On-Line Storage
On-line storage offerings are becoming increasingly more prevalent. These solutions allow users to save files to an on-line service instead of (or in addition to) their local computer and are starting to make more sense because more people have high speed internet connections. If you have high speed internet, here are some reasons you may (or may not) want to start storing files on-line.
- Pros
- Easy accessibility – If the file is stored on-line, in theory you can access it from any computer. On public computers there may be access restrictions or out of date software that prevents access, but in most cases, this is a useful feature.
- Ability to Share – Most services offer an easy way to share the files with other users. This may become preferred over e-mail attachments in time, but right now not too many people are using these services. Also since, in most cases, you both need to be members this could lead to a lot of on-line storage accounts.
- Back-up – For the most part, these services automatically back-up your data. This alone may be enough reason to use the service if you are not currently backing up data.
- Cons
- Hard to Use – This problem should resolve itself in time, but, as of right now, integration with Windows Explorer and applications is not great. Most services require downloading the file, working on it and uploading the file again when done. This is not worth the work for most people. (Office Live and on-line applications such as Buzzword do not have this problem.)
- Security – Anytime your data is available on-line there is a risk, although in most cases small, of the data being stolen. If this is a concern you could encrypt your data, but this adds an extra step.
- Service Outages – Most services are available the vast majority of the time, but even great services are not available 100% of the time. Most people need files available when they want to work on them. This could be a major concern.
What do you think? Are you going to start using on-line storage? Are you already using on-line storage? Which provider do you like best? I look forward to your comments.