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Dropbox users can now issue 'file requests' to friends, colleagues

Dropbox Basic and Pro users can send out file requests starting today. Dropbox for Business customers are promised to get the chance to jump on the new feature within the next few weeks.
Written by Rachel King, Contributor

Dropbox is getting a little more demanding -- or at least encouraging its users to act as such.

The cloud storage service is adding a file request feature in which users can issue requests to contacts when aiming to retrieve files.

The function builds off of Dropbox's existing shared folders feature, but now users can request specific pieces of digital content ("large or small," touted Dropbox) on demand from friends or colleagues on any device.

Dropbox hinted the inspiration came directly from users, citing internal research that found more than 60 percent of its membership base replied they needed to collect files from others at least once in the last year.

Furthermore, nearly a quarter of those people asserted that need popped up at least once a week.

The San Francisco-base company noted it has fostered approximately 2.1 billion sharing connections since launching in 2008, now seeing more than 250,000 people join or create shared folders each day.

Nevertheless, there is still a cap on file sharing as users can send files only as large as 2GB in full resolution.

Earlier this week, Dropbox doubled down on security for its mobile user base -- especially those using Dropbox for work-related content.

Dropbox for Business is preparing enterprise mobile management (EMM) support, which will be delivered through the platform's API.

Already sketching an even bigger picture, Dropbox said on Tuesday it plans to build out an EMM ecosystem with some familiar players -- including Okta, Centrify and Samsung Knox -- with the intention of securing personal and work profiles on Apple iOS and Google Android for Work.

Dropbox Basic and Pro users can send out file requests starting today. Dropbox for Business customers are promised to get the chance to jump on the new feature within the next few weeks.


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