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The latest tool for data movement is online storage, typified by Dropbox and Microsoft's SkyDrive and, according to rumour, the imminent Google Drive. The concept is simple: by making storage in the cloud look as much like local storage as possible, it works seamlessly with all the applications and techniques that users know already. That's reflected in the way online storage is marketed, primarily as a tool for secure backup and sharing data between a user's different devices — two areas where the technology certainly works well. It doesn't take long for users to find other ways to use these systems: once the data is in the cloud, and providing it's made shareable, it can be sent to other users just by passing on a URL or other reference. It may take a little while to upload data to online storage, especially for those on asymmetric domestic broadband; but once it's there, it's available at full network bandwidth to as many people as want it. Not only is this possible, but its popularity means that companies are making it as easy as possible.That's only one step away from services like Megaupload, which is currently closed following a US police action against alleged illicit content sharing. While Dropbox and others are committed to following the law and supporting action against copyright infringers, their business models depend on people getting quick access to shared resources, making it hard to trace those intent on covering their tracks. And a small amount of encryption will defeat any automated checks for infringing files, at least in the short term.
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Topic: Google Drive: Latest player in the great internet paradox (Read 574 times)
