Yesterday Microsoft's Sky Drive changed its system to permit Dropbox-like integration, where you have a folder set to sync to the cloud, and they are providing 7GB of free storage (compared with Dropbox's initial 2Gb free). And if you are an existing user, you can have 25GB of free storage.
New and Improved SkyDrive Is a Threat to Dropbox | PCWorld Business Center
Of course, Dropbox has numerous referral programs, and my own account has 30GB of free space (on top of the 50GB I purchase).
Dropbox is not sitting still either, yesterday announcing the ability to share any file or any folder - not just from a public folder, through the creation of links.
Dropbox Launches Web Viewer for Link Sharing - Data Storage - News & Reviews - eWeek.com
Waiting in the wings in the war of the cloud is Google Drive - the anticipated file-sharing system from Google, possibly out this week. And add to that, possible additions to Apple's iCloud later this year (most likely tied to OSX Mountain Lion).
The war for the cloud is in full swing. While I'll continue to use Dropbox and iCloud, I had no problem grabbing my 25Gb of storage from Sky Drive.
New and Improved SkyDrive Is a Threat to Dropbox | PCWorld Business Center
The big news is that Microsoft has done away with the convoluted Live Mesh system, and adopted a more streamlined syncing system very similar to Dropbox. Microsoft has an app for Windows and for Mac OS X that integrates SkyDrive with the local OS. Files can be stored in the SkyDrive folder, and they will be automatically uploaded to the cloud, and synced to other computers or devices.
SkyDrive is providing more free storage, and cheaper paid storage than rival Dropbox.
For Mac users, Office 2011 for Mac has already offered SkyDrive integration, but the new app makes SkyDrive available to other software, and integrates with the Finder tool in Mac OS X. Microsoft also introduced a new version of the iOS app that provides a native experience on both the iPhone and the iPad. SkyDrive is suddenly much more capable as a cross-platform, cloud-based data storage option.
Of course, Dropbox has numerous referral programs, and my own account has 30GB of free space (on top of the 50GB I purchase).
Dropbox is not sitting still either, yesterday announcing the ability to share any file or any folder - not just from a public folder, through the creation of links.
Dropbox Launches Web Viewer for Link Sharing - Data Storage - News & Reviews - eWeek.com
Dropbox, in a battle for market share with competitors such as Box, SugarSync, Mozy, EVault and others, April 23 launched a new feature that makes it easier for non-Dropbox people to use files stored in the cloud.
Using the new collaboration feature, Dropbox subscribers now can send a Web link connecting the files or folders in the account to non-Dropbox receivers using the service's desktop, Web or mobile application.
Business presentations, home movies--even entire folders--can be opened and viewed immediately without having to sign in, download anything or open files separately.
For example, once a home video is stored in the Dropbox cloud, the link to it can be sent to a friend or acquaintance, who then simply clicks on the link to view the video--without needing to download the file or open an attachment.
Waiting in the wings in the war of the cloud is Google Drive - the anticipated file-sharing system from Google, possibly out this week. And add to that, possible additions to Apple's iCloud later this year (most likely tied to OSX Mountain Lion).
The war for the cloud is in full swing. While I'll continue to use Dropbox and iCloud, I had no problem grabbing my 25Gb of storage from Sky Drive.