Evolution of Cloud Storage

SkyDrive

Microsoft SkyDrive

Windows Live Folders - Launch

08/01/2007

Microsoft launched Windows Live Folders. The first marketed Cloud service. The service was later renamed SkyDrive

Windows Live Folders changes its name

08/09/2007

Microsoft changes the name of its service to Windows Live SkyDrive and expands its market, adding access to more countries and users.

SkyDrive reaches 62 countries

05/22/2008

SkyDrive reaches 62 countries.

SkyDrive creates Windows Live Photos

12/02/08

SkyDrive announces Windows Live Photos, where users can store their photos separately, giving the photos more advanced viewing options.

Storage capacity increses

12/02/08

SkyDrive storage capacity increases from 5 GB to 25 GB

SkyDrive syncs with Office Apps

06/07/10

SkyDrive is now able to sync with Office Apps, another Microsoft product.

File size limit increases

06/20/11

SkyDrive increases its maximum file size capabilities from 50 MB per file to 100 MB.

Sharing updates

11/29/11

SkyDrive updates their sharing capabilities, making an easier experience to the user.

SkyDrive mobile app launch

12/03/11

SkyDrive launches an app for iOS and Windows mobile devices.

SkyDrive desktop app launch

04/22/12

SkyDrive launches a desktop app for Windows and Mac users.

Appearance update

08/14/12

SkyDrive updates its appearance to make it more consistent with other Microsoft applications.

SkyDrive mobile app launch 2

08/28/12

SkyDrive released their mobile app in the Android and Google Play markets.

Google Drive

Google Docs allows file storage

01/13/10

Google Docs allows its users to upload up to 1 GB worth of any file type.

Google Docs becomes compatible with Microsoft Office

03/07/10

Google Docs announces it will be able to download files in Microsoft Office file formats.

Google Docs blocked in Turkey

06/01/10

Google Docs was blocked in Turkey.

Google Docs offline viewing

09/29/11

Google Docs announces its support for offline viewing.

Google Drive launch

04/26/12

Google launches Google Drive, which replaces Google Docs. Drive includes all the features of Docs, plus more features to increase user abilities.

iCloud

Apple iCloud

iCloud first announced

06/06/11

Apple announces iCloud at the Apple Worldwide Developer's Convention.

Apple drops MobileMe

06/30/11

Apple announces that it will no longer support MobileMe, a service similar to Cloud services, as a means of transitioning to iCloud.

iCloud.com launch

08/03/11

Apple launches iCloud.com

iCloud launch

10/12/11

Apple launches iCloud via an iTunes update.

20 million users

10/19/11

iCloud reaches 20 million users within its first week.

Dropbox

Dropbox launch

09/08/08

Dropbox launches at TechCrunch50, a technology conference.

Dropbox.com launch

10/10/09

Dropbox changes its domain name from getdropbox.com to just dropbox.com

Dropbox preloaded on Softbank and Ericson mobile phones

05/05/11

Dropbox makes a deal with Softbank and Sony Ericson and both agree to preload Dropbox on their mobile phones.

Chinese government blocks Dropbox

05/19/11

The Chinese government blocks Dropbox in China, due to censorship regulations.

50 million users

10/01/11

Dropbox announces it has reached 50 million registered users.

Dropbox holds 14.14% of market

12/02/11

Dropbox announces that it holds 14.14% of the worldwide back client market, based on number of installations.

Dropbox expands capabilities

04/04/12

Dropbox announces it will allow its users to upload photos and videos straight from a camera, tablet, SD card, or smartphone. This is seen as a response to Google Drive and Microsoft SkyDrive.

Dropbox integrates with Facebook

09/26/12

Dropbox announces it now allows users to share files to Facebook groups using its service.

100 million users

11/12/12

Dropbox announces it has reached 100 million users.

Dropbox integrates with Snapjoy

12/19/12

Dropbox joins with Snapjoy, a service similar to Dropbox, but used solely for photo-sharing.