As organizations accelerate toward AI-powered productivity, the way we collaborate must evolve. Traditional governance models—built on rigid controls and outdated assumptions—are no longer sufficient. In his presentation “Achieving Trusted Collaboration in the AI Era,” Mark Cassetta, Chief Product Officer, outlines a bold new approach: Trusted Collaboration.
The Problem with Governance Barriers
For years, organizations have implemented governance tools that, while well-intentioned, have created friction for end users. These barriers often lead to shadow IT, data duplication, and risky workarounds. As AI tools like Microsoft Copilot become more prevalent, these governance gaps become even more problematic. AI thrives on clean, accessible data—not fragmented copies buried in email attachments or third-party platforms.
The Shift to Trusted Collaboration
Trusted Collaboration is about building bridges, not barriers. It’s a framework that balances security and productivity by applying four key principles:
⇰ Native – Collaboration should happen in the flow of work, using familiar tools like Microsoft 365.
⇰ Frictionless – Security should not slow users down. The experience must be seamless.
⇰ Omni-Channel – Users should be able to collaborate anytime, anywhere.
⇰ Secure – Guardrails must be in place to ensure compliance and data protection.
These principles are rooted in trust—between IT, compliance teams, and employees—and are essential for enabling secure, scalable collaboration in the AI era.
Link-Based Sharing: The Foundation of AI-Ready Collaboration
A cornerstone of Trusted Collaboration is link-based sharing. Unlike traditional file attachments, links keep data within the organization’s control, reduce duplication, and provide a single source of truth—a critical requirement for effective AI.
Link-based sharing also answers key security questions: Where is my data? Who accessed it? When? According to eSHARE, over 90% of users prefer link-based sharing over downloading files, making it both a secure and user-friendly solution.
Modernizing Governance with eSHARE Govern
To support Trusted Collaboration, governance must also evolve. eSHARE Govern introduces a continuous governance model that uses dynamic signals—like sensitivity labels, user clearance, and compliance policies—to make real-time access decisions.
This model includes:
➵ Analyzing current oversharing risks.
➵ Remediating by converting open links to named links and deleting dormant ones.
➵ Enforcing policies that ensure only authorized users can access sensitive content.
By applying these steps, organizations can reduce oversharing, protect sensitive data, and prepare their environments for AI integration.
The Road Ahead
The journey to AI readiness isn’t just about adopting new tools—it’s about rethinking how we govern collaboration. Trusted Collaboration offers a path forward that doesn’t force a trade-off between security and productivity. With the right strategy, organizations can empower users, protect data, and unlock the full potential of AI.
Meet Us at the Gartner Digital Workplace Summit in London
The eSHARE team is bringing Trusted Collaboration to the Gartner Digital Workplace Summit in London. If you're attending, don’t miss the chance to see it in action. Catch Mark Cassetta’s session live and stop by Booth 104 to connect with our team and explore how eSHARE helps organizations collaborate securely—without slowing work down.
👉 Visit our page to learn more.
