Today, Google announced their response to cloud storage, Google Drive. The new service allows users to synchronize their files seamlessly in the cloud, making it easy to access files anywhere with an Internet connection. And although we enjoyed a simple and intuitive drag and drop interface to Google Drive feature has the Dropbox, the service is still not the full backup capability that its competitors include cloud storage features in their repertoire. So just Google Drive for you? We compare against some of the other top cloud storage services:
GOOGLE DRIVE: Best for Agility, Affordability
How it works: Google Drive installs a folder designated on your Mac or PC you can drag and drop files you want to access in the cloud and across any device you have installed the service. Once you have added the files in that folder, they are instantly available in your Google Drive Web account and your other computers. You can then download the files to other computers and see them as a Google Doc format for easy editing, and sharing collaboration with others. This is great when you need to work on particular folders of your office, at home, for example. The service is also available for your Android, and coming soon to iPhone and iPad. Paid plans start with Google Drive 25GB $ 2.49 / month and up to 16TB for $ 799.99 / month (not that you need a lot of space).
The disadvantage: The problem we have with Google Drive, however, is that if it stores the files you need at this moment in time what loss prevention? You may not need to access this file 2 years family vacation photos anytime soon, but if your computer crashes and you lose all your photos? Of course, you can individually copy each folder you may want to go back to a point in your Google Drive folder, but require you to pay for extra space, something you may not think to do when you first signing for Google Drive. On the other hand, alternative cloud storage services require you initially backup your computer all , so if your laptop is stolen or failure of your office, every single file on your computer is security in the cloud, ready to be restored each time you need not only the files that you have decided to synchronize one week.
SugarSync: Best for flexibility, reliability
If you like the idea of the ability to sync to Google Drive a folder on the Web, you'll fool the rich synchronization capabilities feature of SugarSync. With SugarSync, you can sync all folder to the web, without having to move the files to a folder designated as Google Drive requires. The SugarSync interface even allows you to select multiple folders and sync together, so that any changes in a folder on a computer, appears in another folder on another computer. Not only that, but you can back up your entire computer with SugarSync once, without ever having to worry about an accident or theft. Like Google Drive, SugarSync also offers 5 GB of free storage synchronization. Visit SugarSync review and these tutorials on how easy it is to synchronize.
JUSTCLOUD: Best for unlimited storage
If you like the idea of having a designated folder that contains all the stuff you want synchronize, but also want the ability to backup your computer and keep everything stored no matter how many files you add to your machine, JustCloud is a great fit for you. You can drag files into the sync folder and watch them instantly appear on your web account, ready to be viewed, downloaded and modified each time you need, like the Google Drive folder. On top of that, you are allowed unlimited backup storage to a computer. Read the full review and see how JustCloud its backup capabilities may be more for your money.
The Bottom Line: lower-tier plans of Google Drive is a good value if you are looking for synchronizing individual files and access files on the Web. However, if you want to make sure your entire computer and all your files are backed up and secure, see our cloud storage comparison chart and see how you can have full file synchronization, complete computer backup and restore while affordable service.