Abstract

We present the results of a survey and interviews focused on user perceptions and behaviors with respect to cloud storage services. In particular, we study behaviors such as which services are used, what types of data are stored, and how collaboration and sharing are performed. We also investigate user attitudes toward cloud storage on topics such as payment, privacy, security, and robustness. We find that users are drawn to cloud storage because it enables robust, ubiquitous access to their files, as well as enabling sharing and collaborative efforts. However, users' preferred medium for file sharing continues to be email, due to its ubiquity and role as "lowest common denominator." Privacy and security are of great concern to users, and though users vocally describe feeling "safe" on the cloud, this is because they actively filter the content they store in cloud services. Payment is a sensitive issue, with users exhibiting a strong aversion to any form of direct payment, preferring even disliked alternative funding mechanisms such as targeted advertising. Finally, the cloud serves as an important backup location for users, although space limitations prevent them from using it as a full backup solution.

Degree

College and Department

Physical and Mathematical Sciences; Computer Science

Rights

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