Every M&A transaction faces unique challenges, depending on the nature of the transaction itself, participants involved and where they are located, budget, or who has access to what documentation to name just a few. And just as every deal is different, there is a marketplace full of virtual data room providers claiming to make the process easier.

Some companies may have a list of requirements for a data room provider, but for others it can be difficult to know which vendor offers the type of service that will be required.

Only around 50% of M&A deals actually go through according to Forbes magazine. The main reason for that high failure rate is that the companies acquired looked better on paper than they actually were. This makes a well executed due diligence process critical, which is only possible if the full M&A life cycle is properly executed.

If you’re still using FTP or other consumer storage and transfer solutions for your business requirements, here are 3 reasons to switch to an secure modern solution such as a virtual data room. Remember when you discovered FTP (file transfer protocol) and you thought it was so advanced to be able to upload your data to cyber space? In the good old days before online security became a critical issue, FTP was the answer to transferring information, particularly large files. The problem is, FTP is 40 years old now, and that’s ancient in terms of information technology.