Item: Apple iCloud
Rating: 7
Author: Sandy Hinding

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We use Apple iCloud for staff devices to store and create cloud backups of Apple Applications.
We also are a 1 to 1 Pad district for many of our students, and we use Apple iCloud in our Middle Schools.
Students can easily access documents from their iPad, and the documents follow them if they have to use a different device.

Pros and Cons

Automatically store content from many common apps.
Easily set up managed accounts for students to use.
Apple provides well-written help documentation for all aspects of Apple iCloud.

I am not a fan of the Apple iCloud: Desktop & Documents in the cloud feature.
Content from some Apple Applications is challenging to move from one computer to another without the use of Apple iCloud.

Return on Investment

Currently, in the middle of the replacement of staff devices and Apple iCloud has been beneficial, making the migration process easier and more reliable.

We have found that Google Backup & Sync and Apple iCloud between them have all the bases covered. While Google is excellent for many things, as an Apple-centric environment, we utilize both systems. Between them, we have been able to reduce our expensive on-prem file storage system greatly.

Support Rating

For anyone who uses Apple products, Apple iCloud seamlessly integrates with the iOS/OSX and allows for timely, reliable backup as well as continuity of access to documents. When used alongside Apple's proprietary apps, in particular, the user will have a positive experience

Key Insights

Do you think Apple iCloud delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Apple iCloud's feature set?

Yes

Did Apple iCloud live up to sales and marketing promises?

I wasn't involved with the selection/purchase process

Did implementation of Apple iCloud go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Apple iCloud again?

Yes

Likelihood to Recommend

For anyone who uses Apple devices, and in particular both OS X and IOS, Apple iCloud is a must. Backups are seamless, just set and forget. Access to documents from any of your devices dramatically enhances productivity. It is easy to add storage at a meager price, and also easy to downgrade your storage needs at any time if needed.

Apple iCloud in Education is a very useful tool

Overall Satisfaction with Apple iCloud