We use it for file sharing and as a backup solution. I have all of our Documents folders mapped to user Dropbox folders, that coupled with the optional one year retention makes for an excellent backup/recovery solution. We also use shared folders for team collaboration but that is something we just started recently.
Pros
Syncing of files
File sharing
backup/recovery
Cons
It could be me but the sharing feature seems to need work.
Once in a while Dropbox doesnt start, some sort of warning that it is not running would be helpful.
That is all I can think of!
Likelihood to Recommend
Obviously file sharing is perfect as you would expect Backup/Recovery is amazing, absolutely has saved me many times! One thing I would love to see offered is a longer retention time option, could be the same cost on a per year basis.
I am not sure I can think of any scenarios where it would not be appropriate.
We use Dropbox to save important files with version history so we can have multiple versions of the same file if we have to recover a very specific one. Our scope is to back up important files of our organization that require version history, and Dropbox is the best tool to make it respectable, speedy, easy, and safe.
Pros
Very fast upload and download.
Pretty straight forward use of the multiple tools it provides.
Easy use of Apps.
Cons
Better compatibility of tools like truenas and other NAS systems.
Automatizations
Likelihood to Recommend
I recommend it to every small and medium business as an efficient tool that provides a reasonable speed to upload and download files. I'm an old user of Dropbox, and since I started using it, I have never switched to other services as it keeps an excellent consistency during the period of our use. I can't say it would attend a larger business as I don't have metrics to compare.
We use it mostly for photo storage for all of our community events. Our drives through our company are just not big enough to hold the load of photos and videos. So it helps to alleviate some of that off of our internal systems.
Pros
Platform is very intuitive to use.
Clear organization.
Not pushy.
Cons
If you have multiple account (business and personal) it will automatically log you in to one of them. Then having to go log out and try again. It is a little annoying but just a minor inconvenience.
Likelihood to Recommend
Photo storage is a game changer for our organization. Lots of space provided.
Our organization uses Dropbox to share files and organized folders with partners/consultants/contractors outside of our organization. In addition, we use Dropbox to share files too large to attach to emails. We use the service to organize files by year, project, and type. It makes files easy to find and makes projects easy to package up.
Pros
Organization
Sharing
Storage
Cons
Searchability
Accessing files offline
Revoking access
Likelihood to Recommend
Dropbox is well suited for scenarios involving collaboration across different locations and organizations. For instance, when working on joint projects with external partners, Dropbox's sharing and commenting features streamline file exchanges and feedback. It's also excellent for remote teams needing centralized access to shared documents. However, Dropbox may be less appropriate for scenarios requiring strict data governance and compliance, as highly sensitive information might demand more specialized, secure storage solutions like those tailored to industry-specific regulations. Additionally, for organizations heavily invested in a different ecosystem, like Microsoft 365, integrating Dropbox might be redundant or less efficient.
VU
Verified User
Director in Corporate (Public Policy company, 1-10 employees)
We use Dropbox as a shared filing system between our staff. It helps all staff access shared files and ensures that the work of staff is stored in a safe space which is backed up and in the cloud. Dropbox also allows us to have varying levels of access depending on a staff member's role or seniority. Dropbox also allows us to share large files with partners when email would not be possible or practical.
Pros
Shared file system amongst staff
Access files from the cloud on multiple devices
Share large files / groups of files with outsiders to the organization
Different levels of access attributable to our users
Cons
Simultaneous editing of documents by multiple users, as you would see with Google Suite
Likelihood to Recommend
A scenario where a group of staff need access to shared files.
A scenario where an organization wants its files stored in a safe place, and in the cloud accessible from multiple devices.
A scenario where files need to be shared with outsiders to the organization.
A scenario where different access levels need to be attributed to different staff depending on their roles or seniority.
VU
Verified User
C-Level Executive in Corporate (Government Relations company, 11-50 employees)
As a government agency, we share documents among at least ten different organizations. Our initial objective was simply to save paper. We have done that, but Dropbox also speeds and simplifies our sharing processes so our information is always up-to-date, accurate, and in the hands of all intended users. In addition, Dropbox security greatly increases our ability to confidently share sensitive data among our stakeholders.
Pros
Fast sharing and transfer of of current data
Inexpensive, cloud-based storage of data
Secure storage and transfer of data
User-friendly
Trusted, brand-name confidence
Offline access to documents
Cons
More obvious separation of personal and business accounts, but accessible through same portal
Video tutorials of uncommon features
Notice via email or notification of new features
Likelihood to Recommend
Dropbox is well-suited for secure sharing among multiple entities. In my case, I am Board President of a government entity with no employees, but a lot of contractors. Contractors drop their reports and pertinent info into our Dropbox account for routine meeting and special cases. We trust Dropbox for always-on, secure storage and data transmission at a fair price.
We use the product as a central fire depository for multiple people to access as well as clients to see our progress on their project. We use it on virtually all products. It is also a way to showcase previous work that we have completed for new clients. It is a valuable tool for us.
Pros
Organizes Files and Data
Provides Access to Multiple Users
Allows a Central Depository
Cons
The cost of the product is too high.
To add persons on to the account is astronomically costly and prohibitive.
The cost/funding model that is used should be re-engineered.
Likelihood to Recommend
It works well and we really have not had difficulties with Dropbox other than the cost is too high. We would add many more people if we could afford to do so.
VU
Verified User
Consultant in Corporate (Government Administration company, 1-10 employees)
We use Dropbox to share files with other companies and individuals outside our company. This includes marketing, tourism, and exhibit design partners. We also use it to maintain backups of off-site computers outside our company system.
Pros
file sharing with multiple partners
transferring large files
back-up is very easy
Cons
Not always intuitive for new users in my opinion.
Do not like the automatic backup though I can see why some people do.
Likelihood to Recommend
I think it is the best option for filesharing large files and for collaborative work. It is much easier than trying to use google drive or Adobe's Cloud.
Although Dropbox isn't widely used within my organization, I personally use Dropbox on all of my work and personal computers as a shared filesystem that allows me to quickly and easily copy files across multiple computers, synchronize configuration files, and access commonly used documents and photos, etc.
Pros
Dropbox makes it dead simple to share files across multiple computers and/or devices
Easily back up files to the cloud
Ability to access shared files from multiple computers, mobile devices, or anything with a web browser
Cons
Honestly, I can't think of any criticisms that I have with Dropbox
Likelihood to Recommend
Dropbox is great for maintaining a personal library of shared files that can be accessed online or from any computer or device. It's also great for providing a sharable link that can be used to access files. Although Dropbox provides plans for teams and large enterprise users, I don't have any experience with those aspects of their product. But judging by how simple and reliable their original personal Dropbox service is, I'm sure their other service offerings are just as wonderful.
VU
Verified User
Employee in Information Technology (Government Administration company, 5001-10,000 employees)
My office uses Dropbox as it's primary "fieldwork' file storage software. We have servers to store our data also but Dropbox is great for any files that may need to be shared between users and especially for files that need to be opened or used in an area other than a stationary computer. For example, our appraisers use tablets when they are in the field. We are able to save their property cards within Dropbox so that they have access to them no matter where they are and also on any device. They have the ability to open a file within or from Dropbox and make changes that can later be keyed into our main system. We can save a file to Dropbox from a computer and open it later from a phone or other device. We also use Dropbox for pictures. Our appraisers take pictures of homes or land when in the field and save them to Dropbox so that once they get back to the office the pictures can be uploaded into one of our other software programs that houses all of our data. Our whole office has access to Dropbox and any files that are stored there.
Pros
Dropbox has the ability to automatically sync from other sources. When our Appraisers use their tablets to take pictures, it is set up so that the pictures automatically upload to a folder in Dropbox so that the staff back at the office will then have access to the pictures as well.
Dropbox is very easy to use. There is a list of folders on the left-hand side. You simply click and go to each folder to pull up files. You can rename the folders, sort by date, etc.
Dropbox has several different options for storage size options. An individual can choose a smaller package or a large corporation could choose bigger packages. There is also a free version that is great for saving pictures from an individual phone or another device.
Dropbox has a search feature that saves a lot of time. If you aren't sure where the file you need is, use the search function to quickly find it.
Dropbox is cloud based so there are no bulky servers taking up space!
Cons
When running through the automatic sync process, the app will sometimes lag or freeze up if there is a significant amount of files being synced.
Dropbox could be a little more customizable. There is no option for scheduled syncing which would be nice.
Although we have not personally had issues, our office is aware of some security issues with Dropbox. There is no secure encryption when data is at rest, and there is also an open-door policy to the NSA. We stick to only using Dropbox for non-secure files so that this will not be an issue for us.
Likelihood to Recommend
Dropbox is wonderful for anyone looking to share files, pictures, or even video on a cloud-based server. Dropbox is great for anyone looking for an inexpensive (or free) storage solution that has the capability to easily transfer or share files between other users or devices. Dropbox would not be suitable for anyone needing a storage solution for private, secure, or sensitive material.
