The cloud is proving an invaluable tool for freelance workers globally, with Dropbox topping a list of most used apps, a new study shows.
The list of the most popular freelancer tools was compiled following a survey of freelancers by BestVendor, a start-up website aimed at connecting users with useful apps. While respondents were not limited to cloud-based applications, all 25 of their top apps and software are cloud based.
Gmail, Evernote, iCloud and Basecamp all also appeared in the top 10 most popular apps, with Google racking up seven entries in the overall top 25.
The report also highlights emerging favourites, including Capsule CRM, FreeAgent and Remember The Milk.
Freelancers are ahead of the trend when it comes to cloud adoption, with other professionals, such as designers, still relying primarily on desktop software, Jeff Giesea, CEO of BestVendor, said in a blog post.
“Another observation is that freelancers are highly resourceful in finding new tools with great value,” added Giesea. “So keep an eye on those trending apps: If freelancers like them, other professionals are likely to follow.”
Clive Longbottom, an analyst at Quocirca, told Cloud Pro the results were unsurprising: “Freelancers tend not to be cash rich ... spending a few hundred quid on software is not on their radar – every penny counts. So, using Google makes sense – it’s there, it works (for what many Freelancers need to do), and it’s free. Ditto DropBox – it is good enough for most.”
He did, however, add the following caveat: “For a freelancer who is dealing with documents from customers, or with information that constitutes intellectual property, a paid service with greater security (such as Box or SugarSync) would be a better bet.”
