Item: Apple iCloud
Rating: 7
Author: Gary Gray

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

iCloud is used for calendar, contacts and other data synching. It's also the backbone of Apple's communication services with iMessage and device verification. Various Mac and iOS applications rely on iCloud for data syncing and backup. iCloud is used by my team and all of my clients for these services. Basically, if you have a Mac or iOS device, you're using iCloud.

Pros and Cons

Behind the scenes data sync between devices.
Messaging.

Whatever's going on with music sync is a mess. I've seen libraries deleted for no reason.
Prices for additional storage aren't in line with current trends.

Return on Investment

It's simplified my day-to-day workflow allowing me to focus on other things than data sync.
It's really helped save me when a Mac or iPhone has crashed or was stolen.

Alternatives Considered

Dropbox and OneDrive

While the others are superior for file sharing with other people or teams, they aren't part of the Apple ecosystem and as such don't provide the core functionally that iCloud provides of in-app integration.

Support Rating

I haven't needed much support over the years, but when I have, it's always been solid.

Key Insights

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

Not sure

Are you happy with Apple iCloud's feature set?

Yes

Did Apple iCloud live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Apple iCloud go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Apple iCloud again?

Yes

Other Software Used

1Password, Jamf Now, QuickBooks Desktop for Mac

Likelihood to Recommend

I enjoy using iCloud to sync various types of data between apps. I can have my Transmission (FTP app) store all the logins with iCloud and they update automatically when I go to another device of mine. Same with 1Password and a host of other apps. iCloud is less robust for file sharing than Google Drive or Dropbox because while it has cloud sync, its sharing features aren't particularly well developed.

iCloud - You can't live without it

Overall Satisfaction with Apple iCloud