What Is Dropbox and What Does It Do?

This article was originally published in Turkish on 2024-05-22 and migrated from our previous website. This English version translates the archived article. Promotions, prices, product features, roles and service availability are historical information, not current offers or guarantees.

Cloud storage and Dropbox

Cloud technology is used in many fields, especially storage and data management. The original article links to a separate overview of cloud use cases before introducing Dropbox: a cloud-storage service for storing, synchronizing and sharing files and controlling access.

Origins

The article describes Dropbox as founded in June 2007 by MIT students Arash Ferdowsi and Drew Houston, initially funded through Y Combinator. It explains their desire to simplify file synchronization and recalls the 2008 beta release. The archive gives historical growth claims of 100 million users in 2009, later more than 500 million users and availability in over 175 countries. These source figures are not verified current statistics.

How it works

Dropbox creates a synchronized folder on connected devices. Added or removed files are reflected across the account’s devices. The source discusses sharing large files without uploading them again and restoring deleted files.

Features

The original uses a playful description of Dropbox as a magic box for storage, synchronization and sharing. It discusses restoring deleted files, permanent deletion, sharing screenshots, comments, tasks, deadlines, offline access, encryption and multi-factor authentication. It also mentions notes, audio recording, Office editing, Dropbox Paper, file requests and comments.

The source contains inconsistent free-storage figures: one paragraph says 5 GB, while its Basic-plan section says 2 GB. These historical statements are retained as source context, not a current offer. The article also describes a 250 MB initial-sharing bonus and 500 MB referral bonuses, which require separate current verification.

Core features described in the archive

• Users: the number of people associated with a plan.
• Storage: the capacity limit.
• Best-in-class sync technology: faster synchronization or replication of streamed data on a LAN.
• Easy and secure sharing: controlled collaboration and file access.
• Anytime, anywhere access: access across iOS, Android, Windows, Linux and Mac.
• Connect unlimited devices: the source excludes Basic from this description.
• 256-bit AES and SSL/TLS encryption: protection for stored and transmitted data.

Content and accident protection

• Backup: automatic device backup and restoration.
• Account recovery and version history: returning to earlier file or account states.
• Restore deleted files: a plan-dependent recovery window.
• Password management: managing credentials, as described in the original product list.
• Document scanning: scanning through the application.
• Remote device wipe: removing files from a lost device.
• Watermarking: identifying ownership of shared files.
• Account transfer: moving account responsibilities.
• Granular permissions: controlling access.
• HIPAA compliance: the source discusses health-information requirements and expresses uncertainty about local availability.
• Device approvals: managing connected devices.
• Ransomware detection and recovery: identifying and recovering from attacks.
• Suspicious activity alerts: notifications of unusual behavior.

Video tools

The archive lists screen and video recording with Capture, GIF sharing, transcripts and captions, video editing and commenting, and creative reviews or approvals through Dropbox Replay.

Productivity tools

It lists integrated cloud content for services such as Google Docs and Microsoft Office; online documents and notes; previews and comments; the iPhone Plus button for documents, uploads and scanning; PDF and image editing; image search; and viewer history.

Collaborative sharing tools

Shared links, advanced link controls, disabling downloads, expiration dates and password-protected links are described as ways to manage collaboration.

Historical plan comparison

The author avoids quoting prices because they change. The archived plan figures are:

Essentials is described as adding engagement tracking, signature requests, PDF editing and video recording, review and editing. Business adds administration and shared-content visibility. Business Plus adds administrator roles, suspicious-activity alerts and compliance tracking. Enterprise is presented as customizable. These figures are historical source content and are not current plan specifications.

Who uses Dropbox?

Individuals may back up files, share photos and videos and save device space. Businesses may use it for collaboration, controlled sharing and remote work. The author suggests Basic may suit users with modest backup needs.

Alternatives in the original article

• Google Drive: the archive lists 15 GB free and a 24 April 2012 launch.
• Microsoft OneDrive: it lists 5 GB free and 28 February 2011 under the Windows Live SkyDrive name.
• iCloud: it lists 5 GB free and introduction at WWDC on 6 June 2011.
• pCloud: it describes a Swiss service founded in 2013 with up to 10 GB free.
• Amazon Drive: it describes a 2011 launch as Cloud Drive.

Availability, dates and allowances in this archived comparison have not been updated for current products.