The pandemic outbreak gets you to work from home. With the limitless information you and your teammates have to share, you’re looking for a solution that allows collaborative working to be more convenient. Thus, you’ve run into the cloud storage and file-sharing services.
If you’re considering using this service, keep reading. This article will show you the five reasons why your small business needs cloud storage and file-sharing services.
What is Cloud Storage?
Cloud storage is a service that allows you to store your file in an online remote location. It’s built over virtualization storage infrastructure, allowing cloud computing to program storage pools to stash your data.
For example, when users upload their files to cloud storage, like Dropbox, the cloud provider will store and maintain the files. Thanks to the cloud computing system, the files are now available online, making them accessible anywhere and anytime.
However, if you need a system with more control and work from a single geographic location, instead you can opt for a Virtual Private Server. This is a virtualized partition on a server that allows for dedicated resources, including RAM, CPU power, and of course storage. So if you’re looking to host a company intranet or database, something like Hostinger VPS would be more apt. This is due to the resources mentioned above, as they’ll allow for more than data storage.
Why Use Cloud Storage and File Sharing Service?
Suppose you keep your files on separate hardware. In that case, you risk losing them when a malfunction happens. On top of that, it’s a little on the high-maintenance side as your files won’t be available online.
That said, let’s see what benefits you can get from utilizing cloud storage and file-sharing services.
1. Access from Anywhere
Cloud storage and file-sharing services are a perfect fit for improving collaboration within a work environment. On top of that, with many people working from home, most business activities rely solely on the internet.
Using the cloud storage system, users with credentials can access the company’s file anytime, from any location, with any device. Thus, it’ll minimize unnecessary inconvenience, such as keeping track of the latest file version or looking for a misplaced hard drive. GoAnywhere has a cloud file transfer for secure managed file transfer solutions.
2. File Sharing with Ease
Besides convenient file access, this service also lets users store and share their files with everyone in the company.
Most cloud storage providers also let users manage who can access their files. As a result, it allows different privacy levels across departments. Thus, if you want to share a file for a particular division, you can do that.
To use this feature, check the file or folder sharing option and adjust the privacy settings.
3. Multi-User Collaboration
Suppose your file doesn’t support multi-user collaboration. In that case, when two or more people edit the document simultaneously, you’ll get multiple versions as the updates aren’t available for all users.
Cloud storage providers often include features that let users work on files simultaneously. This is because any changes made by users will be automatically synced in real-time.
4. Better Security
If you ever feel worried about giving up your valuable company data to third-party companies, you don’t need to be. Excellent cloud storage and file-sharing services encrypt your data when you upload them to its system. Thus, attackers will have a hard time trying to sabotage your files.
Meanwhile, something like a company laptop might be stolen, or a physical in-house server might be compromised due to an unsecured network. Thus, cloud storage is definitely the safer option.
5. Cost Efficiency
Imagine if you have to get each of your employees a hard drive containing the company’s files. Besides the impracticality, you’re also looking at extra work as it doesn’t comprise all the above cloud storage benefits.
Additionally, suppose you opt for building your own server. In that case, you risk losing a good amount of your money for its maintenance. Let alone the possibility of server downtimes.
Cloud storage and file-sharing services offer a more affordable option. With this solution, you can always start small and scale up to cater to your business needs. With the right plan, you can minimize your spending while taking advantage of the collaborative environment.
Best Cloud Storage and File Sharing Solutions
You’ve learned how cloud storage and file sharing solutions are vital for your business. In this section, we’ll show you some of the best solutions for data storage and sharing. Let’s get to it.
1. Amazon Web Service (AWS)
AWS offers a wide variety of cloud storage plans for any dedicated application services, including websites, eCommerce sites, and web apps. The Pay-as-you-go-program allows you to only pay for the resources that match your business needs, making it ideal for any company with a tight budget.
2. Dropbox for Business
Dropbox for business is equipped with numerous excellent features, including generous storage space, cross-platform file sharing, local-file sync, robust security systems, and regular backups. With the cross-platform file sharing ability, Dropbox allows file sharing with users who don’t use it, ensuring an excellent User Experience (UX).
3. Box
The Box comprises cloud storage with a content management focus. Its features include intuitive workflow controls, secured file sharing, file syncing, an excellent report system, and 24/7 technical support over live chat and phone calls. That said, Box can be a great solution for newbies.
4. Google Drive
Google Drive is a great cloud storage and file sharing service with an intuitive User Interface (UI). It grants a lot of storage space, regular backups, local-file sync, GSuite, and other third-party integrations. Also, it lets you edit your document in both online and offline environments.
5. Microsoft OneDrive
If your web application uses Windows and Offices, take advantage of Microsoft OneDrive for seamless integration. This solution provides encrypted file sharing, cross-platform syncing, generous storage space, and third-party integration. However, consider other options if your business runs on the Linux Operating System (OS).
Conclusion
Besides stashing your files online, cloud storage and file-sharing services also provide multi-user collaboration, which allows you to collaborate a document with ease. Therefore, if you want to work smarter and more efficiently, utilizing this service is an excellent idea. But first, ensure your website runs in a supportive environment. Only then can you make the most of the service. Good luck!
Barry Lachey is a Professional Editor at Zobuz. Previously He has also worked for Moxly Sports and Network Resources “Joe Joe.” He is a graduate of the Kings College at the University of Thames Valley London. You can reach Barry via email or by phone.
