Cloud Storage Wars: Google Drive vs. Microsoft SkyDrive
The emergence of cloud storage options is not new; however, the popularity has exploded in recent months. In a recent TechTalks@2 we compared Google Drive and Microsoft SkyDrive. If you are interested in learning more about some other options like DropBox and SugarSync, you can visit the TechTalks Archives from the Technology website.
So, let’s take a look at these two options.
Compatibility
Both Google Drive and Microsoft SkyDrive have software for download, which installs a drag and drop folder on your computer. They are available for both Windows and Mac computers. The new drag and drop solutions means you can treat the folder on your computer just like any other local folder. When you add or remove a file it syncs with the server and updates any computers you have connected.
Storage
Storage capability is the first and most basic functionality of a cloud storage system.
- Google Drive offers 5GB free with upgrades to 25GB for $2.49/month, 100GB for $4.99/month and a whopping 1TB for $49.99/month.
- Skydrive offers 7GB free, 20GB for $10/year, 50GB for $25/year, and 100GB for $50/year.
Max file upload size:
- Google 10GB
- SkyDrive 2GB
Between Google Drive and SkyDrive, it really depends on how much you want to spend. If you can swing the yearly pricing, then Skydrive works out to be a bit cheaper, but you may find the monthly pricing of Google Drive to be more flexible.
Mobile Apps
Access to files from your mobile devices has become extremely important for some. The mobile apps for these solutions make a big difference in day-to-day functionality.
- Currently, Skydrive has apps on both Android and iOS.
- Google Drive only has an Android app, though Google promises an iOS app is under development.
Collaboration
Google has long supported shared documents and collaboration in Google Docs, and Google Drive continues to offer these features. Once activated Google Documents will be stored in the Google Drive account. Changes made to Google Docs files will be reflected in real time so users can truly collaborate online, and comments and notations can be made and viewed by anyone with access to the file. Skydrive provides similar functionality, but only for Microsoft Office documents.
Integration
This is where it becomes necessary to make a decision.
If you are already a heavy Google user and use Gmail, Google+, and Google Docs, then Google Drive offers seamless integration between these services. For instance, it is possible to post photos uploaded to a Drive account to Google+, and to save images from there as well. Another function that is useful is the ability to use Google to search within folders for specific files and even images.
Skydrive links with Windows Live accounts and Microsoft Office documents, though the diversity of integration doesn’t really compare with Google. That being said, Microsoft products are so popular that the diversity of Google’s offering might take a backseat in importance to the depth and focus of Skydrive. Again, depending on your preferences the advantage could go either way, though Google certainly has more features.
The choice is yours
Ultimately, price and storage size are relatively similar for both Skydrive and Google Drive, so it mostly depends your work-flow and preferences. Both Skydrive and Google represent fantastic options, and the close competition will encourage continued innovation from both services.
About the author
Scott Hildebrand serves as an Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning Technologies. In his role, he specializes in training and development. Scott helps facilitate workshops, events, and other opportunities that help faculty integrate the use of available and appropriate technologies that will enhance learning. His area of responsibility includes Elon’s course management system and summer online program, the elite Program (student technology assistants), and collaborating and partnering with other university departments to promote effective uses of educational technologies.
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Scott Hildebrand
Scott Hildebrand serves as an Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning Technologies. Scott helps design and deliver workshops, events, and other developmental opportunities to promote the use of technology in teaching and learning as well as the effective use of office productivity tools.
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[…] manage their educational goals, contacts and e-learning experience. Moreover, Cloud applications Google Drive and Microsoft Skydrive are used independently or outside formal curriculum for tasks including the pooling of notes or […]