Evernote, the next-generation file system
For years there has been ongoing discussions, especially in the Unix community, about what and who the next generation file system should be. Some say XFS, others prefer the Solaris ZFS. Everybody agrees, that the current used ones are lame. Of course, this discussion is way too geeky for the mainstream users who only wants to store their files in a simple way so they will find them again in a week.
So, we don’t need to dive deep into the technicalities of file systems to tackle problems of current users. What’s needed, though, is a better abstraction layer on top. One that handles todays requirements, which may be different from those 30 years ago.
What are my requirements for a new file system?
Well, the other day I sat in front of my favorite note-taking tool and realized that it’s not that far away from what I want.
Sync all files stored on different devices instantly
Check. Evernote does this, though only in 15 minute intervals.
Offline access and editing on all devices
Check. And by all devices, I really mean all. Suddenly the iPad has a file system.
Access and editing with basic web browser
Check. One could argue their web frontend isn’t well designed, but it does the job.
Handle all files regardless of file type
Check. You can add attachments to notes.
Automatic file versioning
Premium feature. In their defense, deleted notes go to a recycle bin and can be restored easily.
Easy import and export with current file systems
Check for the Import. Export is possible, but only as HTML without the former structure.
Easy sharing and collaboration
You can share a whole notebook, but not a single note. Also a no to collaboration (two or more users working simultaneously on one document). Definitely room for improvement.
Option to categorize items with folders and tags
Check. Sub-Tags are also available.
Option to bundle information snippets in one entity
Check. You could throw and combine every file in one note. PDFs and pictures are displayed in full preview.
Advanced search options & search within content
Check. Also a point where Evernote shines. Missing is the ability to search within files, like done by Google Desktop.
Well, as you can see, Evernote comes really close to rule everything that handles information for me in the cloud. What do I mean by that? As most web users I have trillions of profiles that all store some sort of information for me. Delicious has my bookmarks, Mag.ma my videos, FFFFound my images, and so on.
The following is a paper scan of supposedly all my data entities. I can recommend the short exercise of listing and then structuring them.
The conclusion: Almost all of it could be stored in Evernote. No separate tag architectures, only one app…beautiful, right?
If the team only would realize that.
For example I had the idea to migrate my bookmarks from delicious and read later-articles from Instapaper, because after all it’s only URLs with tags (that could be done with Evernote).
But no, every time I search a bookmark I have to click on the actual item to access the note, then click on the link….it’s just not comfortable.
Another thing is the bandwidth limit. Even if I would pay for the service, the maximum amount is 500 MB per month. It would take 5 months to get only my stuff from Dropbox (free 2GB) up to Evernote. How should I get to a paperless office with such a limitation? Why can’t there be a flexible pricing, like a 500 MB package fro $5? Everybody who needs more could buy as many packages as he likes.
I think the Evernote team itself hasn’t fully grasped that their app could be a game changer in how we deal with (digital) information.
This article was first published on October 8, 2010.
