If you’re already a fan of Google Docs, you may have been wondering when you’d be able to sync more than just documents with the cloud-based productivity suite. That Internet pipe dream may come true very soon, if the latest leak about Google Drive is correct. But is Google’s file-syncing solution about more than just user features and convenience?

TechCrunch is reporting on some (literally) shaky photos that came from “a Google-sponsored event” showing what looks like the back end or internal testing section for Google Drive. The project’s authenticity apparently has been corroborated via code found inside the Chromium browser. TechCrunch also reported software-based syncing will eventually find its way to your desktop or smartphone via Dropbox-style features, and speculated Google Drive will launch in conjunction with Android Ice Cream Sandwich and/or a new version of Chrome.

But here’s what I think: There’s a war brewing, and it’s not over syncing technology or mobile platforms. It’s about who gets to keep your information in the cloud. Google has done a great job of keeping your e-mail and documents in the cloud, so why shouldn’t you just consolidate it all into one big happy online workplace? While you’re at it, why not go buy a Chromebook?

Apple’s iCloud is just around the corner, and one thing is for certain, it’s going to go head-to-head against Google Docs, especially since Apple’s iWork suite will sync documents to all iOS devices, and the iWork.com beta will hit the public sooner or later. Add in Amazon’s own cloud solution portfolio, and it’s clear there’s a slow but steady race to scoop up and keep as many subscribers living and thriving in each respective company’s data center. Lock in subscribers and all their information, and suddenly, you’ve got yourself a lifelong user who’s comfortable with having all their stuff on a floating server and, chances are, they won’t migrate to someone else’s cloud. And not to sound sinister, but much like Facebook, all these companies potentially could use this information to learn about their users and sculpt the entire web experience.

Of course, this is all purely speculation, but it’s something that’s seriously worth thinking about as the channel moves forward in deploying and building private and public clouds. Data is becoming ubiquitous, and users will want secure, safe access to it. Ensuring them their data is not just secure but private will also be a concern. Right now virtualization and storage seem to go hand in hand, but I suspect security, virtualization and storage packages soon will play big roles for the channel. Stay tuned.

Read More About This Topic

Share This Post

Leave a Comment

 

Blog-Powered Site By ContentRobot