Item: Dropbox
Rating: 10
Author: Michelle Messenger Garrett

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

I'm a solo practitioner. I use it daily for all my client documents and projects. I like it because I know that there will always be a backup if there's an issue. I don't have to worry about losing files or work. Clients also use it, so it makes it easy for us to share files.

Pros and Cons

It's very easy to use Dropbox. You set it up and then save your documents there. You just select that when you go to save the documents. Simple.
Dropbox will always be there so your files won't be lost. If you save your documents in Word, for example, and you don't use Dropbox and your computer crashes, your files could be lost. That's a real problem if you work with clients - or even for your own business.
Dropbox is free. You can get more space by recommending it to friends. You can also pay for more space, if needed.

If you get close to running out of room, you have to figure out how to get more space - or you have to delete some files. It isn't unlimited if you use the free version.
It's sometimes difficult to locate/connect to others' Dropbox files. I've struggled with that a time or two.
I've heard of people who complain about it being difficult to use but I don't find that to be true. Someone recommended it to me years ago and I've stuck with it.

Return on Investment

It's free - so I'd say it's been overwhelmingly positive.
It solved a problem for me of being afraid of losing files.
I plan to continue to use it and hope that it continues to be an integral part of my consulting business.

Alternatives Considered

Google Drive

I've been using Dropbox a long time now. I do use Google Drive more than I used to, but it isn't my go-to. I'm just accustomed to use DropBox. I rely on it. If a client using Google Drive or requests that I use it, I will. But my default is Dropbox.

Key Insights

Do you think Dropbox delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Dropbox's feature set?

Yes

Did Dropbox live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Dropbox go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Dropbox again?

Yes

Other Software Used

Google Drive, Meltwater Media Intelligence Platform, Mailchimp

Likelihood to Recommend

For me as a small business owner/solo practitioner, I think Dropbox is an ideal solution. Google Drive is also a good option, but I haven't used it as much. When you're a small business owner, you need to find cost-effective solutions you can rely on. Dropbox is free. It's one of those things I count on to the point where I don't really even think about it. I never worry or have issues. The only issue would be if you run out of space.

Dropbox is a trusted part of my day-to-day business routine

Overall Satisfaction with Dropbox