A number of IT companies across the world are heavily dependent on cloud computing these days. Dropbox is one of such cloud computing services which was quite popular until recently but now it is its popularity since the last couple of years with the advent of other alternatives such as Amazon S3, SkyDrive from Microsoft, Box.net and recently launched Google Drive and this is forcing users to look for best alternatives to Dropbox. The competition has become extremely tough for Dropbox to regain and retain its popularity as earlier.
Dropbox is a file sharing service based on cloud computing. It helps the users in synchronizing files amongst different PCs. But this service has following disadvantages that made it unpopular.
- It does not allow the users to host their own servers
- The storage capability offered by Dropbox is only upto 2 GB
- It is not an open source
- It does not offer any remote access to any computer
All these disadvantages have forced a number of Dropbox users to search for something new that can works as its perfect alternative. Followings are such alternatives which have successfully replaced Dropbox from its top position.
Sugar Sync:
Sugar Sync is one of the best alternatives for Dropbox that comes with full of nearly all of the latest features such as synchronization, back up and sharing of files etc. It offers up to 5 GB storage space from free which is comparatively higher than Dropbox. It additionally offers additional storage facility through the referral program which is in many ways similar to the others providing cloud storage. This service is quite attuned to both Mac as well as Windows.
The most special feature which made this service popular is that it also includes mobile applications such as Blackberry, Windows 7, Symbian and Android. This one of the most reliable online data storage services that has got the same credibility as Microsoft and Apple.
Spider Oak:
Spider Oak is an safe and reliable online data storage service which does not have a sync folder of its own. It provides the users with the facility of backing up the files belong to the common category by default. Spider Oak updates all the contents of the new files in the folder once a user selects the file. Its ability of encrypting your password can assure you that even the technicians work in Spider Oak will not be able to view your important personal information.
Dmailer Backup:
Dmailer backup service is an online data backup service that comes for free. It is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems. Though the storage space it offers is equal to Dropbax i.e. up to 2 GB. Dmailer Backup stores all your files and information automatically similar to the way you save the files in your computer under various folders such as My Pictures etc. It later helps to restore files if unfortunately your system collapses due to some unknown reasons.
Wuala:
Wuala is another good online data backup service brought to us by Lacie. It is one of the most secure and trustworthy service provider which encrypts all your data including your password. It never sends your password through online in an insecure format. Once it gets installed it looks like a network but acts as Dropbox. Like Dropbox, it automatically takes back up of every single data entered to the folder and synchronizes with other PCs.
The space offered by Wuala is quite low 1 GB only. But this can be increased by inviting the other users and asking them to use Wuala storage facility. But Wuala can be a good choice instead of having a few drawbacks.
Amazon Cloud:
This storage service is attuned to all types of Operating Systems which support Flash. It can be a cheap and good alternative for Dropbbox as it offers up to % GB of free storage space.
Windows Live Mesh:
It is one of the best service providers and a strong competitor of Dropbox. But it cannot be accessed from mobiles as it does not have any mobile clients.
Syncany:
This is also a very good online data backup service provider which can give tough competition to DropBox. It offers data encryption along with the storage system which is based on plug in system.
Jungle Disk:
It offers 5 GB of storage space for free but if you want more you may have to spend a few bucks. It is attuned with Mac, Windows and Linux as well.
AeroFS:
This provider is little different from the others. According to AeroFS, it offers unlimited storage space with top notch security of the data.
Owncloud:
It is said that this service offers their user personal cloud space to store their data. If you need to exchange your data with other you can even amalgamate your clouds.
Hope you have found the best alternative of Dropbox in above mentioned 10 options.
About the Author: The above article is written and edited by Roxie, who is a freelance writer for various blogs and communities related to technology. In her free time she writes articles related to Windows 8 info and Microsoft Office 2010 or anything that is related to them.