Rather than creating a dedicated interface manage files, groups and contacts, ShareDirect plugs straight into Windows, integrating itself with the right-click context menu, and adding a toolbar to Explorer to access shared files and contacts. When opening up a designated shared directory, you're presented with a tabbed window inside Explorer, showing the files being shared, and the who's can view it.

It's a simple idea, but it works well. By not forcing you into another interface, ShareDirect is a quick an effective way to share files and add members while staying in the Explorer window. It's also very intuitive for existing Windows users, and business environments can benefit from not having to rely on IT departments to create designated domains.

But, whereas the others on test are free, ShareDirect has a scaling price plan depending on how you use it. If you use it to create direct connections to other peers, then it's free. If that isn't possible, (for example, one or both systems are behind a firewall), then you'll need a premium connection through Laplink's servers, which costs upwards of US$39.95, depending on how much you use.

Ultimately, it can be a costly tool, but it's intuitive enough to get going quickly with relatively inexperienced users. It may not have the groovy features of Qnext and Grouper, but that's not necessarily a bad thing either. It'll find a good home for itself as a self-administered private business tool.