Browsing through the different cloud services offered, the important thing to keep in mind is whether the data is stored in the U.S, storage size, and whether the researcher’s intellectual property is protected. Looking at five cloud providers (Amazon, Google, Dropbox, Box.com, and OneDrive) we see that all providers aim to protect your intellectual property. However, they will always grant themselves rights to your property to the “extent necessary to provide the service” which usually means the rights to host your files.

Next is the issue of storage size.

• Google Drive - Unlimited storage between Email and Drive.
• Microsoft’s OneDrive - currently at a 25GB storage quota with unlimited coming soon.
• The other services offer the standard 5-15GB of personal storage.

Regarding export control, personal accounts with OneDrive, Google Drive, and Amazon Cloud do not guarantee that the information is stored in the U.S. The only two services that guarantee that are Box.com and DropBox. Dropbox uses Amazon’s cloud storage system S3 whose regions are in the U.S. Box.com states in their Terms of Service that your data is stored in the U.S.

Your Rights in the Cloud

Usually cloud providers will give you full rights to your files, granted they are not violating DMCA policies. However OneDrive takes a harsher stance and reserves the right to take down anything that they feel necessary without notice or reason.

Data Breach in the Cloud:

Security breaches can be a major concern in the cloud. For example, NASDAQ servers were breached in 2010, having their sensitive data spied on. When putting your information on the cloud, be wary of the consequences when the data is compromised.

Outages can also be problematic. If a server goes down in a cloud storage center, the data might not be recoverable as has happened to major cloud companies in the past. If uptime is important for your files, keep that in mind when looking for cloud providers.

“Simply put: don't put anything in the cloud that you would not want anyone else seeing.”

Questions Researchers should ask:

• Is my data stored in the U.S? (Export Control)
• Is my intellectual property protected?
• What is the size of the cloud drive? Upload limit?
• What platforms can access the cloud?
• Does it come with an editor?
• Is my data encrypted?
• Does placing my data in the cloud violate any HIPPA/FERPA/Federal/State regulations?