Amazon WorkDocs vs Google Drive

August 26, 2023 | Author: Michael Stromann
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Amazon WorkDocs
Amazon WorkDocs is a fully managed, secure enterprise storage and sharing service with strong administrative controls and feedback capabilities that improve user productivity. Users can comment on files, send them to others for feedback, and upload new versions without having to resort to emailing multiple versions of their files as attachments. Users can take advantage of these capabilities wherever they are, using the device of their choice, including PCs, Macs, and tablets.
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Google Drive
Online file storage and syncing service working as a file system for other Google's services. Allows to sync files between all your computers and mobile devices or collaborate on files with your team and partners. Version control, OCR, powerful online viewer. Provides 5 GB free disk space.
Amazon WorkDocs and Google are two leading cloud-based collaboration and productivity platforms. Amazon WorkDocs offers businesses a secure and efficient way to store, share, and collaborate on documents, presentations, and spreadsheets. It provides features such as file versioning, access controls, and real-time editing, making it a comprehensive solution for team collaboration. On the other hand, Google offers a suite of productivity tools under Google Workspace (formerly G Suite), including Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Google Workspace allows users to create, edit, and store files in the cloud, fostering seamless collaboration with features like simultaneous editing, comments, and sharing permissions.

See also: Top 10 Cloud Storages
Amazon WorkDocs vs Google Drive in our news:

2022. Google is adding new Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides and Keep optimizations for tablets



Google unveiled Android 12L earlier this year, aiming to enhance the usability of tablets. During the I/O conference, the company revealed its intention to optimize over 20 Google apps for larger screens. Today, Google has introduced several new features for Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Keep, taking a step towards fulfilling this commitment. The most noteworthy feature announced is the ability to effortlessly drag text or images between two Workspace apps that are open side-by-side. Google highlights that users can now drag content from apps like Chrome or Sheets and drop it directly into an existing document or spreadsheet cell. Additionally, in Google Drive, files can be swiftly uploaded by dragging and dropping them into the app. Furthermore, links to Drive files can be easily added by dragging the file into an open app like Keep.


2018. Google Drive added comments to Microsoft Office files



Google Drive has introduced a convenient solution for teams and agencies seeking to collaborate seamlessly using a combination of G Suite and Microsoft Office. Now, Google Drive users can easily add comments to Office files, PDFs, and images directly within the Drive preview pane. This eliminates the need to rely on external tools like Microsoft Office or Acrobat Reader, as well as the hassle of converting files to Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides formats. While it may not provide real-time commenting like G Suite or Office 365, this feature offers a significant improvement by eliminating the constant need to convert documents between Office and G Suite.


2017. Google launches Drive File Stream to replace the Google Drive desktop app for G Suite users



Google has introduced a new desktop application, called Drive File Stream, for Google Drive users who are subscribed to G Suite. This application will replace the existing Google Drive desktop app, which is scheduled to be discontinued next year. One notable distinction between the consumer and enterprise versions is the inclusion of administrative control features. Starting today, company IT departments will find the Drive File Stream settings within the Admin Console for their G Suite edition. This enables them to customize and deploy the solution within their domain, including options to enable synchronization, define installation preferences, disable automatic updates through Google Update, and manage other relevant configurations.


2017. Google Drive gets a new Backup & Sync desktop app



Google has unveiled its latest application, Backup and Sync, designed to facilitate the effortless backup of files and photos on both Mac and PC platforms. This utility serves as a replacement for the older Google Photos desktop app and the client applications of Google Drive. The newly introduced tool offers a user-friendly interface, where users can sign in to their Google account and select the folders they wish to continuously back up to Google Drive. Apart from backing up files stored on desktop computers, this software also allows users to back up photos from USB-connected devices like cameras and SD cards. As for business users, Google has plans to launch a dedicated enterprise solution called Drive File Stream, which will be made available to all G Suite users later this year.


2017. Google updated Drive with a focus on its business users



Google has implemented several updates to enhance its online file storage service, Google Drive, with a focus on improving its functionality for business and enterprise users. The primary emphasis is on providing a better service for teams within these organizations. As part of this effort, Google has made Team Drives available to all users after a preview phase that lasted approximately six months. Throughout the preview period, the team identified and addressed various issues, particularly related to permissions, to ensure a smooth general launch. Now, businesses of all sizes can leverage Team Drives for efficient file sharing within their enterprise. Another noteworthy addition is the general availability of Google Vault for Drive, which equips large enterprises, particularly those operating in regulated industries, with the necessary tools for archiving and data retention. This feature caters to the specific needs of these businesses, offering enhanced control and compliance capabilities. By prioritizing the requirements of business and enterprise users, Google Drive continues to evolve as a comprehensive and reliable file storage solution for organizations of all sizes.


2016. Google Drive gets intelligent search



Google Drive is introducing an enhanced search capability that incorporates natural language processing and offers autocorrection suggestions for misspelled search terms. This means that when searching for documents, you can use phrases like "find my budget spreadsheet from last December" or "show me presentations from Anissa." As this feature is utilized more frequently, the search results will become increasingly precise. This development likely indicates that Google will soon integrate a voice interface into Google Drive as well.


2015. Amazon released mobile app for Cloud Drive



Amazon has launched a specialized mobile application that grants users access to their stored documents within the Cloud Drive service. This release is a response to the growing competition within the cloud storage market, where companies like Google and Dropbox dominate. The newly introduced app is compatible with iOS, Android, and Kindle devices, enabling users to conveniently view all their documents stored in their Amazon Cloud account. The accessibility extends to any location where users are logged in. Additionally, the app serves as a complementary tool to the existing desktop cloud client. With this mobile app, users can now browse their files, much like using a desktop's file browser, similar to the functionality offered by the Dropbox app.


2015. Amazon Cloud Drive adds unlimited storage plan



Amazon Cloud Drive is expanding its services to include a paid offering that encompasses a wide range of content and is available to users outside of its loyalty program. With Unlimited Cloud Storage, users can opt for either unlimited photo storage or an "unlimited everything" plan, which covers various media types such as videos, music, and PDF documents. The pricing for these plans is set at $11.99 per year for unlimited photo storage and $59.99 per year for the comprehensive "unlimited everything" option. This strategic move by Amazon is a direct response to the competition posed by established players like Dropbox, Google, Microsoft, and other prominent providers in the increasingly crowded market for cloud-based storage services. While Amazon is not the first to offer "unlimited" storage, it appears to be the first to market this service to anyone who desires it.


2014. Amazon adds new syncing feature to enterprise cloud storage Zocalo



Amazon's Zocalo work-collaboration tool, which rivals services such as Dropbox and Box, has introduced a new functionality that enables the synchronization of files to your computer or mobile device via a shared folder. Users can establish project-specific folders and selectively share them with members of their project team whenever necessary. Once a shared folder is set up, team members gain access to the documents within, and any modifications made and saved to the files are recorded by Zocalo. The syncing feature is optional and can be activated in the preferences section of the Zocalo client, should users desire to utilize it.


2014. Google Drive adds OpenDocument support, sending files as attachments



Google is introducing a series of updates for its cloud-based storage service, Google Drive. One notable enhancement is that Gmail users can now share Drive documents as attachments within email files. This feature proves beneficial when the recipient lacks permission to access the file on Google Drive or if you plan to delete the file from Drive in the future. Furthermore, Google has added support for importing the three major ODF (Open) file formats: .odt for documents, .ods for spreadsheets, and .odp for presentations. This addition simplifies the process of working with files from other open-source productivity suites like LibreOffice. Additionally, Android users of Drive can utilize voice commands within the Google search app to search for files. For example, a user can say, "OK, Google — search for holiday letter on Drive," streamlining the file search process.

Author: Michael Stromann
Michael is an expert in IT Service Management, IT Security and software development. With his extensive experience as a software developer and active involvement in multiple ERP implementation projects, Michael brings a wealth of practical knowledge to his writings. Having previously worked at SAP, he has honed his expertise and gained a deep understanding of software development and implementation processes. Currently, as a freelance developer, Michael continues to contribute to the IT community by sharing his insights through guest articles published on several IT portals. You can contact Michael by email stromann@liventerprise.com