration to go beyond access - into structured file management, automation, document creation, and data processing - CloudFiles is built for that scope. Files Connect is a good fit for use cases focused on basic file visibility and access within Salesforce.
At a Glance
Understand what each solution is designed for, before diving into the detailed comparison.
CloudFiles
CloudFiles is advanced Salesforce SharePoint integration built for complete document workflows. It goes beyond file access to enable structured document management, automation, & data processing, all natively within Salesforce.
⭐ AppExchange Rating: 4.9 stars
👥 Customers: 1,200+ Salesforce teams
🔒 Compliance: SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, HIPAA, GDPR
🗂️ Storage: Deep SharePoint integration (with support for other platforms)
⚙️ Automation: Native actions + Flow support
📦 Bulk File Migration: Supported
✨ Extended Capabilities: Document generation, AI data extraction, Engagement analytics
Salesforce Files Connect
Salesforce's built-in mechanism for surfacing files stored in external systems (SharePoint, OneDrive, Google Drive, Box) inside Salesforce. Files Connect is a reference layer - files stay in SharePoint and Salesforce displays a link to them.
⭐ Pricing: Included with Salesforce (no additional cost)
👥 Customers: Widely used by Salesforce customers globally
🔒 Compliance: Inherits security and compliance from connected storage (e.g., SharePoint, Google Drive)
⚙️ Automation: Limited (no native workflow automation or actions)
👁️ Access Type: Primarily read-only (limited write support depending on setup)
🔐 Authentication: Per-user authentication via OAuth / Azure AD
✨ Capabilities: File access, preview, and basic linking within Salesforce
Disclaimer
This comparison was written by the CloudFiles team. CloudFiles is our product, and we have a commercial interest in this comparison. Information about Salesforce Files Connect is based on publicly available Salesforce documentation and product resources, verified as of the latest available update. Salesforce Files Connect is a feature of Salesforce, Inc.. Features, capabilities, and limitations may vary based on configuration, Salesforce edition, and updates over time. We recommend verifying details directly with Salesforce and reviewing official documentation before making a decision. If any information here is inaccurate or outdated, please contact marketing@cloudfiles.io and we’ll update it promptly.
CloudFiles vs Files Connect
Evaluate the best tool to connect Salesforce and SharePoint for your team from CloudFiles and Files Connect
Connect Salesforce to SharePoint
CloudFiles supports full bidirectional document workflow layer -files, folders, generation, AI
Files Connect has read-only reference layer. Salesforce stores a URL link to each SharePoint file
Integration Architecture
CloudFiles has a tightly integrated setup where Salesforce and SharePoint work together through secure APIs, enabling seamless communication between the two systems.
Files Connect stores an ExternalDocumentLink (URL reference). Files stay in SharePoint. One-way visibility only changes in Salesforce do not update SharePoint and vice versa
Supported Salesforce objects
CloudFiles supports all standard objects like Accounts, Opportunities, Cases, Contacts, and all custom objects
Files Connect references can be added to any Salesforce record via the Files component
Multiple SharePoint sites & libraries
CloudFiles supports Multiple sites and libraries configurable per record type or org-wide
Each Files Connect connector points to one SharePoint document library cannot span a full site or tenant. Multiple connectors are possible but each is independently configured
Automatic SharePoint folder creation
CloudFiles supports folder hierarchy that mirrors Salesforce record structure. Triggered on record creation without any Salesforce Flow configuration
Files Connect doesn't support the creation of folders or subfolders directly from Salesforce." — Salesforce documentation. This is a documented, fundamental limitation of the feature
Upload files to SharePoint
In CloudFiles, files uploaded land in the correct SharePoint folder and auto-link to the Salesforce record
Files Connect has no direct upload option in most configurations. Where available, you cannot specify a destination SharePoint folder. Files land in the root of the connected library
Rename, move, delete SharePoint files
CloudFiles supports upload, preview, rename, move between folders, delete, and share - all from within any Salesforce record
"You cannot create, move, rename, or delete SharePoint folders or files directly from Salesforce." - documented limitation in Salesforce Help and multiple implementation guides
Preview files inside Salesforce
CloudFiles enables in-app file preview within Salesforce for PDFs, images, videos, and Office files - without downloads or tab switching. It delivers a consistent viewing experience without relying on SharePoint indexing or configuration.
Preview available for SharePoint-hosted Office documents. Images, video, and PDF files are not indexed in SharePoint by default, so they may not preview. Limited compared to native application previews
Global search across Salesforce + SharePoint
CloudFiles enables unified search across Salesforce and SharePoint, letting you find SharePoint files directly from the Salesforce search bar with results surfaced in context.
In Files Connect, SharePoint files appear in Salesforce Global Search when search schema is configured. Images, video, and PDF files not indexed by default. Metadata field type limitations apply (Multiple Line of Text and URL fields not queryable)
Salesforce Flow actions for file operations
CloudFiles has prebuilt Flow actions: create folder, move file, copy file, attach generated document, trigger AI extraction. No custom Apex needed
Files Connect "doesn't directly support custom automations and workflows within Salesforce that involve external files." For example, it is not possible to automatically create a folder when a Salesforce record is generated - Salesforce documentation
Bulk migration of existing Salesforce files to SharePoint
CloudFiles migrates entire existing Salesforce file library to SharePoint in a single operation. Files remain accessible from Salesforce records. Frees Salesforce storage immediately
"Files Connect does not move or offload existing Salesforce files or attachments to SharePoint - your Salesforce storage usage remains unchanged." - documented limitation. Salesforce storage costs are entirely unaffected by enabling Files Connect
Document generation from Salesforce data
CloudFiles lets you create contracts, quotes, proposals, invoices etc from Salesforce field data using reusable templates in one click. Generated documents auto-save to the linked SharePoint folder and link back to the Salesforce record. Supports e-signature workflows
Files Connect is a file-visibility layer only. No document generation capability exists in the native Salesforce feature
AI-powered OCR data extraction
CloudFiles lets you extract structured data from invoices, KYC forms, contracts, and IDs using OCR + ML. Auto-populates Salesforce fields. Reduces manual data entry by up to 80%. Makes SharePoint integration bidirectional - files are read and acted upon, not just stored
Files Connect stores only URL references. It has no capability to read, parse, or process file content. No AI, OCR, or data extraction of any kind
Tracked secure sharing links
With CloudFiles, share any SharePoint file via a CloudFiles link with configurable security (password, expiry date, disable download) and full per-link engagement analytics (opens, views, downloads, time spent)
Files Connect can share a direct SharePoint URL or a Salesforce Chatter reference. No security controls, no expiry, no engagement tracking. Recipients need a SharePoint account to access
Tracking & Analytics
Tracks engagement (views, downloads) within Salesforce context
No native engagement tracking in Salesforce
Experience Cloud / external portal users
Using CloudFiles, external clients and partners can upload and access SharePoint files from Salesforce Experience Cloud portal pages without a Microsoft or SharePoint account
When sharing a referenced file externally with Files Connect, the recipient must authenticate with Microsoft credentials to access it. "Share as copy" bypasses this but creates duplicates in Salesforce storage, negating any storage savings
Independent security certifications
CloudFiles has SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, HIPAA, GDPR certification. Public Trust Portal with compliance documentation. Data residency in US, EU, UK, and AU
As a native Salesforce feature, Files Connect falls within Salesforce's own security compliance umbrella (SOC 2, ISO 27001, FedRAMP where applicable). No separate audit for the feature specifically
Access & permissions model
In CloudFiles, access is controlled from Salesforce workflows while respecting SharePoint backend permissions. Two-layer enforcement
Salesforce controls visibility of the link reference in Files Connect. Actual file access is governed entirely by SharePoint / Active Directory permissions. There is no Salesforce-side file authorization beyond showing or hiding the link
Setup complexity
Install CloudFiles from AppExchange, configure SharePoint site/library, deploy Lightning component. 98% of customers go live within their first week. Free setup support included
Files Connect requires creating an Azure AD App Registration, configuring OAuth 2.0 redirect URIs, granting Microsoft Graph API permissions, enabling Files Connect in Salesforce Setup, and authenticating each user individually. The official Salesforce setup guide is 23 pages
Cost
CloudFiles has free trial and Paid plans from $19/user/month. Modular: add Generation, AI, Analytics as needed. Volume discounts. No mandatory annual commitment. Extendable free trial
Included in Salesforce Enterprise, Performance, Unlimited, and Developer editions at no extra cost. Previously $7/user/month for on-premises SharePoint connector — Salesforce is retiring that capability
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Join 2,000+ teams using CloudFiles to manage, share and automate SharePoint documents in Salesforce.
Free setup support included. 98% go live within their first week.
Where the Gap is Largest
Folder creation is the first wall
Files Connect has no ability to create folders. This is documented explicitly in Salesforce Help and in every implementation guide for the feature. For any team that wants SharePoint folders to mirror their Salesforce record structure - one folder per Account, Opportunity, or Case — Files Connect simply cannot deliver it. There is no workaround within the native feature itself.
Files Connect is a search-and-view layer
What Files Connect does well: surface existing SharePoint files inside Salesforce Global Search via SOSL, and let users view or reference those files without leaving Salesforce. If your only requirement is read-only visibility of SharePoint content inside a Salesforce record - and all users have Microsoft 365 accounts - Files Connect is capable and free.
Automation: night and day
CloudFiles ships prebuilt Salesforce Flow actions for creating folders, moving files, copying files, and attaching generated documents - no custom Apex code needed. Files Connect explicitly does not support any custom automations or workflows. There are no Flow actions, no record-triggered behaviors, and no mechanism to make Files Connect respond to Salesforce events.
CloudFiles turns SharePoint into a data source
With AI-powered OCR extraction, CloudFiles can read a contract or invoice sitting in SharePoint and auto-populate Salesforce fields. Files Connect has zero content-processing capability - it only stores a URL pointer. The SharePoint integration stays permanently passive: files exist, but Salesforce never reads, parses, or acts on their content.
Files Connect doesn't touch your storage bill
A common misconception: enabling Files Connect does not reduce Salesforce storage costs. It has no ability to migrate or offload existing Salesforce files to SharePoint. Your existing Notes, Attachments, and ContentVersions remain in Salesforce storage and continue consuming it. Only tools like CloudFiles can perform that migration.
External sharing requires a Microsoft account
When you share a Files Connect reference externally, the recipient must have a Microsoft/SharePoint account to access it. The workaround - "share as copy" - creates a duplicate inside Salesforce storage, negating storage savings. CloudFiles avoids this entirely by generating its own shareable links with configurable security and no Microsoft account requirement.
Which one is right for you?
Get CloudFiles if you need
- Auto-created SharePoint folder structures tied to Salesforce records
- Full file management (upload, move, rename, delete) from inside Salesforce
- Automation without building Salesforce Flows from scratch
- Bulk migration of existing Salesforce files to SharePoint
- Document generation (contracts, quotes, proposals) saved to SharePoint
- AI-powered OCR to extract document data into Salesforce fields
- External portal users (Experience Cloud) accessing SharePoint without a Microsoft account
- Tracked sharing links with engagement analytics
- Independently verified enterprise compliance (SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, HIPAA, GDPR)
Get Files Connect if you need
- Surface existing SharePoint files inside Salesforce Global Search
- Preview Office documents without navigating away from a Salesforce record
- Zero additional cost - already included in your Salesforce Enterprise+ license
- No folder management, migration, automation, or generation requirements
- Every user already has a valid Microsoft 365 / SharePoint license
- Simple read-and-reference access is genuinely sufficient for your team's workflow
- Your IT team is comfortable configuring Azure App Registration and OAuth 2.0
Go Beyond Storage: Act on Your Documents
CloudFiles doesn’t stop at connecting Salesforce with SharePoint. Once your documents are organized, you can generate, read, and act on them - directly from Salesforce.
Document AI
Turn your SharePoint files into structured Salesforce data.
Extract key information from documents like invoices, KYC forms, contracts, and IDs using OCR and AI, and automatically populate Salesforce fields.
Your SharePoint integration becomes bi-directional: not just storing files, but reading and using them inside your CRM.
Document Generation
Create documents from Salesforce data, and store them back in SharePoint.
Generate contracts, quotes, proposals, and invoices using reusable templates - all the way to e-signature. Every document is automatically saved to the right SharePoint folder and linked to the Salesforce record.
No manual uploads. No broken workflows.
Just a seamless loop between Salesforce and SharePoint.
Entire CloudFiles Suite
Explore the entire document stack - from management to generation to AI.
Only Salesforce SharePoint Integration with Enterprise Compliance
Is CloudFiles The Perfect Fit?
Loved by Teams. Backed by Results.
CloudFiles is an excellent, easy-to-use app. It quickly solved our Salesforce to SharePoint file transfer crisis with seamless implementation and outstanding customer support. Highly recommend!
Vishal Talpallikar
Aviva
CloudFiles' SharePoint integration with Salesforce has reduced data storage costs, simplified document management, and enhanced efficiency. Outstanding support. Highly recommend for reducing storage expenses.
Latha Davuluri
W. R. Grace & Co.
Flawless app with exceptional support. CloudFiles exceeds expectations in testing, implementation, migration, and automation. Highly recommend exploring this solution for connecting file storage to Salesforce
Mark Salib
BDA Partners
CloudFiles' SharePoint/Salesforce integration is excellent. The team is collaborative, responsive, and highly knowledgeable. They go the extra mile to meet our needs. Highly recommend.
Adam Ady
Anteriad
Using CloudFiles' SharePoint integration with Salesforce has saved us on data storage costs. Their support and flow templates for file permissions are excellent. Highly recommended!
Ed Pashkin
Rainforest Alliance
CloudFiles seamlessly integrates OneDrive with Salesforce, offers flexible Apex actions, and provides outstanding support. Vishesh and team ensured a smooth setup and file migration.
Oscar Chacón
Sagicor Financial Corporation
Very flexible app that allows for customization without limiting you to specific use cases. Great fit for diverse business workflows. Love it!
William Hughes
Artisan Strategic Advisors, Inc.
Great app with fantastic support! The team helped us set it up and continues to assist whenever needed. Highly recommended for easy file management.
Jeroen Naafs
National Taiwan University
CloudFiles is an excellent tool for centralized document storage. Easy to set up, with responsive support throughout the process. Highly recommended
Debra Mangiafridda
Polymedco Inc.
Streamlining document movement between Salesforce Core and corresponding folders in SharePoint was straightforward with strong support from the CloudFiles team. Overall, CloudFiles has proven valuable.
Josip Mahovlić
Trawelt
Using CloudFiles with Salesforce makes handling documents on SharePoint much easier and super reliable. Highly recommend it to anyone dealing with files or document automation in Salesforce!
Aishwarya Richharia
Cancer Research UK
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Using CloudFiles with Salesforce and SharePoint for a custom solution enabled a perfect transition with assistance on flows, connections, and development of the custom update.
Eric Donie
Kymanox
Using CloudFiles to copy files from Salesforce to SharePoint via Salesforce Flows, created nested folder structures and has been running for over a year without any issues, therefore I would recommend it.
Andrew Nixon
Aggreko
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Using CloudFiles to back up files from Salesforce to SharePoint has been great to work with, with quick support and a very accommodating team.
Karim Karim
Strategic Insurance
CloudFiles has been a success story automating Salesforce and SharePoint by eliminating manual folder creation and copying with automatically generated and linked folders in SharePoint.
Andrew Hastings
Maritime Developments Limited
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Finding CloudFiles to integrate SharePoint with Salesforce was a huge relief, with automation tools that work well and are amazing. Most importantly, their support has been amazing
Patrick Ford
Gold Alder Salesforce Consulting for Nonprofits
Using CloudFiles to seamlessly integrate Salesforce and SharePoint enabled secure sharing, scalable folder hierarchy with flows, more file storage space, and incredibly helpful support.
Christina Andrus
Bridgepointe Technologies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Salesforce SharePoint Integration tool?
CloudFiles provides the most advanced Salesforce SharePoint integration on AppExchange - automatic folder creation tied to Salesforce record structure, bulk migration, document generation saved to SharePoint, AI data extraction from SharePoint files back into Salesforce, and engagement tracking. It is SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 certified, with a 4.9-star rating and 1,200+ customers.
How does CloudFiles connect SharePoint to Salesforce?
CloudFiles connects Salesforce to SharePoint by automatically creating SharePoint folder structures when Salesforce records are created, linking files and folders to those records, supporting bulk migration of existing files, enabling document generation from Salesforce data saved to SharePoint, and extracting data from SharePoint files back into Salesforce fields - all without switching between tabs or apps.
How does Files Connect connect SharePoint to Salesforce?
Files Connect uses Salesforce Connect to establish a live connection with SharePoint. Files remain stored in SharePoint, and Salesforce displays them as external references, allowing users to search, preview, and access them.
Does CloudFiles Support Bulk Migration of Salesforce files to SharePoint?
Yes. CloudFiles supports bulk migration of your entire existing Salesforce file library to SharePoint in a single operation - freeing Salesforce storage immediately without losing access to any file. Bulk migration is not listed in ShareConnect's documented features.
Can CloudFiles generate documents and save them directly to SharePoint?
Yes. CloudFiles generates contracts, quotes, proposals, and other documents from Salesforce field data and saves them automatically to the linked SharePoint folder. The document is also linked back to the originating Salesforce record. ShareConnect does not currently include document generation. Source: appiphony.com/share-connect/pricing
Can Files Connect upload and manage SharePoint files from Salesforce?
Files Connect supports basic file access and preview. Limited upload/edit capabilities may be possible depending on configuration, but full file management (move, rename, delete) is not natively supported within Salesforce.
How much does CloudFiles cost?
CloudFiles has a free tier and paid plans from $19/user/month, including advanced SharePoint integration, document generation, AI, and analytics. ShareConnect starts at $6/user/month (Starter) for file linking and $12/user/month (Pro) for Flow-based automation. Source: appiphony.com/share-connect/pricing
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