Show me the files.

May 21, 2012 10:48 AM

What is a good online storage solution for huge amounts of data, high privacy settings, and streaming online videos for multiple users?

We have a drobo in the office and it works great, but we need an online solution that is similar!

My company needs an online solution that fits the following criteria: 1) Massive amounts of footage (500+gigs), files (scanned PDFs 100+gigs) 2) a HIGH privacy setting and 3) Searchable. Expense is not an issue at this point - we're trying to find a solution that could have multiple log-ins or if that does not exist we can have just one log-in that can be shared among a group of people so they can access the data from multiple locations but must be user friendly for non-computer savvy people to be able to use it without issue.

Things that have not worked: DropBox (employees could not figure it out), compressing the video and uploading it to YouTube with private links, using personal iCloud accounts.

posted by banannafish to computers & internet (7 answers total)

I've never used any of these, but I can at least tell you that you're looking for a SharePoint Online type service perhaps Boxworks or Zoho.

I'm not sure about the video streaming aspect. Though if you're asking for a 500GB service, you might find some rather helpful sales people.
posted by Static Vagabond at 11:00 AM on May 21, 2012

Maybe try Google Storage? You'll probably need some technical help getting it set up but after that it should be all browser based, point and click, etc.
posted by COD at 11:45 AM on May 21, 2012

What do you mean by "HIGH privacy setting?"
posted by rhizome at 1:09 PM on May 21, 2012

rhizome's question is important - what do you mean? Are you looking for very granular privacy controls so you could, let's say, adjust read/write/download permissions on a per-person and per--file basis?

Dropbox is actually the simplest and easiest to use, IMO. But the big feature of DB is syncing - which I'm guess you don't want considering the massive sizes you're dealing with. That said, if only a few people need access to add/edit the files while most people just need the ability to view the docs and stream the movies, Dropbox could work.

Something like Box.com might be better for you. They aren't as strong in syncing, but they have pretty fine-tuned privacy and security controls if that is what you need and should be pretty easy to use. Like Dropbox, they also have very good mobile apps and search.
posted by alaijmw at 2:37 PM on May 21, 2012

Is there any particular reason why you think you *need* an online solution?

The only reason I ask is because we recently went through this with a client who was in a similar situation and had tried multiple services, none of which made anyone happy. They needed granular security, central management/control of users and quotas, etc. and remote access. They also wanted to have backups that gave them an annual archive comprised of 'end of month' snapshots that they could go back to if needed.

We ended up building out a very simple but effective Windows 2008 R2 virtualized infrastructure. When we ran the numbers, their monthly fees for doing something online versus doing it for them broke even after something like 14 months. Ended up being a no brainer. They get remote access to the data, custom controls, plus archiving.
posted by tgrundke at 6:46 PM on May 21, 2012

Our company has had horrible problems with Dropbox in the past, from people unable to use it to files being deleted randomly. We are looking for security because it's casting footage, interviews and sizzle reels, so while it's not Fort Knox worth, we don't want random people stumbling onto it.

Thanks for the great answers so far!
posted by banannafish at 7:54 PM on May 21, 2012

The only acceptable answer to "secure" with remote services is "encrypt, then put online."

Assuming that they will encrypt it in a way that they cannot read -- and share -- is a fool's bet.

Now if, in fact, the public getting a hold of your data is not that critical, then you might take risks. There's a very good argument that you should never put online anything you wouldn't want on the front page of a major newspaper.

But if they do, and *you* don't encrypted it, you're making a bet that your remote service is being run by people who are trying to make a profit who are neither evil, incompetent, and/or ruled by shareholders.
posted by eriko at 8:02 PM on May 21, 2012