Google Drive cloud storage platform rumoured
Search giant Google is reportedly working on a new cloud-based storage platform called Drive which will aim to go toe to toe with rivals like Dropbox and even Apple`s iCloud.
Google has been a major proponent of cloud computing services and it
is hoping that Drive will allow it to expand in this market, offering
users an alternative to the established platforms on which they can
deposit files and folders to retrieve at a later date.
What makes Google Drive`s emergence particularly important is the fact that it will eventually be integrated with the firm`s Android mobile operating system.
In theory this will allow users to upload files to Google Drive from their home or work PC and then get access to them from their smartphone immediately. This level of unification and cross-platform synchronisation has obvious benefits and with Google`s established infrastructure of devices, platforms and software it should be simple for it to tie the disparate threads together.
It is thought that Google Drive will take a tiered approach to usage. Basic users can sign up and store a fixed amount of data in the cloud free of charge, getting access from their handsets and perhaps having to abide by other limitations. Meanwhile if you are willing to pay a subscription for Google Drive then you will have far more flexibility and storage space to work with, which could make it suitable for businesses and enterprise users who do a lot of field work.
The main obstacle to Google`s further dominance in the cloud could be the fact that there are already established cloud storage platforms out there and that there might not be enough of a distinction to differentiate Drive from its rivals.
Add to this the fact that Android is still playing second fiddle to Apple`s iOS when it comes to the business market and you could end up with a similar situation to the one which is limiting the growth of Google+.
This social networking platform launched by Google last year to combat Facebook and Twitter has over 90 million registered users, which sounds like a lot. However, the levels of activity for those who are signed up is not known and many think that Google is fighting a losing battle in this arena.
If Google Drive is properly integrated with Android and other mobile services then it will be easier for it to become a success in the consumer market. Next generation Samsung Mobiles like the Galaxy S3 should be able to make great use of a cloud storage platform to help overcome the restrictions of requiring large amount of onboard storage space. However, Google needs to convince people that its cloud technology is better than the alternatives, which could be a tougher challenge.
Courtesy of bcmom
What makes Google Drive`s emergence particularly important is the fact that it will eventually be integrated with the firm`s Android mobile operating system.
In theory this will allow users to upload files to Google Drive from their home or work PC and then get access to them from their smartphone immediately. This level of unification and cross-platform synchronisation has obvious benefits and with Google`s established infrastructure of devices, platforms and software it should be simple for it to tie the disparate threads together.
It is thought that Google Drive will take a tiered approach to usage. Basic users can sign up and store a fixed amount of data in the cloud free of charge, getting access from their handsets and perhaps having to abide by other limitations. Meanwhile if you are willing to pay a subscription for Google Drive then you will have far more flexibility and storage space to work with, which could make it suitable for businesses and enterprise users who do a lot of field work.
The main obstacle to Google`s further dominance in the cloud could be the fact that there are already established cloud storage platforms out there and that there might not be enough of a distinction to differentiate Drive from its rivals.
Add to this the fact that Android is still playing second fiddle to Apple`s iOS when it comes to the business market and you could end up with a similar situation to the one which is limiting the growth of Google+.
This social networking platform launched by Google last year to combat Facebook and Twitter has over 90 million registered users, which sounds like a lot. However, the levels of activity for those who are signed up is not known and many think that Google is fighting a losing battle in this arena.
If Google Drive is properly integrated with Android and other mobile services then it will be easier for it to become a success in the consumer market. Next generation Samsung Mobiles like the Galaxy S3 should be able to make great use of a cloud storage platform to help overcome the restrictions of requiring large amount of onboard storage space. However, Google needs to convince people that its cloud technology is better than the alternatives, which could be a tougher challenge.
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CLOUD COMPUTING
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