I recently did a search for suitable, and preferably free, online file storage services for corporate use. Direct links to uploaded files (hotlinks) are important, as I plan to host files, including EXE (executable files), for users to download directly, instead of opening up a shared folder, and clicking a few times or entering security code to download a file. Since these files are meant to be hosted for the long term, accounts or uploaded files should not expire, and terms of use, as well as privacy policy must be conducive for corporate use.
I eventually settled for Google sites, and renaming EXE files as a workaround when I do need to host such files. I also use Skydrive and Box.net as a supplement where file hotlinks are not critical.
Here's a summary of the various services that I checked out:
I eventually settled for Google sites, and renaming EXE files as a workaround when I do need to host such files. I also use Skydrive and Box.net as a supplement where file hotlinks are not critical.
Here's a summary of the various services that I checked out:
- BigUpload: 2GB storage. Has links to adult content, free only for personal use
- FreeDrive: 1GB storage. Like SkyDrive from Microsoft, sends folder links only, not direct file links (hotlinks)
- SkyDrive: 25GB storage. 50MB file upload limit. see (2)
- ADrive: 50GB of storage. Free for personal use only. Paid is around USD70/yr. No sharing of account. Volume purchase available for businesses but pricing not mentioned. Not sure if files can be hotlinked.
- Filedropper: 50GB storage. Not free. Paid is USD12/yr. Terms does not mention sharing of account.
- drop.io: Free, but no hotlink to files. Like (2 & 3)
- sharesend: free, no registration. files expire after 60 days if not downloaded. Once uploaded, cannot be deleted but automatically expires 60 days later if no download. Very brief terms & conditions & privacy policy. Does not mention ownership of content. Content not advertised.
- filefactory: free. Files not searchable & expire after 90 days if not downloaded. Limit on download per day but quantum not stated. No hotlink to files. Download page requires code to be entered.
- DropSend: Free, works like YouSendIt. Files not searchable but expires after 14 days. Need to login every 120 days to keep account & data. Enterprise plan USD99/mth.
- FileDen: Free, file hotlinking supported. 1 GB storage, 5GB per month bandwidth. Free account deleted if not logged in after 60 days. However, EXE & other executables disallowed. Upload is painfully slow.
- FileQube: Free. File hotlinking supported, but hotlinks change everyday, making this unsuitable for serious hotlinking use. 2GB storage. Storage duration unlimited. Monthly bandwidth 256MB.
- MediaFire: Free, but no hotlinking to files. All file types supported.
- FastFreeUpload: Free, download link with security code to be entered. File must be downloaded every 20 days to remain online. No registration. Maximum File Size: 100MB.
- Upload-drive: no way to delete files. Duration of storage not stated. No direct link to files. Lack of terms & conditions.
- Slingfile: free, 1GB limit per file. Inactive files will be deleted (period of inactivity not mentioned). All file types. Hotlinks supported but doesn't seem to work.
- MyOtherDrive: free. All file types. 5GB storage. File hotlinking supported. Searchable by search engines though. Inactive accounts will be deleted (period not stated). For personal use only.
- Google sites: free. However, EXE & other executables disallowed.
- Box.net: supports file hotlinking only for paid accounts. EXE & other executables allowed.
- 4Shared.com: 5Gb storage. Account deleted if not logged in within 30 days. No file hotlinking. Shows ad when downloading file.
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