Internet Virtual Storage

Some companies provide internet based storage (also often referred to as "internet based storage space", "remote file storage" or "virtual hard drive"). Internet based storage is a simple means of sharing files (for example between home and work or with friends) and for off site backups.

Most sites that offer this service charge a modest fee and some will provide either a more restricted free service or a limited free trial. There are fewer internet based storage providers now than there used to be. When the first version of this list was put together there were a number of sites offering free storage space. Now most of those have gone out of business and others have converted to offering a commercial (i.e. paid for) service. Be aware of this before relying upon an internet storage device as your sole method of keeping backups - a service you pay for will be more dependable than a free one.

The information provided on this page is believed to be accurate, and is based on the information published on provider's website. Please check with each company before signing up. If you find any errors or omissions please report these via e-mail to: feedback@cryer.co.uk.

Feature Summary Comparison

The following table provides summary information on each storage provided included in the comparison.

Summary	Free service	Paid service
Space	Trial	Share	FTP	Initial space	Max space	Max file size	FTP
DriveHQ	1GB	free			1GB	20GB	no limit
Box.net	1GB	free			5GB	15GB	1GB
Mozy	2GB	free			2GB	30GB	no limit
Snapfish	no limit, but image flies only	free	TBA		no limit - but image files only
Kodak Gallery	free for 12 months			no limit - image files only.	150MB images only
XDrive	5GB	free			uncertain
AxiFile	150MB / file	free			no paid service
FileDen	1GB	free			5GB	15GB	1GB
I2Drive	40MB	free			500MB	3GB	no limit
EasiestFileSystem	15 day trial			250MB	10GB	no limit
FilesAnyWhere	30 day trial			50MB	2GB	no limit
YahooBriefcase	30MB	free			50MB	100MB	10MB
Znail	1-5MB	free			20MB	50MB	no limit
donEasy	10MB	free			no paid service
Lycos	10MB	free			10MB	150MB	unclear
WebStorage.BTInet	10MB	free	unclear		no paid service
SafeSnaps	one month trial	no limit - but image files only
StrongSpace	no free service	5GB	100GB	no limit
FileGenie	15 day trial	50MB	500MB	1MB - 4MB
TrueShare	7 day trial			3GB 30GB/Month	no specified limit	no limit
Pixagogo	15 day free trial	no limit - but image files only
SwapDrive	no free service	10MB	2GB	no limit

Virtual Storage Providers

http://briefcase.yahoo.com

http://briefcase.yahoo.com	Free service	Paid service
Initial space provided:	30MB	50MB
Maximum space provided:	30MB	100MB
Maximum file size:	unclear	10MB
Can share files:
Access via FTP:
Access via browser:

http://box.net

Box.net is an online file storage platform that enables users to share, access and store important files online anytime, anywhere. Users can access or share their files from any computer or mobile device (no software required), so any files stored on the service can be retrieved or shared anywhere. Box.net currently has over a million registered users. They offer a free 14-day trial of paid services to new users, who can sign up for either a Plus, Individual or a Business account. Their main features include:

Their free service is their "Lite" plan. They offer a 14 day free trial of their "Individual", "Business" and "Enterprise" plans.

Box.net	Free service	Paid service
Initial space provided:	1GB	5GB
Maximum space provided:	1GB	15 GB with their Business plan or 5GB per user with their Enterprise plan.
Maximum file size:	10MB	1GB
Can share files:
Access via FTP:
Access via browser:

http://webstorage.btinet.net

http://webstorage.btinet.net	Free service	Paid service
Initial space provided:	10MB	No paid service
Maximum space provided:	10MB
Maximum file size:	no apparent limit
Can share files:	unclear
Access via FTP:
Access via browser:

http://znail.com

ZNail provide storage for free. They use a points system, with points being earned by either using the system or making a donation and the number of available points dictates how much storage you are allocated. For the free service the initial allocation is 5MB, but this can fall to 1MB.

http://znail.com	Free service	Paid service
Initial space provided:	5MB / 1MB	5MB
Maximum space provided:	5MB	50MB
Maximum file size:	no apparent limit	no apparent limit
Can share files:
Access via FTP:
Access via browser:

www.axifile.com

Host your files with AxiFile, providing free file storage that can be used without the need to register. Fast, reliable and completely free.

Files can be uploaded without the need to register. You will then be given two links. The first link is to download the file, and this link can be emailed to those you wish to share the file with. The second link provides you with simple administration on the file, providing download statistics and the option to delete the file.

The AxiFile service is great for sharing files. It is not suitable for long term storage (because files are removed if 30 days elapse since being requested) or for managing a collection of files (because each file must be managed individually).

www.axifile.com	Free service	Paid service
Initial space provided:	150MB per file	No paid service
Maximum space provided:	150MB per file
Maximum file size:	150MB
Can share files:
Access via FTP:	files can be uploaded only. To upload using FTP requires registering for a temporary account.
Access via browser:

www.doneasy.com

DonEasy provide many facilities, only a minor part of which is online file storage.

www.doneasy.com	Free service	Paid service
Initial space provided:	10MB	No paid service
Maximum space provided:	10MB
Maximum file size:	1MB (if sending via e-mail)
Can share files:
Access via FTP:
Access via browser:

www.drivehq.com

DriveHQ offers 1GB of storage space for free and this includes a rich set of extra functionality including storage, backup, sharing, publishing, and FTP. Their main features include:

www.drivehq.com	Free service	Paid service
Initial space provided:	1GB 200MB/month download or unlimited (see note 1)	1GB
Maximum space provided:	1GB	20GB
Maximum file size:	no obvious limit
Can share files:
Access via FTP:
Access via browser:

www.easiestfilesystem.com

They provide a 15 day free trial, allow sharing and provide FTP access. Initial space, on their lowest plan, is 250 Mb. Their largest plan is 10 GB and there is no limit on the maximum size of individual files.

Be aware that they do not back up your data, so if they suffer a hardware failure the responsibility for recovering your data lies with you and not with them. (This may be true of other storage providers also.)

www.easiestfilesystem.com	Free service	Paid service
Initial space provided:	no free service 15 day free trial	250MB
Maximum space provided:		10GB
Maximum file size:		no limit
Can share files:
Access via FTP:
Access via browser:

www.fileden.com

FileDen operate four types of accounts: Free, Silver, Gold and Diamond. The paid accounts provide a photo album feature, but this is not available to users of their free service.

www.filegenie.com

Provides a number of packages. The greater the subscription the more storage provided and the larger the permitted size of individual files. Used to provide a free service, but this seems to have disappeared.

www.filegenie.com	Free service	Paid service
Initial space provided	no free service 15 day free trial	50MB
Maximum space provided:		500MB
Maximum file size:		1MB or 4MB depending on subscription
Can share files:
Access via FTP:
Access via browser:

www.filesanywhere.com

Provides a free 30 day trial, their service must be paid for after that. Cost varies according to space requirements. These start at 50MB.

www.filesanywhere.com	Free service	Paid service
Initial space provided:	no free service 30 day free trial	50MB
Maximum space provided:		2GB
Maximum file size:		no apparent limit
Can share files:
Access via FTP:
Access via browser:

www.i2drive.com

I(2) Drive offers a free Account as well as a paid service. The free service comes with 40MB storage, 100MB monthly transfer, file sharing and a Photo album. Access to the service is via web interface. The paid accounts also allow you to map a network drive directly to your i(2) drive account.

www.i2drive.com	Free service	Paid service
Initial space provided:	40MB	500MB
Maximum space provided:	40MB	3 GB
Maximum file size:	no limit	unclear
Can share files:
Access via FTP:
Access via browser:

Kodak Gallery

Kodakgallery has a primary focus on printing digital photos (either as traditional photos or on mugs, cards, calendars and the like). They also provide a photo gallery service where you can share your photos with family or friends.

Their service is suitable for sharing, viewing, storing and printing digital images. It is important to note that their service is geared specifically to images (i.e. image files and video files) and it cannot be used for any other type of file storage.

They provide free storage for 12 months. This can be extended by making a purchase from them - each purchase extends the storage to another 12 months from the data of purchase. Alternately they do provide a premium based service which does not expire. Video files may be subject to additional restrictions on length of storage.

Kodak Gallery	Free service	Paid service
Initial space provided:	unclear	unclear
Maximum space provided:	unclear	unclear
Maximum file size:	150MB	150MB
Can share files:
Access via FTP:
Access via browser:

www.lycos.com

Lycos - better known as a search engine, also provides e-mail and storage services. They don't make this obvious and almost go out of their way to hide it - to create an account follow the links to either e-mail or my-lycos.

www.lycos.com	Free service	Paid service
Initial space provided:	10MB, but Lycos e-mail comes out from this as well.	10MB
Maximum space provided:	10MB, but Lycos e-mail comes out from this as well.	150MB
Maximum file size:	unclear	unclear
Can share files:
Access via FTP:
Access via browser:

Mozy.com

Mozy provide a different approach to online-storage. Their storage offering is aimed primarily at providing free backup of data and files. When you sign up they provide an application that runs in the background which ensures that those files and folders you have selected are regularly backed up. This backing up is done across the internet, so it is essential that you have an internet connection. Their free service is aimed squarely at providing a reliable backup. This service is not suitable for exchanging files between users or computers (with the obvious exception of when you come to need to restore your files from the backup). Files are backed up using secure encryption, so its vital that you don't loose the key used to encrypt the files.

Mozy have published two a discount coupons entitling you to an additional 10% discount off their normal prices:

DECEMBER
gives you 10% off an annual or biannual subscription to Mozy

Use this link to take advantage of these discount coupons now: Mozy.com.

Free remote backup is finally here! Download and install Mozy to ensure your data is safely backed up at a secure, remote location. Mozy is a secure, automatic remote backup service for any PC in any home or office. It's simple to install and configure. No external hard drive, expensive subscription services, CD's or DVD's to burn. All you need is a broadband connection and you are ready to go!

Mozy.com	Free service	Paid service
Initial space provided:	2GB	2GB
Maximum space provided:	3GB The extra space is earned by referring others.	30GB
Maximum file size:	no limit	no limit
Can share files:
Access via FTP:
Access via browser:

www.pixagogo.com

Pixagogo - Elegant Online Albums Easily Shared With Family and Friends. Pixagogo provides unlimited online photo storage, sharing photos in elegant highly customizable albums and seamlessly integrated photo printing. The only restriction is that it is for image files only, but the site is optimised for images and offer many features specifically for image files such as on-line albums and capability to order prints.

www.pixagogo.com	Free service	Paid service
Initial space provided:	no free service 15 day free trial	no apparent limit
Maximum space provided:		no apparent limit
Maximum file size:		no apparent limit. Image files only.
Can share files:
Access via FTP:
Access via browser:

www.safesnaps.com

Safe Snaps provides a service for automatically backing up digital photos across the Internet.

Their service is limited to image files, but is advertised as having no storage limit. You will need a broadband connection to use their service. They do not provide a means of sharing these files with other users.

www.safesnaps.com	Free service	Paid service
Initial space provided:	no free service one month free trial	Unlimited storage
Maximum space provided:		Unlimited storage
Maximum file size:		no apparent limit
Can share files:
Access via FTP:
Access via browser:

Snapfish

Snapfish are an online photo printing service. They are owned by HP, so have a reputable name behind them. Whilst their primary business objective is to sell prints of your digital photos they also provide free photo storage.

Snapfish operate a number of regional sites, so when you visit their website start by selecting your location.

whilst promotional details vary from time to time, Snapfish typically offer a number of free prints with your first order.

Snapfish	Free service	Paid service
Initial space provided:	no limit, image files only	No separate paid service
Maximum space provided:
Maximum file size:
Can share files:	TBA
Access via FTP:
Access via browser:

As well as providing a browser interface to upload (and view) your images, they allow allow you to email your pictures to them. This requires that you send from the email account that you have registered with them.

www.strongspace.com

Strongspace provides a secure place to store files, for backup or for sharing with family or co-workers. Unlike many storage providers Strongspace support SFTP. SFTP can provide a more convenient way of copying large numbers of files, and their support of Secure FTP (SFTP) ensures that files are secure while being copied. They also provide a browser interface for anyone who wants.

They do not provide any free or trial service. Storage limits vary with subscription level.

www.strongspace.com	Free service	Paid service
Initial space provided:	no free service or trial.	5GB
Maximum space provided:		100 GB
Maximum file size:		no apparent limit
Can share files:
Access via FTP:		SFTP only
Access via browser:

www.swapdrive.com

SwapDrive FileShare (the company provides a number of different services), provides a web-based file sharing and storage system.

www.swapdrive.com	Free service	Paid service
Initial space provided:	no free service	10MB
Maximum space provided:		2000MB - dependent upon subscription
Maximum file size:		no apparent limit
Can share files:
Access via FTP:
Access via browser:

www.trueshare.com

Established in 2003 as EasyFTP.net, TrueShare provides business class online file management and backup services allowing unlimited users. Send, receive, backup, store and access all file types. TrueShare is used to transfer graphics files to vendors, receive audio files from clients, store pictures and videos, distribute spreadsheets to co-workers, keep offsite backups of your databases, send power point presentations and marketing materials to client prospects, share product information sheets with remote employees, centralize bid document distribution to contractors, and so much more. This can all be accomplished from anywhere, at anytime, securely with TrueShare.

www.trueshare.com	Free service	Paid service
Initial space provided:	3GB	3GB / 30GB
Maximum space provided:	3GB	no specified limit
Maximum file size:	no free service 7 day free trial	no limit
Can share files:
Access via FTP:
Access via browser:

www.xdrive.com

Xdrive Online Storage makes it easy to upload and store documents, spreadsheets, presentations, music, video and pictures on the Web. You can access your files at any time from any Web browser. Shared Folders allow subscribers to easily and privately share and collaborate on files and entire folders with friends, family, and colleagues. Xdrive Backup automatically protects personal and professional files from computer crashes, viruses, theft, and everything else.

Following their takeover by AOL, their base 5GB storage package is now free (to qualify for the free storage you need to register for an AOL [or AIM] screen name, but this is free). It is unclear whether they still provide any additional paid service.

www.xdrive.com	Free service	Paid service
Initial space provided:	5GB	unclear
Maximum space provided:	5GB
Maximum file size:	no apparent limit
Can share files:
Access via FTP:
Access via browser:

Other lists of storage providers

There are a number of lists of virtual storage provider on the net. The following is a sample:

If you know of any other internet based storage providers that you would like to see listed on this page or wish to report any errors on this page then please e-mail: feedback@cryer.co.uk.