FTAPI is your
SharePoint alternative
for confidential data.
With FTAPI, teams share documents, project data and sensitive information with external partners in an encrypted, GDPR-compliant way and without complicated processes.
Why companies need alternatives to SharePoint.
External collaboration requires security
Modern teams today work across different locations and often collaborate with external partners, service providers or clients. This creates new requirements for data protection, traceability and access control. As a result, many companies are looking for a solution that enables them to exchange sensitive information easily, securely and in compliance with GDPR – regardless of whether internal or external parties are involved.
SharePoint = internal collaboration
Microsoft SharePoint is a proven platform for internal collaboration and is particularly suitable for companies already working with the Microsoft 365 suite. However, when it comes to sharing confidential data or involving external partners in projects, SharePoint reaches its limits: permissions, licences and security requirements can quickly become complex and difficult to manage.
This is where FTAPI comes in – offering a solution that enables GDPR-compliant and straightforward data exchange across organisational boundaries.
Comparison: FTAPI as a SharePoint alternative or complement. SharePoint excels at internal collaboration. FTAPI adds value wherever sensitive data needs to be shared securely with external parties.
SharePoint
FTAPI
Security & server location
Part of the Microsoft infrastructure
Integrated into the Microsoft Cloud (headquartered in the USA)
Server-side encryption
Master key principle – potential third-party access
Hosting varies by region (worldwide or within the EU)
100% made and hosted in Germany
High-security encryption for sensitive data based on the zero-knowledge principle – no third-party access possible
Optional end-to-end encryption
Security out of the box with TLS and AES-256
Fully GDPR-compliant, hosted in Germany
Pricing model
Licensing based on user numbers and plan
Advanced security features only available in higher-tier plans
Licences required for external users
Different pricing levels depending on package
Security built in as standard
Free guest accounts for external users
No additional costs for encryption or user management
Scalable for businesses of all sizes
Use case
Solution for internal team collaboration
Integration with Microsoft Office applications
Focused on internal collaboration and intranet use
Limited usability for external collaboration
Platform for secure data exchange
File sharing and virtual data rooms (secure cloud storage) for working with external partners
Complements existing systems such as SharePoint
Granular access roles for controlled sharing
Software setup & support
Administration by IT administrators
Typically set up by IT teams or external partners
Standardised online help
Support primarily in English
Personal support
German-language onboarding and personal support directly from the manufacturer
Customer service with outstanding ratings
Ready for secure data exchange without the complexity?
FTAPI is the simple alternative to SharePoint when you need to share sensitive data with clients, service providers or external partners.
Limits of SharePoint in external collaboration – and where FTAPI steps in
SharePoint reaches its limits when it comes to securely exchanging data with external partners, particularly regarding data protection and compliance. The platform relies on server-side encryption, and through the so-called master key principle, third parties may potentially gain access to the data. As a result, it is often unclear whether data exchange is truly GDPR-compliant.
With FTAPI, data remains fully protected thanks to end-to-end encryption based on the zero-knowledge principle – without a master key and without access by third parties. Thanks to hosting in Germany, free guest accounts and granular access controls, data exchange with external partners can be handled securely, transparently and in full compliance with audit criteria.
FTAPI SecuRooms – the secure SharePoint alternative for external projects
FTAPI SecuRooms provide a central space for efficient collaboration with external partners. Within these virtual data rooms, teams can securely exchange and comment on project documents, contracts, design plans and more. Hosted in Germany, this SharePoint alternative meets the highest security standards.
Files of any size can be easily shared and accessed jointly with clients and external partners worldwide via the browser-based application. It makes no difference whether the recipients have an FTAPI licence or not. This speeds up approvals, reduces coordination efforts and ensures transparency in complex projects.
Why more than 2,000 satisfied customers trust FTAPI.
Maximum security
The encryption technologies used by FTAPI meet the highest security standards and are fully GDPR-compliant.
Ease of use
FTAPI products are simple and intuitive for both administrators and employees to use – no special IT knowledge is required.
Fully certified
FTAPI is a certified data processor and meets the highest security standards in accordance with ISO 27001 (for information security management systems) and BSI C5 Type 2.
Frequently asked questions.
In principle, SharePoint can be used in a GDPR-compliant way – depending on how the system is configured and operated. However, SharePoint data is processed within the Microsoft Cloud, which falls under the US Cloud Act. This means that, in theory, US authorities could gain access to the data, even if it is hosted within the EU.
Companies that must meet the highest data protection requirements therefore often rely on additional solutions such as FTAPI platform, which hosts all data exclusively in Germany and encrypts it according to the zero-knowledge principle.
SharePoint offers solid security mechanisms such as access controls and server-side encryption. However, as the service provider, Microsoft holds the master key, which theoretically allows third-party access. For particularly sensitive or personal data, an additional security solution with end-to-end encryption is therefore recommended.
Data is encrypted server-side on Microsoft’s servers. This means that while it is stored in encrypted form, it is transmitted to the server unencrypted beforehand. Anyone requiring full end-to-end encryption – i.e. encryption both in transit and at rest – needs an additional solution.
Sharing sensitive data through SharePoint Online can become problematic when external partners or clients are involved. Managing permissions is complex, and the use of external accounts increases the risk of incorrect access permissions.
For exchanging confidential information – for example, in projects, tenders or contract negotiations – an encrypted data room such as FTAPI SecuRooms is the more secure choice.
There are several alternatives to Microsoft SharePoint that offer similar features for collaboration, document management and intranet structures. Some of the most well-known include Google Workspace for cloud-based teamwork, Confluence for knowledge and project management, and open-source solutions such as Alfresco or Liferay as enterprise content management systems.
Companies that need to exchange sensitive data securely and in full compliance with GDPR across organisational boundaries benefit from a specialised solution such as FTAPI. It provides a platform focused on end-to-end encrypted, audit-proof data exchange – made and hosted in Germany.
Protect your data as thoroughly as it deserves.
With FTAPI as your SharePoint alternative, you can exchange confidential documents quickly, easily and securely – without complex processes or the risks associated with US-based clouds.