1. Cloud-based File Management Services:
Dropbox & SugarSync
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2. More than just storing files:
Practical Uses of Cloud-based File Management Services
Convenient workaround for
Reduces email overload - removes receiving files – removes the
the need to email yourself a file need to have someone burn
over and over again just to have files to a CD which were to
2 the latest version large to send via email.

3. What is a Cloud-based
File Management Service?
Web service which allows users Synchronize files across
to set up an account to store multiple devices (PC,
files securely online Mac, or various mobile
• Send any file, of any file size, to
devices)
anyone.
• Share folders to easily sync
3 information across teams.

4. Service Provider Options
Dropbox SugarSync
Create a free account at: Sign up for an account at:
dropbox.com/register sugarsync.com/products/sync_pricing.html
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5. In short, having a Dropbox or SugarSync account can be
a HUGE convenience. However, there are some drawbacks.
Remember: the public link to a file is easily forwarded - You may
want to delete it from your account once you verify that your
recipient has downloaded the file.
- That could be just as
bad as hitting reply all
to an email you meant
If the file gets into The file could be to privately send!
5 easily distributed…
the wrong hands…

6. Stating the Obvious: Legal Considerations
Do not upload files which: Compliance with Law Enforcement:
• Violate the law in any way • These services cooperate with
• Violate the privacy of others government, law enforcement
• Defame others officials, private parties to
enforce and comply with the law.
• Your account could
be subpoenaed!
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7. Mine or yours? Who really owns files stored on Cloud Services?
• Full ownership to user. Service provider
does not own your files and will delete
them off of their servers when you delete
them from your account.
• Most employees cannot even access your
files: only a select few can review your
account for legal compliance to a
subpoena.
• Service provider does not have to notify
the account holder if their account was
searched.
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8. The “What If” Considerations
1. What if they go bankrupt? Although unlikely, a service provider could go bankrupt
overnight and users would lose data.
* This scenario is unlikely. These service providers are highly popular.
2. What if they change their Terms of Service?
It’s also possible that your service provider change their
Terms of Service to make your files it inaccessible.
* Also unlikely - it’s like saying you can’t trust Google to
provide free gmail accounts.
**Reputation is everything to these companies,
so a move like this would ruin them.
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9. Never put anything on your account
that would be devastating if it was compromised
Banking passwords Risqué photos Confidential Reports
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10. Additional Reading
• Cloud Computing Pros and Cons for End Users (InformIT.com)
http://www.informit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=1324280
• Is cloud computing inherently evil? (InfoWorld.com)
http://www.infoworld.com/d/cloud-computing/cloud-computing-inherently-evil-
409
• Ten Reasons Why Cloud Computing is a Bad Idea (TechTangerine.com)
http://www.techtangerine.com/2009/06/02/ten-reasons-why-cloud-computing-is-
a-bad-idea/
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