Introduction to Cloud

Sharing And File

Sharing
Presenters
Abdullah Imran
M . Dayyan
Introduction To Cloud Storage
 Cloud storage and file sharing services are essential for modern
workflows, enabling access to files from anywhere, on any device.
 These services also provide secure data storage, easy sharing, and
collaboration. Below is a detailed breakdown of popular cloud storage
platforms, including their features, categories, and types.
 Cloud Storage Services maybe accessed through a co-located
computing service, such as a cloud desktop storage or a cloud
storage gateway.
Working of Cloud Storage
 Cloud storage includes at least one data server to which a user can
connect via the internet. The user sends files to the data server,
which forwards the message to multiple servers, manually or in an
automated manner, over the internet. The stored data can then be
accessed via a web-based interface. To ensure the constant
availability of data, cloud storage systems involve large numbers of
data servers. Therefore, if a server requires maintenance or fails, the
user can be assured that the data has been moved elsewhere to
ensure availability.
Benefits of Cloud Storage
• Accessibility: Access your files from any device with internet, anywhere,
anytime.
• Cost-Effective: No need for expensive hardware, and you pay only
for the storage you use.
• Scalability: Easily expand your storage space as your
needs grow without physical limitations.
• Data Security: Cloud providers often offer strong encryption and backup systems
to protect your data.
• Automatic Backup: Files are automatically backed up, reducing the risk of
data loss.
• Reduced Maintenance: No need to manage physical storage hardware
or software updates.

Accessibility Cost-Effective Scalability Data Security Automatic

Backup
 Types Of Cloud Storage
Cloud storage comes in various types, each catering to different needs based
on accessibility, control, and scalability. Here are three main types of cloud
storage:
 Public Cloud Storage: The PowerPoint has an intuitive interface
that is similar to other Microsoft program.
Examples : Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, Amazon S3.
 Private Cloud Storage : A private cloud storage is a cloud service that is
not shared with any other organization. The private cloud user has the cloud
to themselves. Only admin can make changes in the private cloud and the
user can only upload and download the files available on the cloud.
Examples : OpenStack, VMware vSphere, Microsoft Azure Stack.
 Hybrid Cloud Storage : Hybrid cloud storage combines public
cloud (like Google Drive) and private cloud (secure, private storage).
It lets businesses keep some data on the public cloud for cost and
flexibility, while storing sensitive data on a private cloud for more
control and security. You can move data between both as needed.
Examples : AWS, Google Cloud, Dell EMC Cloud Storage.
Cloud Storage Platforms
Cloud storage platforms are online services that allow you to store,
manage, and access data over the internet. Instead of saving files on a
physical hard drive or server, you upload them to the cloud, where they
are securely stored and can be accessed from any device with an
internet connection.
Examples : This includes Google Drive, One Drive, Dropbox , etc.
  Google Drive: Google Drive is one of the most popular cloud storage
platforms. It is integrated with Google Workspace tools like Docs,
Sheets, Slides, and more. It’s suitable for both personal use and team
collaboration. It allows you to access, share, and edit your files from
any device with internet access. You get free storage up to a certain
limit, and you can pay for more space if needed.

Google Drive

Key Features And Categories

 Storage Types:
I. Free Storage: It offers 15 GB of free storage for google account
users.
II. Paid Storage: Users can purchase upto 2 TB of storage for their
 File Types: Users can upload and store the following files into their
Google Drive.
I. Documents (e.g., Word, PDFs)
II. Images, Videos, Audio files
III. Spreadsheets (Excel, CSV)
IV. Presentations (Google Slides)

 File Sharing & Collaboration:

I. Sharing : Users can share files or folders via email, links, or with
specific people by adding their Google account.
II. Permissions : Users can assign permission levels (Viewer,
Commenter, Editor) to control the access rights of shared files.
III. Real-time Collaboration : Multiple users can edit documents,
spreadsheets, and presentations simultaneously.
 Cloud-Based Collaboration Tools :
I. Google Docs : Users can edit and create and edit documents.
II. Google Sheets : It consists of collaborative spreadsheet tool with
powerful functions and data analysis features.
III. Google Slides : Users can create and edit presentations
collaboratively, with easy sharing.
 Synchronization :
I. Device Synchronization : It Automatically syncs files across any
device connected to your Google account (PC, smartphone, tablet).
Google Backup & Sync: Google Drive automatically Backup files and
II.
photos from your computer or mobile device to Google Drive and all
the files are shown on the device on which you google account is
connected.
 Security :

I. Data Encryption : Uses SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS

(Transport Layer Security) encryption during data transfer.
II. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) : Google Drive 2FA enhances security
by requiring a second verification step, such as a code sent to your
phone, in addition to your password.
  One Drive : OneDrive is Microsoft's cloud storage platform,
deeply integrated with Microsoft Office applications that
allows users to store, access, and share files online, with
synchronization across devices. It’s often used by
organizations and individuals who are already using
Microsoft’s suite of products.

Microsoft One
Drive
Key Features And Categories
 Storage Types:
I. Free Storage: It offers 5 GB of free storage to individual users.
II. Paid Storage: Paid plans range from 100 GB to 1 TB per user, and
Office 365 subscribers receive 1 TB of storage per person.
 File Types: Users can upload and store the following files into their
Google Drive.
I. Documents (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
II. Images, Videos, Audio files
III. PDFs and Other Various Files

 File Sharing & Collaboration:

I. Sharing : Files and folders can be shared via links or directly with
others using their email address.
II. Permissions : Users can assign various levels of access which
includes (view, edit, or comment).
III. Real-time Collaboration : Similar to Google Drive, OneDrive allows
real-time collaboration on Office documents.

 Cloud-Based Collaboration Tools :

I. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint : It includes seamless cloud
integration for collaborative document, spreadsheet, and
presentation editing.
II. Microsoft Teams Integration : It allows Easy access to files and
sharing via Teams collaboration tool.
 Synchronization :
I. Cross-Device Syncing : One drive automatically sync files across
devices (PCs, tablets, and smartphones).
II. Offline Access : It also allows users to mark files for offline access,
allowing use without internet connectivity.

 Security :
I. Data Encryption : OneDrive encrypts data both at rest and in transit
using AES 256-bit encryption.
II. Personal Vault : It provides extra security for sensitive files through
two-factor authentication (2FA).

 Version History : Version history in OneDrive allows users to view,

restore, or download previous versions of a file. It automatically saves
versions as changes are made, enabling recovery of earlier file states.
 Dropbox : Dropbox is a file hosting service that focuses on simplicity
and ease of use. It is a cloud storage service that lets users store,
sync, and share files across devices. It offers file collaboration
features, version history, and integration with various third-party
apps.

Dropb
ox
Key Features And Categories
 Storage Types:
I. Free Storage: It offers 2 GB of free storage to individual users.
II. Paid Storage: Paid plans range from 2 TB to 5 TB for individuals and
organizations.
 File Types: Users can upload and store the following files into their
Google Drive.
I. Documents (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
II. Media Files (Images, Videos, Audio files)
III. PDFs and Other Various Files

 File Sharing & Collaboration:

I. Sharing : Files or folders can be shared by generating links or
sending invitations to specific users.
II. Permissions : Users can set permissions to control who can view,
comment, or edit shared content
Collaborative Features : Dropbox is a collaborative tool that allows
III.
teams to co-edit documents, track project tasks, and communicate in
real-time.
 Cloud-Based Collaboration Tools :

I. Dropbox Paper : A powerful tool for collaborative project planning,

note-taking, and document editing.
II. File Requests : Dropbox allows users to request files from others
without needing to share a folder.
 Synchronization :
I. Cross-Platform Syncing : Dropbox synchronizes across multiple
platforms, including Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
II. Selective Sync : It allows users to select which folders or files to sync,
saving bandwidth and storage on devices.

 Security :
I. Encryption : Dropbox uses 256-bit AES encryption for files stored on
their servers and SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption for data
transfer.
II. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Provides additional security by
requiring a second verification step during login.

 File Recovery : Dropbox offers users a recovery option for deleted or

older versions of files within 30 days (or longer, depending on the
plan).
Comparison Of Cloud Storage
Platforms
Features/ Google Drive One Drive Dropbox
Service
Free Storage 15 GB 5 GB 2 GB
Paid Storage Up to 2 TB 100 GB to 1 TB Up to 5 TB
Links, email, Links, email, Links, email,
File Sharing specific user specific user shared folder
access access access
Real-Time Google Docs, Microsoft Office Dropbox Paper,
Collaboration Sheets, Slides apps Office
integration
Offline Access Yes (via Google Yes (OneDrive Yes (via
Docs offline sync and Dropbox sync)
mode) offline)
Platform Cross-platform Cross-platform Cross-platform
Support (Windows, Mac, (Windows, Mac, (Windows, Mac,
Android) Android) Linux)
Security SSL, 2FA AES 256-bit AES 256-bit
encryption, 2FA encryption, 2FA
Summarizing Cloud Storage
Services
 Google Drive : Google Drive is a cloud-based storage service that allows
users to store files, such as documents, photos, and videos, and access
them from any device with an internet connection. It offers features like
file sharing, real-time collaboration, and automatic syncing across
devices. Google Drive integrates with other Google Workspace tools like
Docs, Sheets, and Slides, making it a versatile platform for personal and
professional use. Users get 15 GB of free storage, with additional space
available through paid plans.

Google Drive
 One Drive : OneDrive is a cloud storage service by Microsoft that
allows users to store files online and access them from any device
with internet connectivity. It integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365
apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, enabling real-time
collaboration and file sharing. OneDrive offers 5 GB of free storage,
with additional space available through paid plans. It also provides
automatic syncing of files across devices and security features like
encryption.

One Drive
 Dropbox : Dropbox is a cloud storage service that allows users to
store, sync, and share files across devices. It offers features like file
versioning, collaboration tools, and secure file sharing. Dropbox
integrates with various third-party apps and provides both individual
and team plans. Users get 2 GB of free storage, with additional space
available through paid subscriptions. It is known for its simplicity and
reliability in file management and sharing.

Dropbox
Conclusion

In conclusion, Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox each offer

unique strengths for cloud storage and file sharing. Google Drive
excels in seamless integration with Google Workspace tools,
making it ideal for collaborative work. OneDrive is best for those
embedded in the Microsoft ecosystem, offering robust integration
with Office apps and Teams. Dropbox, known for its simplicity and
powerful collaboration features like Dropbox Paper, is well-suited
for both individuals and teams. All three platforms provide secure
storage, file synchronization, and real-time collaboration, making
them indispensable tools for modern workflows.