Cloud storage helps people organize their files and make them available anywhere, anytime.  As you use the cloud more, your files just keeps piling up, getting bigger and yes, more cluttered – just like your work table.   Often times, you find it hard to track down a particular file on your computer or cloud service because it’s been buried underneath hundreds of more recent files, even if you’re a dedicated folder organizer.

And that is the reason why YouSendIt has acquired Found Software.  Found created a Mac app that lets users search for files across multiple devices and services, such as your desktop, apps, and of course cloud storage.  Users are able to see files on Dropbox, SkyDrive, Evernote, Google Drive, Gmail attachments, your computer and more, all from a single place.

“It’s very evident that we’re moving to a more cloud-nostic world. Our industry has placed a huge burden on users to manage their cloud data—effectively isolating it across a growing number of proprietary platforms,” said YouSendIt CEO, Brad Garlinghouse. “Found enables YouSendIt to realize an exciting vision where users can access and manage the information they’re looking for, no matter where it’s stored.”

This acquisition will put YouSendIt ahead of other cloud service providers in the search race, which will become increasingly important at the consumer level.  Ease of use and access to files will be important determining factors for attracting new users, as well as retaining existing users.

Not surprisingly, there’s a bubbling market of search tools designed for today’s consumer cloud.  Here’s some worth checking out.

Searching the Cloud & Beyond

DocFetcher

If you’re not a cloud user and all your files are still sitting on your PC, you can use DocFetcher to help you find those offline files.  As the company describes their service, it’s “Google for your local files.”  There’s a text field for you to enter your query and the search results are displayed in a result pane.  There’s also a preview pane that shows text-only preview of the file you chose on the results pane.  You can filter search results into filesize, by file type and by location.

CloudMagic

Just like Found, CloudMAgic lets you search for files or data across multiple platforms from cloud services such as Dropbox, Google Drive and iCloud, to social sites such as Twitter and Facebook, and even e-mail services such as Gmail, Hotmail and Yahoo!.  You can also use CloudMagic on your browser, smartphone and tablet.  And you also get to see all your data in one view or snapshot – like a quick update — so you’re always on top of your files.

OfficeDrop

This service provides multiple tools for users.  First off, it offers cloud storage and lets you share your stored files online.  OfficeDrop also turns your smartphone into a scanner via a mobile app for Android and iOS, so you can just scan any physical file, such as receipts, and have them stored in the cloud as a searchable PDF file.  In addition, OfficeDrop makes all your files text searchable, even scanned documents, making file search so much easier.