In the discussion about backup, I touched on using some online services for backup, but I missed the other thing that has proven very useful – online storage. Even though I have VPN and backup mechanisms a plenty, I have felt the need to acquire some online storage. Now although the various freebies out there will provide you with basic storage it will not be much better than a flash memory stick in many respects except for the offsite storage provision.
What I have started to use is Box.net – an online service that offers basic services of 1GB storage with 10MB maximum single file storage. I have taken the workgroup/business option that increases this storage to 25GB with 1GB maximum single file storage. This is great for storing files and moving stuff between different locations for me personally, but it really comes into its own when you use the sharing and workgroup functionality. Many a time you will have a need to share multiple files with multiple persons and a service such as box.net offers that very thing. It gives you SSL secured services, open sharing, password protected sharing and username/password sharing of files including the capability for all to upload. The best use I have of it is the sharing of important documentation to a disparate and geographically dispersed team, as well as the moving of large files between locations – the latest being a 900MB stream capture. There are of course other online services for file storage, some of which also offer integration with online project management functionality. At this time, this was not a requirement but feel free to investigate just exactly what you need.
