QUOTE
Google Drive could be a boon -- and a headache -- for IT
Service works seamlessly with other Google services, but presents a significant security challenge, analysts say
By Sharon Gaudin
April 25, 2012 02:56 PM ET
Computerworld - With the launch of Google Drive this week, IT managers can look forward to a potential new productivity tool -- and some significant headaches, analysts say.
Google Tuesday took the wraps off Google Drive, a cloud storage service that will provide users with 5GB of free storage space, or more at monthly fees of up to $50 for 1TB.
IT managers are already facing user questions on how Google Drive can work with the company's other cloud services, particularly the hosted Google Docs office applications, and whether it can be safely fit into the enterprise.
Patrick Moorhead, an analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy, said the new storage service could provide some quick advantages to corporate users.
"Enterprise [Google Drive] users can more easily keep files in sync between their personal computers, tablets, and phones via the cloud," he added. "This means computing anytime and anywhere. The missing piece previously was keeping the personal computer synced, since the Android phone and tablet always had access to synced Google Docs."
In addition, he noted, "Google Docs doesn't disappear. It just has a new primary front door called Google Drive. The big technical change is that it adds cloud file sync for the personal computer. Customers can still directly access Google Docs."
Details: http://www.computerw...headache_for_IT
Service works seamlessly with other Google services, but presents a significant security challenge, analysts say
By Sharon Gaudin
April 25, 2012 02:56 PM ET
Computerworld - With the launch of Google Drive this week, IT managers can look forward to a potential new productivity tool -- and some significant headaches, analysts say.
Google Tuesday took the wraps off Google Drive, a cloud storage service that will provide users with 5GB of free storage space, or more at monthly fees of up to $50 for 1TB.
IT managers are already facing user questions on how Google Drive can work with the company's other cloud services, particularly the hosted Google Docs office applications, and whether it can be safely fit into the enterprise.
Patrick Moorhead, an analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy, said the new storage service could provide some quick advantages to corporate users.
"Enterprise [Google Drive] users can more easily keep files in sync between their personal computers, tablets, and phones via the cloud," he added. "This means computing anytime and anywhere. The missing piece previously was keeping the personal computer synced, since the Android phone and tablet always had access to synced Google Docs."
In addition, he noted, "Google Docs doesn't disappear. It just has a new primary front door called Google Drive. The big technical change is that it adds cloud file sync for the personal computer. Customers can still directly access Google Docs."
Details: http://www.computerw...headache_for_IT
