A digital locker is a remote file storage space accessible via the internet, offered by companies for a fee. It centralizes files, allowing access from any device. Microsoft first used the term for its Windows Marketplace service, and digital lockers are now part of cloud computing. Two popular configurations are multimedia and archiving, with the latter also offering personal information management and document collaboration.
A digital locker is a file storage space on servers accessible via the Internet. The servers are owned and operated by a company that offers hard drive space to the public to store files for a fee. Centralizing files on a remote server accessible via the Internet allows the user to use those files on any computer or web-enabled device. This avoids the problem of localization, where files are stored at home or in the office on a single disk physical hard drive accessible only by logging into the computer directly.
The term “digital locker” was first used by Microsoft® as a proprietary name for part of its Windows Marketplace service. At the time, it allowed customers to download purchased applications from the company’s servers. A copy of the application was placed in the customer’s digital locker so that it could be re-downloaded in the future if needed, such as when the customer upgraded to a new computer and wanted to restore purchased applications. This service was designed to replace the physical delivery of software in the form of CDs and DVDs. The centralization of programs on a company-controlled server was designed to change the consumer experience by providing instant access to software purchases via download, protection against loss or damage to a physical disk, and management of updates.
Digital lockers are now part of cloud computing terminology. Cloud computing is the movement towards browser-based applications and offsite file storage, where programs and files are located on centralized servers operated by a technology company and can be accessed from any Internet-enabled device for a fee. The digital locker is the space assigned to the customer on the server where he can access and manage his material.
There are basically two popular digital locker configurations. The first is multimedia. It allows storage of multimedia files, such as songs, photos, movies and videos, to allow customers to enjoy their entertainment files on any connected device. The companies that offer this service evaluate it based on the space the customer needs to store his files.
The second configuration also allows archiving of regular files in addition to media files. It also stores data for managing personal information, such as calendars and contacts, and synchronizes information between devices. This type of digital locker can also enable document collaboration, where multiple people are given permission to access and edit certain files along with others.
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