Item: Google Cloud Storage
Rating: 9
Author: Michael Timms

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

I use Google Cloud Storage for several different tasks. For me, it is perfect when I have files that I need to save for an indefinite period of time because I have a habit of sticking them on my Google drive and forgetting about them, then when I need them 6 months later they are there. I also use it for file sharing when I need to quickly get a big file to someone else.

Pros and Cons

File storage that is accessible from any device anywhere at any time.
File sharing, again, from any device anywhere, any time.
Integrates flawlessly with Google docs, giving Microsoft 0365 a true contender for a suite of productivity tools.

There is not a lot to like, but I do like the interface of Google Drive. What I don't like is nothing I can't get past.
It doesn't happen every time, but I have seen sync times take forever which can be incredibly inconvenient.
I have issues sometimes when someone is trying to upload a file to my drive and they get a message that it is full. I can completely empty out the Drive and they will still get the message, so that needs to be addressed by Google.

Return on Investment

Positive: I have stuck very important files on my Google Drive and forgot about them, and then found them 6 months later which has brought me to depend on the product.
Positive: File sharing is so easy, Google Drive is one of my go-to's when I need to get something to several people at once.
Positive: Peace of mind that my files will be where I left them, no matter how long I go without checking my drive.

Alternatives Considered

Microsoft 365 Business, Dropbox and Amazon Cloud Drive

I have used Microsoft One Drive, Dropbox, Box, Amazon Cloud Drive, and Google Cloud Storage. All of this cloud storage software do pretty much does the same thing, but the difference for me is in ease of use— for me the easiest to use is Google Drive. I will say this, I use Microsoft One Drive more because MS office will always be head and shoulders above the competition in office suites. But, strictly for cloud storage software, Google is the clear winner in my opinion.

Other Software Used

Amazon Cloud Drive, Microsoft Dynamics 365 (formerly Microsoft Dynamics CRM), Palo Alto Networks Threat Protection

Performance

For performance i give Google Cloud Storage 10 of 10 on performance because even though there are other softwares that do exactly the same thing as Google Drive, it still works exceptionally well. It is very fast, and and far as integration, the only software I have used with it that integrated was Google Docs, and of course it integrates perfectly.

Usability

So as I have already stated, Google Cloud Storage is very fast, it integrates perfectly with Google Docs, it is perfect for file sharing between large groups of people, and it is very reliable as you can leave your files on it indefinitely and they will be there. The only issues that I have had are hit and miss issues when syncing, but that is nothing I can't live with.

Likelihood to Recommend

Google Cloud Storage is very well suited for someone that uses multiple wireless devices and would need to access or share files from any of those devices. A scenario where it would not be beneficial would be would be a department or group of users that are on Macs because everyone I know that uses Google Drive on Mac complains of syncing issues.

File Sharing and Storing on any device

Overall Satisfaction with Google Cloud Storage