Dropbox is a storage application and service operated by Evenflow, Inc. The service enables users to store and sync files online and between computers. Dropbox has a cross-platform client (Windows, Mac and Linux) that enables users to drop any file into a Dropbox folder that is then synced to the web and the users’ other computers with the Dropbox client. Files in the Dropbox folder may then be shared with other Dropbox users or accessed from the web. Users may also upload files manually through a web browser. A free Dropbox account offers 2 GB of storage. Users may upgrade to 50 GB by paying a monthly or yearly fee.

While Dropbox functions as a storage service, its focus is on synchronization and sharing. Dropbox synchronization uses SSL transfers with AES-256 encryption, and it supports revision history, so files deleted from the Dropbox folder may be recovered from any of the synced computers. Dropbox’s version control also helps users know the history of a file they may be currently working on, enabling more than one person to edit and re-post files without complications of losing its previous form. There is no limit to file size for files added via the Dropbox application, but files transferred through the web interface are capped at 350 MB. Dropbox uses Amazon’s S3 storage system to store the files.

The Dropbox service is similar to companies such as Box.net, Mozy, and the now defunct Omnidrive and XDrive. The major feature (and limitation) of the Dropbox system is that only files in the Dropbox folder are backed up and synced. The company received seed funding from Y Combinator and Sequoia Capital.

Other Information

• Developed by Evenflow, Inc.
• Initial release September 2008
• Latest release 0.6.427 / 25 November 2008;
• OS Cross-platform
• Available in English
• Development status Active
• Type Online backup service
• License Proprietary

Links

• Website www.getdropbox.com
• Crunchies 2008 Awards
• List of other online file storage and sync services