[jgroome]

Sorry, but you can't seriously compare uptime of cloud-based services to hard-disk failure.

I've been using computers since I was 12, so about 17 years, and in that time I've had two hard disks break on me. I'm sure you're going to say you've had a lot more, but if your hard disks are going out of action at a rate even near to how often Google's core services drop out, well, you're doing something wrong.

"Shit happens" is never a valid excuse, even for a service provided at no cost to the user.

[Achshar]

It's not just hard drive failure. Account stolen laptops, out of charge laptops and convenience of accessing any file anywhere anytime (tablet, phone or PC).

[Evbn]

If shot happens less frequently than the SLA's limits, it is a fine excuse.