As I continue my exploration with the new Ubuntu 9.10 OS, I run across an icon entitled Ubuntu One. The name is intriguing and also is the icon itself. There’s a little cloud attached to it.
Clouds intrigue me so I decide to check out Ubuntu One. It is indeed taking me into the clouds. In fact, Ubuntu One is an area in the cloud where you can store, synchronize and share files. By creating an account, you can attach various computers to the account for sharing of files. According to the website, 2GB is free storage and there is a pay option for more storage. The pay option appears to have upset some – in my readings, I’ve found people who are leaving Ubuntu because of Canonical’s attempt to monetize. It doesn’t bother me; Canonical has always sold value added goods and services to support Ubuntu.
So, back to Ubuntu One. Yes, you can share your files, but also contact information and Tomboy notes. This adds a little more value to the concept than some of the free storage places that you’ll find. I can hear some of the naysayers already…you’re going to put your data up there?
Well, the service is still in beta like so much else but I am still not ready to put everything that I value up there without thoughtful consideration. In terms of security and to manage the 2GB limit, it makes sense to compress your files. Most file compression programs will let you put a password on your files and so that’s a good strategy. 2GB is a modest storage capacity but very nice for virtually everything that I do on a regular basis. It’s a nice place to transport files from one computer to another. Can’t you just email it? Yes, but our internal email system has quotas and no other email service is option to use. Couldn’t you just use a memory key? Yes, but this is much cooler and also a place where you could quickly fire off files to others securely. I must admit also that at least one of my memory keys have gone through the wash. I do try, but drop the ball every now and again.
The possibilities in education are apparent as well. We purchase a management system for our local area networks but it doesn’t currently allow access outside the LAN. Whatever happens at school, stays in school. With a Ubuntu One account, students now have the ability to transfer files from home to school and back securely.
It’s a nice concept. It’s not the only player in the field but does come on a standard installation. I think it’s a concept worthwhile keeping an eye on.
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