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Friday, October 13, 2006

Google Gdrive Client Leaked

I’ve been able to get hold of Google’s internal Gdrive client, named “Platypus"* (information on the project leaked a while ago). Please note that Gdrive, from what it looks like, is not a product for general release, but a way for Google employees to store and share files.

Google’s Platypus help, which I’ve mirrored here in its Windows and Linux version, says:

We encourage you to keep all of your files with us, including your Office documents, photos, and personal notes, except for sensitive data (including electronic protected health information) and other files inconsistent with the internal user agreement.

As one can expect, I can’t get past the login screen after installing Gdrive on my local machine. If I’d be able to do so, I could synchronize and share files with other Googlers who also installed Gdrive, and also access files with a web browser. The help file states:

How do I mount other shares?

Right-click the Platypus tray icon, and select “Connect Share.” You can enter the names of other Platypus users (e.g. jeske) or the names of public shares (e.g. test1) to which you have access.

After you mount a share, Platypus will begin synchronizing your hard drive with the share, downloading all of the files it contains. You can continue using your computer normally as Platypus synchronizes in the background.

If you would like to create a new share, e.g. for your team, email Dave [email address removed here] and specify the share’s name, who you would like to be able to edit files in the share, and who you would like to be able to read files in the share.

How do I access my files through the web?

Directory listing: http://platypus.corp.google.com/sharename

A particular file: http://platypus.corp.google.com/sharename/foldername/filename

For those who like to dig a bit more, I’ve also uploaded the configuration file, and included a screenshot of the included files for reference.

[Thanks A.!]

*Answer.com explains that a platypus is a “semiaquatic egg-laying mammal (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) of Australia and Tasmania, having a broad flat tail, webbed feet, and a snout resembling a duck’s bill.”

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