I store all of my client files, business records, tax returns, corporate records, CLE certificates -- everything that is important or that I want to save, really -- in the cloud. I used to fear the cloud, but with the advent of multiple redundant storage servers in different locations and reliable online connections, I now fear not using the cloud. My only concern with using online storage is that it may be compromised, and my files may be accessed by a malicious user. I also take my ethical obligation to safeguard my clients' information seriously. So, I won't reveal where I keep these files.
I will, however, discuss the pros and cons that I have found with the various online storage services, and provide my recommendations regarding them. I have used several of the biggest and most popular services (Dropbox, Google Drive, Cubby, Box, SkyDrive, and SpiderOak), and have found quirks in each of them that reduce their usefulness.
For ease of use, Dropbox and SkyDrive are the best. Google Drive is fairly easy to use as well (though not as easy as the other two), but its proprietary document formats make sharing documents with others problematic -- they may have trouble accessing the documents off-line if they don't have Chrome installed. The user interfaces on Cubby and SpiderOak can be cumbersome.
For up-to-date file synchronization, Dropbox, Google Drive, and Cubby are the best. Dropbox and Google Drive synchronize their files continuously, and I have seen files that I have modified updated within seconds. Cubby also seems to always be updated, though I have not actually seen it in action. Box and SkyDrive can at times be up to an hour behind, which is unacceptable when you're counting on having in-court access to the document you saved just as you were walking out the door.
For security and privacy, SpiderOak wins hands-down. While the other services run indexes on your files, and some actually will share access to a file that several users have in common -- even if those users are not sharing it with each other -- SpiderOak (at least claims that it) does not examine your files at all. If your clients expect top-level security and privacy, SpiderOak can't be beat.
For cost, all of the cloud storage services are comparable. For free storage, though, SkyDrive offers the most that I have found (7GB). Box and Google Drive are second (5GB each). While Dropbox starts out on the low end of free space (2GB), it does allow you to gain bonus space by referring friends, linking your account to Facebook, and other marketing behavior. You can get up to 18GB of free space this way, making Dropbox the top of the heap for (relatively) free storage.
Making use of cloud-based storage for your files is a good idea. It reduces paper-file storage space, provides a secure off-site backup for your important information, and allows you to access your files anywhere with an internet connection. Look at the various providers to determine which best suits your needs, and try out their free services before you commit to one.
I will, however, discuss the pros and cons that I have found with the various online storage services, and provide my recommendations regarding them. I have used several of the biggest and most popular services (Dropbox, Google Drive, Cubby, Box, SkyDrive, and SpiderOak), and have found quirks in each of them that reduce their usefulness.
For ease of use, Dropbox and SkyDrive are the best. Google Drive is fairly easy to use as well (though not as easy as the other two), but its proprietary document formats make sharing documents with others problematic -- they may have trouble accessing the documents off-line if they don't have Chrome installed. The user interfaces on Cubby and SpiderOak can be cumbersome.
For up-to-date file synchronization, Dropbox, Google Drive, and Cubby are the best. Dropbox and Google Drive synchronize their files continuously, and I have seen files that I have modified updated within seconds. Cubby also seems to always be updated, though I have not actually seen it in action. Box and SkyDrive can at times be up to an hour behind, which is unacceptable when you're counting on having in-court access to the document you saved just as you were walking out the door.
For security and privacy, SpiderOak wins hands-down. While the other services run indexes on your files, and some actually will share access to a file that several users have in common -- even if those users are not sharing it with each other -- SpiderOak (at least claims that it) does not examine your files at all. If your clients expect top-level security and privacy, SpiderOak can't be beat.
For cost, all of the cloud storage services are comparable. For free storage, though, SkyDrive offers the most that I have found (7GB). Box and Google Drive are second (5GB each). While Dropbox starts out on the low end of free space (2GB), it does allow you to gain bonus space by referring friends, linking your account to Facebook, and other marketing behavior. You can get up to 18GB of free space this way, making Dropbox the top of the heap for (relatively) free storage.
Making use of cloud-based storage for your files is a good idea. It reduces paper-file storage space, provides a secure off-site backup for your important information, and allows you to access your files anywhere with an internet connection. Look at the various providers to determine which best suits your needs, and try out their free services before you commit to one.
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