With the growing trend in cloud computing, many services are cropping up online which aim to harness its power. This is especially true for file hosting services, which allow users to upload their data in the cloud so that it is convenient to share, back up, and so on. Of the handful of major players in file hosting services that harness cloud computing such as SugarSync, SkyDrive, and JungleDisk, the one service that outshines its competition is Dropbox. Not only that, but it also has the best user interface in my opinion.
What separates Dropbox from its competitors is the fact that it does not rely on feature richness, available storage space, or pricing plans to make its mark, though Dropbox already does an excellent job on those criteria. What Dropbox has going for it though is the fact that it is extremely intuitive to use. The reason is because storing data in Dropbox is as easy as putting files in a folder. There is no need to use some fancy application or enable the functionality from some more general application, since storing files on Dropbox is extremely seamless; all one has to do is drag a file into the Dropbox directory or its subdirectories.
Another outstanding feature about Dropbox is the seamless ability for several computers to have shared access to data. One way which this can be done is when a user owns several computers, such as a work computer, home computer, and a laptop; for example when one of those machines modifies a file, the other machines update the files on their respective local storage devices as well. Another way is when it comes to sharing file or directores with friends, family, or co-workers, which can be done by right-clicking on the target data and choosing the relevant option to share this data. It is a very intuitive and yet powerful functionality of Dropbox.
In order to really appreciate Dropbox’s functionality, users do need install the program in order to allow real-time syncing of files. There may be cases though that this may not be possible when users wish to access their own files on Dropbox, such as when they are using a public computer which does not allow installation of programs, or when they use a friend’s computer which already has Dropbox set to their own account. That is why Dropbox allows users to also access their data by navigating through a more traditional web site interface after logging into their account on the Dropbox homepage. This alternative method gives users the best of both worlds in accessing their data, as they achieve ease through Dropbox’s standalone program or availability through Dropbox’s website.
If there is one improvement I would recommend for Dropbox, it would be on its web page view. While its current interface is perfectly functional, it feels too conventional when compared to the functionally of Dropbox when used with files stored locally. If the website offered more dynamic functionality which allows for data to be added and removed through drag-and-drop, then the interaction convenience found in using Dropbox locally can be carried over to using it through a web page.
If there is one improvement I would recommend for Dropbox, it would be on its web page view. While its current interface is perfectly functional, it feels too conventional when compared to the functionally of Dropbox when used with files stored locally. If the website offered more dynamic functionality which allows for data to be added and removed through drag-and-drop, then the interaction convenience found in using Dropbox locally can be carried over to using it through a web page.
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