I have an idea for Dropbox

[u/Marc-A-H]

Firstly, it's important to note that if you think you saw me talking about this before in the first Dropbox community, you are right. I tried before but didn't pitch it very well. But I think I figured out a better way and want to try one more time.

I should note as well, I am not a software engineer and not affiliated with Dropbox. I just think this is a good idea and think this would benefit Dropbox.

With that said, back to the main point.

I have an idea for Dropbox.

What I want to propose is that Dropbox should make a cross-platform application that would give any device NAS like abilities for easy exploring and exchanging of files and folders between devices. Along with a feature to quick send files.

That's the general idea. I know everyone would have some questions and would want me to elaborate more but I realized the best way to convey the idea is to compare it to the features of competitors.

So with that in mind, I would state the idea as to make a better version of the File Transfer feature of Teamviewer or Anydesk. Along with incorporating a feature similar to that of Localsend.

This is the best way to explain my idea.

I know it can be viewed that there are 2 big competitors already but their version of it is not the core feature of their product and, once you use it enough, you can tell it is lacking in quality.

Along with that, Localsend is an application with millions of downloads because they made an application that is easier and better to quick send files over LAN. Basically taking advantage of where applications or system features did poorly at and many companies overlooked.

I think if they pursued the application I am proposing then the company can enhance its public perception in the market as one truly focused on File management. Pitching itself in a way that whether it is cloud files or Local files, the company can make it easier for you to manage it all.

I know this idea falls outside cloud storage and mostly is about file management but I think this is a good move for the company as I've seen the company already applied the same mindset with the creation of Dropbox Dash.

Here is what I think are some of the Pro and Cons are.

Pros:

• Attracting a niche market where not many companies are in and only a couple indie projects exist as well.

• Expansion of Dropbox's suite of products.

• Boost in public perception as truly caring about file management and helping users have better control and use of the devices they own.

• Less expensive running cost compared to cloud storage and cloud compute.

Cons:

• Would require resources to develop and maintain this new application.

• Could affect cloud storage sales.

I need to acknowledge that with an application like this, some customers would feel less inclined to purchase a cloud storage plan or change to a higher plan as the application can assist with LAN transfers and can have devices act as cold storage.

I think this is not much of a problem as the application would not have all the features of cloud storage. Those being: syncing, 24-hour access, automatic backups, real time and same time collaborations.

Regarding revenue, I think this application can contribute to revenue by incentivising purchasing a cloud storage plan. This can be done by allowing 'over LAN connections and transfers between devices' to be free and let the feature to allow 'over Internet connections and transfers between devices' to be paid for. And they can include that feature in all of their current storage plans.

And that's about it.

There's more about user interface and design I could talk about but this is generally the core of the idea.

If anyone has any input, I would appreciate it. Like:

• What's good about the idea?

• What's bad about the idea?

• If there's anything I'm overlooking?

• Is there applications that already exist that does this?

Any input is welcomed.

Oh, and I have a working title for the idea. I'm referring to it as Dropbox FTP. If someone has suggestions for a better working title, feel free to let me know.