$1 is not a lot of money. In fact $1 per month for something I would use daily on multiple devices is not much to ask. LastPass provides password management cross platform and cross devices. Today, I use 1Password and Roboform for password management. 1Password is restricted to Apple's platforms (Mac and iPhone). Roboform is restricted to Windows on the desktop (for now I am ignoring the Online option) but runs on multiple mobile platforms such as Windows Phone, Blackberry, Palm, Symbian, and iPhone.
LastPass provides password management on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Â Additionally, LastPass provides password management on Windows Phone, Blackberry, Symbian, and Android.
The new way to pay for software
LastPass has a SaaS model where you pay $1 per month for this password management service. This contrasts the traditional software model where you pay a fixed price for software you own. A benefit to the SaaS model is you get all upgrades as they are included in your current pricing model. A downside is you never stop paying, assuming the vendor remains in business and you still need or want the service.
Storing Passwords in the cloud
I like the concept of storing all my passwords in the "cloud" (servers hosted on the internet) so they can be accessed from any platform at anytime. Roboform Online and LastPass can store your information in the cloud. LastPass has an advantage as it is the only one of these three I use to support Android. Let me clarify, I don't mind storing my passwords in the cloud, but I would want an option to store with another vendor like Amazon S3, Live Mesh, SkyDrive, or DropBox. I don't have a logical reason to trust the guys at LastPass. I doubt they have any bad intentions but I cannot trust them with the digital keys to my life. Storing my data with a 3rd party lowers the level of trust I need to have with LastPass. I know this option might limit the functionality but I am willing to forgo that as it addresses my security concerns.
Seamless Password Synchronization
The concept that all my passwords are seamlessly synced from desktop(s) to mobile devices and are accessible via a web browser is an amazing concept. Roboform, 1Password, LastPass all provide an amazing solution. LastPass today is the most future proof today because it supports the widest number of platforms. This is something that can be addressed by Roboform and 1Password assuming this is the direction they want to take their companies.
Are you using a password management solution? Â Over the next couple weeks I will provide a review of these password management solutions.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Looking forward to your review. 1Password is amazing on the desktop as is Roboform but the issue on mobiles is they don’t function in the default browser environment.
I have 1 Password Pro for my Ipod touch and I really like it, its very simple to use and it was cheap! Since your review I checked into 1 Password for my Macbook and found that it costs 39.99 to buy. The downfall is that it doesn’t appear to store your passwords and info online or 3rd party like last pass. The upside is that it doesn’t store your passwords and info online or third party. Just so you know I am not a computer or tech savvy fellow (which is why I like SMR)but the thought of letting someone who I can’t see or meet in person let alone personally don’t know have all of my, how did you say….digital keys to my life, just doesn’t sit easy with me. So what is a man to do, I’m just not comfortable with the cloud so I guess I will get the 1pass for my MB and back up to the ole Time machine!
Chad you should read my most recent article http://www.simplemobilereview.com/is-lastpass-the-password-manager-for-you/
I get the concerns about trust and LastPass but the technology used is designed to protect you and them. If you jump between Windows and Mac you will love the fact your passwords are always available. 1Password is a great product (I own it) but it is only for Mac OSX. You get a 14 day trial of LastPass. Try it out. Remember the goal of a Password Manager is to allow you to use more secure passwords vs ones you can easily remember or have hacked. If your passwords are currently easy to remember you at more risk due to weak passwords then storing them online with LastPass.