Cloud Computing: Collaboration, sharing, data storage and backups

I am in another of my investigative modes.  The current topic is further pursuit of 'the cloud'.

 Via on-the-job I have utilized a few cloud based collaboration tools. Most specifically, we used Central Desktop and exploited it in the data sharing mode. I utilized it extensively in my project management activities for file sharing, status report sharing, and other related events. Business procedures were also integrated. It was great not clogging up email systems with large attachments. Early work experimented with BaseCamp, but its simplistic model just did not have enough juice. Cloud concepts also allowed quick startup without investments in big box solutions such as Microsoft and IBM.



Presently I have progressed to also now looking at the concept of data storage and backups, as well as other related benefits such as multiple pc independence, at the personal home usage level.  For a few years now I have utilized Google Docs on a limited basis - specific purpose. Coming after many years of caution and traditional I/T experience, I finally have opened my vision further. Dedicated external hard drives backup solutions and the portability of thumb drives are attractive. They still have limiting physical factors however.

My new strategy is pursing targeted local subfolder structures, and specific frequently changed files, of hopeful smaller size, where cloud storage and cloud backups could more easily of benefit and justification.  Here are some of the solutions I am pursuing and investigating right now.

• DropBox

• SugarSync

• Evernote: PC and Android

• GoogleDocs

• Mozy (its on my list to look into)

• Central Desktop - for personal use