Trends in Online File Sharing

Apr 29, 2017 Liam Bower

Online file storage and sharing are becoming more important than ever, both in personal and professional applications. We’re creating more data on a daily basis— according to VoucherCloud, we produce about 2.5 quintillion bytes of data every day, which would fill 10 million Blu-ray discs—and we’re reliant on accessing and exchanging that data for our daily lives.

Fortunately, tech companies are heeding consumers’ demands, and are racing to produce the best online file sharing solutions for both consumers and professionals. If you want to continue getting the best service or just want to remain up-to-speed on what’s happening in the industry, you’ll need to watch for the latest trends.

The Biggest Trends in Online File Sharing

These are some of the most important trends to observe as online file sharing develops:

1. Better security

First and foremost, online file sharing is getting safer. Not only do online storage companies need to protect against the possibility of remote hackers breaking into stored files, they also need to consider the process of exchange—such as sharing a link to view files, or exchanging files directly through some kind of messaging function. For example, XMedius now offers two-factor authentication, 256-bit encryption, and an audit trail for all its file exchanges. In the future, even better encryption and more layers of redundancy will help ensure these data exchanges are successful.

2. Better privacy

With huge data breaches now somewhat commonplace even for well-established companies, and the possibility for their data to be used in unauthorized ways (such as advertising) customers are growing more concerned about their privacy. They need to know that their data isn’t being viewed or manipulated by third-parties, and won’t be used for any other purposes. That’s why more brands are pushing for tighter and more transparent privacy policies, and are doing everything they can to protect consumer data.

3. Peer-to-peer sharing

Peer-to-peer sharing is a system that was pioneered by BitTorrent, which allowed users to independently contribute small pieces of large files for new users to download and reassemble. Frequently used for pirating music and movies, the system has far more legitimate applications these days. Peer-to-peer sharing can be used as a way for multiple users to contribute to a shared, encrypted system; it’s a similar technology to the one used in BitCoin and other crypto-currencies, and is faster and more secure.

4. Virtualized and distributed systems

Most file sharing services rely on a central server, but servers are big, expensive, and costly to maintain - not to mention, there’s always the possibility of a server failing. That’s why more online file storage companies are shifting to virtualized and distributed systems, which allow for data to be stored and recalled from a network of different points, rather than relying on one central location for everything.

5. Availability

Finally, online file sharing and storage is becoming more accessible to more people. New mobile apps are making it more convenient for everyday consumers to engage in the practice, and the cost of storing and sending data is getting cheaper as speeds, capacities, and efficiency all begin to increase. Online file sharing in the future will be even more cost-efficient.

Speed, Form, and Function

Today’s internet speeds, compared to those of a decade ago, are staggering, and there are no signs that this momentum will slow anytime soon. According to Akamai, we’re seeing an increase in global average internet connection speeds of 23 percent, year over year. As those download and upload rates increase, we’ll be able to store and transmit data in new, currently unthinkable ways. What the distant future holds for online file sharing is anyone’s guess, as the breakthrough technologies that drive it have yet to be imagined. Until then, we’ll bear witness to the aforementioned trends, and rest easy knowing our data is in good hands.