Google is getting ready to launch its own cloud storage service, Google Drive, which aims to compete with Dropbox. Once launched, this service will also be the new name for Google Docs, allowing users to use its web-based productivity tools, such as its Word Processor, Spreadsheet and Presentation apps to edit files synced online.
Google Drive will offer the first 5GB of storage for free. Those interested in getting additional storage can purchase one of 9 storage plans. A few examples include 25GB for $2.50/month, 100GB for $5/month, 1TB for $50/month and a whopping 16TB for $800/month. For comparison, Dropbox charges $20 a month for 100GB of storage. It's worth noting that many ISPs have a traffic cap of up to 250GB per month, making it difficult to make use of a large storage subscription.
Besides the additional storage space over Dropbox, Google also aims to compete with better search capabilities, such as the ability to search within documents (not just file names) and even search within scanned documents using OCR. Upon launch, the service will be available on Windows-based computers, OS X, Chrome OS and Android Tablets and Smartphones. An app for the iPhone and iPad will be available in a few weeks.
Microsoft already has its own competing service called SkyDrive, which has a few nice features missing by Dropbox, such as the ability to sync selected folders with the cloud and even directly between two PCs without storing the files on the cloud. It also offers a spacious 7GB for free, however, its Windows sync application is not compatible with Windows XP.
