"This is what we do"

With the increase in data generation by organizations and companies worldwide, having systems to manage and oversee that information has become essential. Dropbox, known for its suite of products that facilitates file storage, transfer, and management, has launched Dash, a universal search tool powered by artificial intelligence, to help users handle this vast volume of data. Since its launch as Dash for Business in 2024, the company has worked closely with its clients to refine the product, highlighting the active involvement of McLaren F1 in this process.

During an interview with Drew Houston, CEO of Dropbox, it was discussed how McLaren has influenced the development of this AI platform. Houston recalled that, although Dropbox has existed since 2007, the company underwent a "generational transition" that not only needed to modernize its brand and product portfolio but also to change the way customers perceived it. "We wanted to educate our customers and the public about Dropbox's new capabilities," he commented, emphasizing the growing popularity of Formula 1 and the interest it generates.

McLaren F1 has stood out for its proactive adoption of technology and its culture centered on excellence, which has led them to be among the first to adopt various Dropbox tools, including DocuSend for file transfer and Replay for social media management. Dan Keyworth, Director of Business Technology at McLaren Racing, explained that Dash's tools meet an essential need for the team, which often finds itself scattered across different locations during race weekends. Efficiency and the capability to extract greater performance from the team are crucial in this competitive environment.

Houston highlighted that Dash addresses a common problem: connecting the right information to the right people at the right time. During the demonstration, he showed how the tool can quickly locate specific information, potentially resulting in significant productivity savings as it is implemented in large organizations. Dash Assistant, an AI tool that learns from the user and helps create cohesive messages with the appropriate tone, was also introduced.

The CEO mentioned that collaboration with McLaren has accelerated the development of a more robust product, considering the demanding requirements and dynamic environment in which they operate. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of security and access control to information within organizations, something that Dash has effectively addressed, allowing companies to manage content more securely.

Houston concluded by reflecting on the hype surrounding artificial intelligence and the need for this technology to translate into tangible improvements in productivity and business performance. Dropbox's mission has evolved, shifting from being merely a file synchronization service to becoming an intelligence layer that optimizes users' work lives, connecting and simplifying information management in one place.