Cloud Storage/Backup Solutions
Microsoft SkyDrive (live.com)
SkyDrive is an online storage system created as part of a Microsoft Account (formerly known as Live). By signing up for a free Microsoft Account, Microsoft grants you approximately 7 GB of online storage. For a very reasonable price, you can increase your storage online allotment by 20 GB ($10/yr), 50 GB ($25/yr), or 100 GB ($50/yr). Microsoft also provides a free SkyDrive application for Windows computers, Windows Phones, Macs, iOS, and Android devices.
Benefits
- Free 7 GB of storage.
- Web interface for accessibility anywhere you have a Internet connection.
- You can upload, create and edit multiple file types including Word, Excel, OneNote, and Powerpoint using Office Web interface.
- File syncronization between multiple computing platforms using the SkyDrive application.
- Files within the SkyDrive folder (if SkyDrive app installed) are synced real time.
- MS Office applications have built-in SkyDrive support.
- Can create shared folders/files with other users.
Drawbacks
- Uploading and downloading files via a web interface is a one by one exercise. This can be very tedious when you have large number of files.
- Only the files and folders that reside within the SkyDrive folder are synced by the SkyDrive application.
- No SkyDrive application for Linux.
- For large file transfers, a high speed Internet connection is strongly suggested.
SpiderOak (https://spideroak.com/)
SpiderOak is an online backup solution. By signing up for a free account, SpiderOak grants you approximately 2 GB of online storage. For a reasonable price ($100/yr, $50/yr with educational discount), you can increase your online storage allotment to 100 GB. SpiderOak provides a free application for Windows, Linux, Mac, iOS, and Android devices.
Benefits
- Highly secure (zero knowledge policy). Your password is not known nor available to the SpiderOak personnel.
- Free 2 GB of storage.
- Functions as a true backup system.
- You can select which files and folders you want backed up even if on different drives.
- Download stored files with the web interface anywhere you have a Internet connection.
- You can use a single account to backup multiple computing systems.
- Can sync files with external devices.
- Can create shared folders/files with other users.
Drawbacks
- Highly secure (zero knowledge policy). Password is NOT retrievable if forgotten.
- Cannot upload files via the web interface.
- Can only download a collection of files as a ZIP file using the web interface.
- For large file transfers, a high speed Internet connection is strongly suggested.
Others
- iDrive Sync (https://www.idrivesync.com/) – Review coming soon.
- Google Drive (http://drive.google.com) – Review coming soon.
- Carbonite (http://www.carbonite.com/en/v2/index)
- Mozy (http://mozy.com/)
- DropBox (http://www.dropbox.com/)
- Box.net (https://www.box.com/)
NOTE: This page is to be used for informational purposes only. The information contained herein should not be considered an endorsement or guarantee of the products listed.