The first match in the Apps division is between the historically strong Short Message Service, known to its friends as "Texting", against relative newcomer and fan favorite Dropbox.
Dropbox
Hailing from San Francisco, CA is the web app that revolutionized stage management teamwork and introduced a whole new section to the pre-production paperwork of smart SMs. Dropbox and its clones allow users to clone the contents of a folder between any connected computer or phone while backing up those contents to the cloud.
Dropbox's limited storage space on the free version can be a handicap on the field, but it can pump itself up legitimately through paid subscriptions or lay on the juice through referrals.
Some concerns exist about how Dropbox encrypts its stored files, but other clones give users complete control over the whole process. One clone, Owncloud, allows you to host the stored files on your own server to ensure they never fall into the wrong hands. Altogether the Dropbox team includes at least 300 similar services including Box, SpiderOak, SugarSync, Amazon and controversial large-file hosting apps such as Mega and FireDrive.
Regardless of which cloud storage app you and your team use, there's no doubt that this relatively new technology has changed the way stage managers and production teams operate. The question is, is it enough to take on text messaging?
SMS
With an estimated 3.5 billion active users, SMS has had nearly 30 years to establish itself as the leader in communication technology. Nearly every cell phone has some type of SMS app, some have many. The rise of text messaging has pretty much obliterated voicemail and fax technology and has made it far less intrusive to quickly communicate with the cast and stage management team. In a pinch it can even be used as a replacement for headset systems.
Texting has its drawbacks, with some phone carriers still charging per message. Sending images (MMS) is still shaky between carriers and the 140 character limit can lead to some crazy shorthand. Typing out texts for people without smartphones can be a labor-intensive process. The abbreviated nature of SMS has made formal conversation a luxury in some venues, and the temptation to include emoticons in business conversations has been the downfall of many eager young interns.
Even so, there's no doubt that SMS is a heavy hitter in this season's competition. Can it knock out Dropbox? Cast your vote now, discuss and decide!
Poll will remain open through Dec 3 at midnight EST.