We see an ever rising need to have access to your data from multiple locations. In business this is often solved with Citrix, Terminal Services, and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). These all have in common the need to transport the data as you need it, or transport your screen session when you want access.

The above methods have their place. However there also growing traction for internet based file sharing / syncing tools, whether for business or personal use. One service stands out from the rest, Dropbox is one of those simple applications that, once installed, quickly become an indispensable part of your computing process.

Keeping files synced between the many devices we now carry is a drag — not as in drag-and-drop, but as in multistep tedium. File syncing / sharing has moved into the cloud — and added collaboration and file backup as new services. Once set up, Dropbox becomes just another folder on your PC — or your Mac, iPad, smartphone, or other device that can display documents. Your files are stored both locally in your Dropbox folder and online on the service’s servers. Dropbox lets you back up, share, and sync any file just by dragging the file into the Dropbox folder on your desktop. All changes are synced to the other devices.

The free Dropbox Basic lets you store up to 2GB of data in the cloud. You can pay for more space if you need it.

One of Dropbox’s most useful features is that it automatically saves previous versions of files — and even deleted files. With the free version of Dropbox, previous file versions are saved for 30 days, paid versions longer. Another great feature is that Dropbox can transfer photos from my iPhone to my PC without the hassle of connecting the phone to the computer. And if that photo exists in Dropbox already, it will use de-duplication smarts to save on bandwidth.

Not to be overlooked is the integration of 90 add-on or supported apps and its ability to let you view files even when you don’t have the application that created them. That’s how you are able to open music, videos, and documents on your iPad, even though the native apps don’t reside on the tablet. Check out the full list of add-ons at the Dropbox App Directory page.)

Please be mindful of how this will impact your data integrity and of compliance with your computer use policy. If you would like to discuss further file sharing / syncing ideas, please do not hesitate to contact us at The IT Department.