Project collaboration can be a tiresome task. Especially if everyone involved in a project works from a different location. How can you share ideas, files, and concepts clearly? The best way to work on a shared project is to use a cloud file sharing option like Dropbox. But, Dropbox isn't the only game in town.
There's another file sharing service called Zip Cloud that doesn't get enough attention. Zip Cloud is a lot like Dropbox, but the two have enough differences that result in two very unique services.
Zip Cloud Features
Zip Cloud
Zip Cloud has one feature that stands above what Dropbox offers. That feature is the file storage option. Not only can you drop files into the Zip Cloud synch folder, but you can also backup any files on your hard drive simultaneously. Did I mention that Zip Cloud lets you back up files that are not in you Synch folder? Well, it does, and that's a great feature to have on your side. Here's a closer look.
Feature Comparison
Dropbox: Dropbox comes with a simple Dropbox folder. To share files, simply drop files into the folder and they are shared with anyone you decide to work with.
Zip Cloud: Zip Cloud's ‘Synched' files act the same way that Dropbox's Shared Folders do. Just add files to the synched file folder, and share away.
Verdict: both Zip Cloud and Dropbox work well when it comes to sharing files. Is one better than the other? Zip Cloud does have that whole “back up a file that's not part of a shared file” feature, so it gains an extra point in this category.
Pricing
Pricing is, perhaps, one of the most important elements of any cloud sharing company. Both companies offer free versions, but this article will compared the paid versions.
Zip Cloud: $71 per year for 500GB.
Dropbox: $120 per year for $50GB.
If Zip Cloud is so much cheaper than Dropbox, why does Dropbox get all the glory? You might chalk it up to a better ad campaign, or you may decide that one is better than the other based on overall purpose.
The Main Differences
Zip Cloud … was designed for people that have a ton of files to backup, and need to backup files across a number of devices. While not a way to synch devices (you have to pay per device used), Zip Cloud provides an efficient way to back up a massive amount of files on numerous devices. Zip Cloud's Synch file is free to use and share, and you can pay for extra storage space.
Zip Cloud … uses a file manager to share synched files without actually moving those files from a docked place on your computer. This is not the same as Dropbox's drag and drop feature.
Dropbox … was created to help you share a number of files across a number of devices too. The difference? You have to pay a premium price to add more Dropbox storage. There's a difference as far as sharing files goes too.
With Dropbox, you drag and drop files into shared folders. This means that files are no longer on your computer, and this might be a problem if you need that extra copy.
The Verdict
Which file sharing service should you choose? Zip Cloud is definitely the smaller of the two companies. But, that doesn't meant that it's a lesser option. In fact, Zip Cloud has received stellar ratings across the board for pricing, usability, and overall design. If you haven't had a chance to check out Zip Cloud yet, it's worth taking a closer look at.
