Dropbox is a file storage and sharing application that allows users to keep track of all of their files in one place. Rather than manually updating folders across multiple computers, Dropbox gives users a single file storage area that can be accessed by all of their computers. The user can access the Dropbox from their desktop and make changes that are automatically updated on all computers using the same Dropbox. Users can also share some of their folders with others so everyone has the most updated version of documents and images. Users can add any kind of file, from PDFs to image files, audio clips and videos. Users can also create a file for photos that they share with family and friends as they travel. Dropbox currently offers mobile apps for iPhones, iPads, Blackberry devices and Android phones.
Dropbox was founded in June of 2007 by Drew Houston and Arash Ferdowsi. The application is intended to help users share and store files easily and securely. The company is based in San Francisco, California and currently employs over 60 individuals, including CEO Houston, CTO Ferdowsi, Vice President of Business Development Sujay Jaswa, Software Engineer Aston Motes, Head of Server Engineering Rajiv Eranki, Director of Product Jeff Bartelma, Advisor Ali Partovi and Investor Sameer Gandhi. Dropbox's total funding raises to $257 million, with investors like Sequoia Capital, Goldman Sachs, RIT Capital Partners, Valiant Capital Partners etc.
Dropbox makes it far easier for users to keep a single file on multiple computers. The application is appealing because it automatically updates when the user makes changes to a folder in their Dropbox. The user never has to make an edit, move or delete more than once to update the same folders on all of their computers.
Dropbox offers users a simple, familiar design that works very well for the application’s intended purpose. After installing Dropbox on a computer, the user will see a blue open box icon. Clicking the icon will give the user access to their folders, which open up in a traditional Windows folder box. The user can sort their files however they like (just like a new Windows file).
A new user can start using Dropbox by clicking the blue and white “Download Dropbox” button on the application’s homepage. After allowing the application to download, the user can set up their Dropbox by following the steps that appear after installation. To create a new account, the user can click the blue “Log In” button in the upper, right hand corner of the site. A small blue link at the bottom of the registration form invites the user to create an account. Clicking the link takes the user to the registration form. The form asks for a first and last name, email address and password. The user must also check the white box at the bottom of the form to agree to the Dropbox terms of service.
Dropbox allows users to set up an account for free. Free users are given a total of 2 GBs of storage space in their Dropbox. Users can upgrade to a Pro 50 account which costs around $10 per month and upgrades to 50 GBs of storage space. The Pro 100 account costs around $20 per month and includes up to 100 GBs of storage space. A Teams option is also available that includes 350 GBs or more of storage space. Users interested in a team account should contact Dropbox for a custom quote.
Dropbox is a great tool for anyone who shares files as well as those who work on multiple computers. Anyone with a desktop and laptop can use Dropbox to keep their files up to date across multiple computers.