Item: Dropbox
Rating: 10
Author: Missy Collier

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Our company uses Dropbox for file storage, file backup, project collaboration, archiving, and more. Using Dropbox has enabled us to cut costs because we no longer need other cloud backup software. Our team can effectively collaborate on projects because all of our files are stored in Dropbox, so each person can access projects in various stages of completion. All of our graphics and linked files are stored in Dropbox. We have rules set so that all downloads are automatically synced to Dropbox. Using Dropbox has been very helpful for people on our team who are technically challenged, as we admins can automate tasks to work seamlessly in the background (such as auto-saving files in Dropbox). Recovering deleted files is very helpful, as people are often deleting files by accident. Our company relies heavily on Dropbox for a variety of tasks and reasons.

Pros and Cons

syncing files across devices
automatically saving files to the Dropbox cloud
ability to recover deleted files
reduces the need for alternate backup solutions

Offline file storage: accessing files stored offline could be made easier
inability to preview files stored offline is frustrating.

Return on Investment

We no longer use any other cloud backup software, as Dropbox syncs all of our files to the cloud. I don't have to continually check that everyone's backups are working because Dropbox does it all. We are saving $1k/year
Files in Dropbox are safe from phishing or ransom clicks in emails, which has saved us a lot of money in time and security. Estimated ROI is at least $1k/ annually
Productivity is increased due to efficient collaboration between team members in my department. No more waiting for someone to upload their prelim designs - everything syncs in real time.

Alternatives Considered

Box.com functions as more of a file storage and retrieval than a collaborative environment.

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

Adobe InDesign, Adobe PhotoShop, Canva, Adobe Bridge, Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Excel

Likelihood to Recommend

I recommend Dropbox to everyone. The two main features that stand out to me as a team leader and admin are:
1. Seamless cloud-to-device-to-cloud syncing
2. Collaboration - Dropbox acts as a server for our department, enabling us to hand off projects between team members, and review projects in progress to offer feedback and criticism.
One team member clicked a ransom link and lost all files on their hard drive. We were able to restore everything because it was stored in Dropbox online.

Dropbox is a lifesaver, time saver, and money saver

Overall Satisfaction with Dropbox