Linux Journal | December 2012 | Issue 224 - ACM Digital Library

INDEPTHIntroducing GriveAn independent open-source implementation of GoogleDrive—up in the cloud.MEHDI POUSTCHI AMINEarlier this year, Google introducedits Google Drive cloud storage service.Cloud storage is a model of networkedon-line storage where data is storedin virtualized pools of storage thatthird parties generally host. Hostingcompanies operate large data centers,and people who require hostingbuy or lease storage capacity fromthem. The data-center operators,in the background, virtualize theresources according to their customers’requirements and expose them asstorage pools, which the customersthemselves can use to store files ordata objects. Physically, the resourcesmay span across multiple servers.A Web service applicationprogramming interface (API) accessescloud storage services through a cloudstorage gateway or through a Webbaseduser interface. Google Drive isa place where you can create, share,collaborate and keep all of your stuff.You can upload and access all of yourfiles, including videos, photos, GoogleDocs, PDFs and more.The advantage of the GoogleDrive is that it could become yourcentralized storage vault for all yourdocuments in the cloud. It lets youcreate and collaborate in the sameway as Google Docs did.1) Create and collaborate: GoogleDocs is built right in to Google Drive,so you can work with others in realtime on documents, spreadsheets andpresentations. Once you choose toshare content with others, you can addand reply to comments on anything(PDFs, images, video files and so on)and receive notifications when otherpeople comment on shared items.You can upload up to 30 different fileextensions, which many other cloudservices don’t allow.2) Store everything safely andaccess it anywhere (especially whileon the go): Synchronization is oneof the coolest things ever. When youuse a synchronizing storage product,like Google Drive, any file you put in90 / DECEMBER 2012 / WWW.LINUXJOURNAL.COM