Resources

Project Management DropBox

File sharing and collaboration have become essential for individuals and businesses alike in today’s digital era. Cloud-based file hosting services have emerged as the go-to solution for enhancing productivity and streamlining teamwork. Among the frontrunners in this domain is Dropbox.

Continue reading to gain insight into DropBox’s offering and assess its suitability for your business.

What is DropBox?

Dropbox is a software application designed for file-sharing and synchronization. Founded in 2007 by MIT students Drew Houston and Arash Ferdowski, it offers cloud storage, file synchronization, personal cloud, and client software.

Dropbox organizes files in a centralized location by generating a specific folder on the user’s computer. The contents of these folders are synchronized to Dropbox’s servers as well as other computers and devices where the user has installed Dropbox, ensuring that the same files are up to current on all devices.

Main Features and Benefits of Using DropBox

Dropbox provides a diverse range of features catering to both individual and business users. For businesses, it provides integrated tools such as Google Docs and Microsoft Word, fostering a fluid and collaborative workflow for teams.

Google Integration: Google integration enables the creation of Google documents and facilitates the use of Google for editing and saving Office files seamlessly. Take note though that your Google account (Gmail address) must align with your Dropbox account username. In case of any mismatch, you won’t be able to utilize the integrated apps, and you’ll have two options: either change your Dropbox account email or create a new Google account.

DropBox Paper: DropBox Paper is good for creating notes which you can share with other users. This is an internal feature that you choose if you don’t want to use the integrated tools.

DropBox Rewind: Rewind is designed to retrieve accidentally deleted or modified files. It enables file restoration within a 30-day window, while Professional plan subscribers can go as far back as 180 days. Recovering old files is hassle-free; you need only select the desired date and time, and Dropbox will promptly restore the file that you require.

File Syncing: Dropbox has created an application that you may install on your PC. It is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux. If you want to keep some folders isolated on only one computer, you may use Dropbox’s Selective Sync option to block them from synchronizing on all of your machines. Instead, they are just uploaded to the cloud. It also provides Smart Sync, which functions as a virtual drive, allowing you to access files from the desktop while consuming no local storage space. Smart Sync is only available for users on premium plans.

File Sharing: Dropbox allows you to easily share your files with anyone, even those who do not have a Dropbox account with a simple click of the share button. When sharing, a new link is generated, which you can then send to your friends or colleagues, granting them the ability to either edit or view the shared content. You have control over access rights, link expiry (Professional), and can even add passwords (Work Plans) for added security. Work Plans offer advanced features like document watermarking and branded sharing, making Dropbox an ideal choice for seamless and secure file sharing in professional environments.

User Experience with DropBox

Dropbox offers a user-friendly cloud storage solution that caters to individuals of all technical levels. Its straightforward interface allows for easy navigation, making it effortless to log in, upload files, and organize them into folders or subfolders. Beyond basic storage, Dropbox also facilitates seamless file sharing, enabling users to create shareable links or send files via email. Its modern and responsive interface enhances the overall user experience, making it an accessible and efficient cloud service for everyone.

Pricing Structure

Dropbox uses a freemium business model, where users are offered a free account with a set storage size – 2GB. Paid subscriptions are also available which offer more capacity and additional features.

Individual plan is $9.99 per month for annual billing and $11.99 is paid every month. This includes 2TB of storage space.

Friends and Family plan is $16.99 per month for annual billing and $19.99 if paid per month. The plan includes 2TB of storage space and individual accounts for up to 6 users.

Professional plan is $16.58 per month for annual billing and $19.99 per month if paid monthly which includes 3TB of storage space.

Standard plan is $15 per user per month if billed annually and $18 for monthly payments. This includes 5TB of storage space.

Advanced plan is $24 per user per month if billed annually and $30 for monthly payments.

Enterprise plan is customizable, and the price varies based on the storage space that you need.

Review Summary

Feature:

While Dropbox offers a diverse array of features, it has faced privacy concerns in the past. Even with the presence of an advanced security system, it encountered a security breach issue in 2012. However, DropBox has now improved its security features adding a two-step verification for an extra layer of security when logging in, and for advanced users, it has a 256-bit advanced encryption standard (AES). Though efforts have been made to enhance privacy, it's essential to remain vigilant about potential risks.

Ease of Use:

Dropbox is a user-friendly and uncomplicated platform, making it accessible to users with varying technical knowledge. Creating an account and uploading documents is a easy. Its intuitive interface facilitates effortless navigation through folders and files, ensuring efficient organization and easy document access. Moreover, Dropbox seamlessly integrates with common operating systems and productivity applications, allowing users to access and edit their documents instantly within their preferred applications.

Customer Service:

Assistance is readily available through various channels to cater to your needs. Dropbox has a user-friendly Help Center with guides, videos, and articles. Common questions are answered there or on their forums. For more queries, a live chat option is available, and technical support can be directly contacted.

Value for Money:

With its commitment to providing the best service, DropBox has plenty to offer. It has integrated third-party office tools to keep your hard drive storage in check and block-level transfers, all at an affordable price. However, it falls short in the privacy aspect. If privacy is not your primary concern and you seek a reliable cloud storage service for file storage, Dropbox remains an excellent choice.

Overall Rating: