Item: Apple iCloud
Rating: 8
Author: Justin Moore

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Apple iCloud allows our staff can access a document and edit live so that it doesn't have to be passed around via email, and we don't need to worry about saving the most up to date version or someone being unable to open it. In contrast, someone else has the document "locked for editing."

Pros and Cons

Document sharing
Portability
Photo sharing

Better access for non-mac users
Outlook calendar syncing
Better way of handling a large number of imported contacts

Return on Investment

We have had less dropped deposits since using this service, attributed to our staff collaborating better.
Less turnover in staff as technology concerns have eased (they have not disappeared entirely).
It is easier to fill in for another staff member, as everyone can see notes & documents.

Alternatives Considered

OneDrive and Google Drive

The basic premise among these is the same. Where Apple iCloud stands apart for our team is that there is not a separate app to be downloaded to access these features on most phones or tablets (most of our staff has iPhones, and we provide iPads). This allows everyone to obtain necessary documents even while traveling for work.

Support Rating

As our staff is 100% millennial, the need for tech support is low. The great thing about this product is that millennials are digital natives and have always had access to this service and information. So they become their own support. A corollary to this is that they also EXPECT this type of product and service to be available to them in any job.

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

Other Software Used

OneDrive, Google Drive, GoldMine

Likelihood to Recommend

If your staff or organization uses Apple products heavily, especially iPhones, iPads, and Macbooks (or any combination of these), then Apple iCloud is very handy. If your company relies on PCs, then a service like Google or OneDrive will likely serve you better as Apple iCloud doesn't seem to perform as well for our departments that are not Mac-heavy.

Apple iCloud works well for a team of Mac users

Overall Satisfaction with Apple iCloud