Question

A. List five, features and functions of Dropbox a SaaS option.

B.  Identify risks associated with using it in an enterprise organization

C. Provide any capital costs and any on-going operational costs for the hardware/software associated with Implementing Dropbox

Answer 1

A. Dropbox is indeed a SaaS option because SaaS is an application that is hosted on a remote server via internet. Features and functions of Dropbox are-

                - Folder- Dropbox is designed in such a way that it is an invisible app. It gives a folder on your computer to facilitate sharing of files.

                - Automatic back-up- Dropbox helps in automatic back up of files to protect them from being lost or damaged.

                - Syncs files – Dropbox has the feature of syncing your files to have updated features and that can be accessed with the latest tools.

                - Cloud storage- Dropbox uses cloud storage so that the files can be shared globally and accessed from anywhere in the world. Files, whether small or large are shared via Dropbox folders.

                - Transition- Dropbox also has features to backup important files when the data or files are moved from desktop to laptop or vice versa.

B. The risks associated with using it in an enterprise organization are-

                - Data theft- Since data in Dropbox can be accessed even in personal devices, there is a high probability for data theft to occur when the person is in coffee shops or moving in public transport.

                - Loss of data- When syncing is not monitored and administered properly, critical data might be lost.

                - Data corruption- Many companies do not implement integrity/quality assurance systems to maintain the integrity of the data which might corrupt the data.

                - Loss of control- Dropbox does not track who used the files and when they were used. If data theft happens, it is difficult to understand the users whoever accessed the folders.

                - Compliance issues- Since compliance policy require the files to be stored for a certain duration of time and limited users, compliance violations might arise when these are not maintained by the companies.

C. The capital costs and any on-going operational costs for the hardware/software associated with Implementing Drop box:

- Operational Expenditure are expenses that are incurred on a daily basis. Capital Expenditure are major investments and is also considered as an asset in the long-run.

- SaaS (Dropbox) is an option to shift from capital expenditure to operational expenditure- this is the flexibility of Dropbox a SaaS option.

- Dropbox is a SaaS option and it does not include any expensive investments such as hardware procurement or any other capital expenditure.

- Dropbox SaaS is a software purchasing activity recorded under Operational Expenses as it helps in improving the operational efficiency of a business. It is an IT infrastructure that facilitates the operations of a business.

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