Google launched Google Drive

After (just) six years after the first rumors appeared Google has launched the legendary file storage service Google Drive. And the first question is: why they created Google Drive as a separate service, when Google Docs is de-facto Google's online storage that can store any files? There is a couple of reasons. First, such file storage and sharing services (Dropbox and clones) is a very hot topic either in consumer or enterprise space. And the attention that Google can attract with the new app in this space is not a bad thing for the search giant. Second, Google Drive will serve as a file system not only for Google Docs, but also for other Google's services that operate files (GMail, Google +, Google Sites, Picasa ...).



Like Dropbox or SkyDrive, Google Drive creates a folder on your computer and syncs files between this folder, online account and other devices where the client app is installed. Currently Google Drive provides client apps for Windows, Mac, Android. In a couple of weeks apps for iPhone and iPad will appear. You can manually set the files and folders that should be synced.

There are some drawbacks in the service. For example, documents from Google Docs are not copied to the computer and can not be edited and viewed locally. The local folder displays only links to these documents on Google Docs and you can open them only in browser. But the good news is that in browser you can open about 30 types of documents, including even Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop files. And most important, the service can operate as a private (or enterprise) Youtube - you can upload and view any video files.

Google Drive allows you to share files and folders with your colleagues and partners. You can give them access to view, comment or edit docs and files. Other benefits of Google Drive are - the version control system, which stores all file version for 30 days, OCR, powerful search.



In addition, developers can build apps on top of Google Drive. Currently, several applications are already available, such as AutoCad WS (for opening AutoCAD files), Aviary (for image editing), Balsamiq Mockups (for drawing interfaces), DocuSign (for digital signature), etc. Currently, several applications are available, such as AutoCad WS to work with AutoCAD files, Aviary image editing, Balsamiq Mockups - drawing interface, DocuSign for EDS, etc.

Google Drive offers free 5 GB space to each user (compare with DropBox 2 GB, SkyDrive 7 GB). If necessary, you can buy more disk space: from $ 2.49/mes for 25 GB. Google Drive will be immediately available to Google Apps users.

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