storagesites

**WHY GOOGLE DOCS, DROPBOX, BOX.NET AND OTHER FILE STORAGE SITES SHOULD REMAIN OPEN**

 * First question should be WHY should access to these sites be blocked in an adult educational institution.**

1. ** Functionality **


 * The things that alternative tools can do that Skydrive can’t.**

For example:


 * Live on the web editing – Google Docs
 * Synching files across multiple PCs – Drop Box
 * Mobile App access – Dropbox, Box.net and Google Docs (SkyDrive has one for iPhone)
 * Document templates (eg surveys) - Google Docs
 * Upload linked pages (to run as offline web site) - Dropbox, Box.net
 * Allow students to access their files after TAFE enrollment has ceased – Dropbox, Box.net and Google Docs
 * Normal directory/file functionality - Dropbox, Box.net
 * Automatic version control - retrievable prior versions (Google Docs, Box.net)
 * Embed folder(s) in other sites with Box.net (eg Blog, Wiki, Moodle, Protopage, etc)


 * 2. Bandwidth **

What are the issues here?

In regards to Dropbox, there would be no change in bandwidth as files would typically go through Dropbox OR Skydrive. Use of Google Docs would increase bandwidth use.


 * 3. Penalising forward thinking staff who have used these kinds of tools for up to 5 years **

The search for development tools (software) that can make the job of a TAFE lecturer easier and/or better should be encouraged, not blocked. Ultimately it is the students (our clients) that will see the benefits.


 * Other Issues **


 * As an educational institution we should be educating students in the [responsible] use of a varity of tools available on line.
 * Students who may be financially disadvantaged should have access to free tools that can be accessed anywhere/anytime.
 * Proven open-source/freeware software should be encouraged. It encourages innovation and provides tools for financially strapped individuals. It also avoids a situation where the collapse of a business/corporation can make a corporate application effectively 'dead', where the open-source community can carry through a good product effectively forever. E.g. compare Janison to Moodle

FEATURES OF THE SITES IN QUESTION

 * DROPBOX**

Synchronising Files

Dropbox allows you to sync your files online and across your computers automatically. > changes are detected.
 * 2GB of online storage for free, with up to 100GB available to paying customers.
 * Sync files of any size or type.
 * Sync Windows, Mac, and Linux computers.
 * Automatically syncs when new files or

File Sharing


 * Shared folders allow several people to collaborate on the same files.
 * See other people's changes instantly.
 * Use your "Public" folder to link directly to files.
 * Control who has access to your shared folders. Kick people out and remove the shared files from their computers in the process.
 * Automatically create shareable online photo galleries out of regular folders

Mobile Access
 * you access them from any computer or mobile device.
 * A free application for [|iPhone], [|iPad], [|BlackBerry], and [|Android] that lets you access and manage your Dropbox on the go.


 * BOX.NET**

//Main competitor for Dropbox above. Another advantage of truly opensource competitors is that they keep each other from becoming complacent in functionality and/or service! Box.net also has an excellent reputation world wide.//

> For details re these features, CLICK HERE
 * Manage, share, synchronise content easily || Project collaboration and workflow ||
 * * Familiar file and folder structure
 * Share with links or embed folder in another site
 * In-folder collaboration
 * User permission levels
 * Sync with your desktop, iphone, Android
 * Integrated file view
 * Global Folders
 * File widgets
 * Full-text search || * Online workspace
 * Journal, project blog
 * Discussions and commenting
 * Version History
 * Web Documents
 * Update feeds, user profiles and email notifications
 * Access Box.net through popular third-party sites
 * Mobile device applications available ||


 * GOOGLE DOCS**


 * Allows storage of all common file types
 * Allows real time editing on the web (no need to download and re-upload)
 * Has built in templates for budgets, resumes, invoicing, surveys, project management, brochures, websites, etc
 * App available for viewing on mobile devices