Easy to use, cloud-based, file storage!
August 01, 2019
Easy to use, cloud-based, file storage!
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with Dropbox
My office uses Dropbox as it's primary "fieldwork' file storage software. We have servers to store our data also but Dropbox is great for any files that may need to be shared between users and especially for files that need to be opened or used in an area other than a stationary computer. For example, our appraisers use tablets when they are in the field. We are able to save their property cards within Dropbox so that they have access to them no matter where they are and also on any device. They have the ability to open a file within or from Dropbox and make changes that can later be keyed into our main system. We can save a file to Dropbox from a computer and open it later from a phone or other device. We also use Dropbox for pictures. Our appraisers take pictures of homes or land when in the field and save them to Dropbox so that once they get back to the office the pictures can be uploaded into one of our other software programs that houses all of our data. Our whole office has access to Dropbox and any files that are stored there.
- Dropbox has the ability to automatically sync from other sources. When our Appraisers use their tablets to take pictures, it is set up so that the pictures automatically upload to a folder in Dropbox so that the staff back at the office will then have access to the pictures as well.
- Dropbox is very easy to use. There is a list of folders on the left-hand side. You simply click and go to each folder to pull up files. You can rename the folders, sort by date, etc.
- Dropbox has several different options for storage size options. An individual can choose a smaller package or a large corporation could choose bigger packages. There is also a free version that is great for saving pictures from an individual phone or another device.
- Dropbox has a search feature that saves a lot of time. If you aren't sure where the file you need is, use the search function to quickly find it.
- Dropbox is cloud based so there are no bulky servers taking up space!
- When running through the automatic sync process, the app will sometimes lag or freeze up if there is a significant amount of files being synced.
- Dropbox could be a little more customizable. There is no option for scheduled syncing which would be nice.
- Although we have not personally had issues, our office is aware of some security issues with Dropbox. There is no secure encryption when data is at rest, and there is also an open-door policy to the NSA. We stick to only using Dropbox for non-secure files so that this will not be an issue for us.
- Dropbox has made it easier for our appraisers because they no longer have to take 100's of hard-copy property cards with them in the field.
- Dropbox makes it easy for our Appraisers to share picture from the filed with staff in the office.
Google Drive has a few more features than Dropbox but Dropbox is so much easier to use. Dropbox also syncs and uploads at a faster speed than Google Drive. We needed an easy to use storage solution that is capable of quickly uploading or syncing files and has the ability to share files among multiple devices. Dropbox meets that criteria and our office as a whole is thoroughly satisfied with the service provided by Dropbox.
Dropbox Feature Ratings
Using Dropbox
10 - Everyone in our office has access to Dropbox but our Appraisers and Data Entry Clerks are who primarily use it. The Appraisers use it to have access to property cards while in the field. They also are able to make changes to the property cards and save back to Dropbox. The Data Entry Clerks take the updated property cards from drop and key the information into our main database.
1 - Our supervisor has had advanced training in the support side of Dropbox. She can usually answer any questions we have and fix simple issues within the software.
- Cloud-based file storage.
- Access to files in the field from multiple devices.
- Storage and editing options of photos.
Evaluating Dropbox and Competitors
Yes - Google Drive was replaced by Dropbox. We still use Google Drive for other things within our office but Dropbox seemed like, and has been, the best option for our Appraisers in the field.
- Price
- Product Features
- Product Usability
- Product Reputation
- Prior Experience with the Product
Dropbox seemed like the easiest option for field work.
If I could, I would NOT change the way that we evaluated different products to make our decision on a software. We love Dropbox for our Appraisers!
Dropbox Training
- Self-taught
This product is so easy to use that it does not require actual training. Simply playing around with the software for a few minutes is sufficient enough to be able to properly use it.
Using Dropbox
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Like to use Relatively simple Easy to use Technical support not required Well integrated Consistent Quick to learn Convenient Feel confident using Familiar | None |
- Accessing files is as simple as a few clicks of the mouse or taps on the screen!
- Locating files is as easy as typing in a word or words into the search field.
- Our office has not found anything about that Dropbox that is complicated. Even our "not so tech savvy" employees have adjusted well to the use of Dropbox.
Yes - Dropbox's mobile interface is amazingly simple to use!