By Chris Rancourt
It’s clear that there are major advantages to storing your business files in the cloud; however, finding the right cloud storage service isn’t easy. The concept of cloud storage can even be confusing to some of us who are less than tech savvy.
What Exactly Is Cloud Storage?
Cloud storage is a new way to organize, share and save information. Instead of relying solely on your computer’s hard drive to back up your files, those files will be safely and easily stored on the Web. A major advantage to the cloud is accessibility. You can access your files from just about any location that has Internet access. You can pull up your latest project on your phone on your way to work, continue that project on your office computer, and finish it at home on your tablet. After every update, your files are automatically synced in the cloud, and multiple versions are stored in case of an emergency.
It’s clear that cloud storage can help your small business be more efficient, but what should you look for in a good cloud storage service? Based on our research at NextAdvisor, here are three of the most important factors to consider when choosing your cloud service.
- Mobility: One of the major advantages to having cloud storage is the ability to access your information at anytime on any Internet-enabled device. When looking for a cloud service, make sure that the service has some type of mobile app and tablet-based app if you plan on working on the go. This will allow you to update documents, share files, and work on projects with the same ease and fluidity as if you were still at you desk. Mobility allows you to be in constant contact with your business.
- Storage Space: The amount of space you need for your cloud storage can oftentimes determine which service is best for you. Many services offer a limited amount of space and charge extra for adding on to an existing account. So when choosing a cloud storage service, figure out how much you will need to store and pick a service that offers the space you need for a good price.
- Security: For many people, security is the most important factor when looking for a new cloud service. Chances are that you are going to be keeping some of your business’s most important files and documents on the cloud, so it’s important to figure out how safe those files will be. Make sure to check and see if the service has data encryption. Data encryption works as a type of code that scrambles your information when it is stored in the cloud and then descrambles it when it is needed. This technique helps prevent your files from being opened by unwanted users and insures that if the account is hacked, the files are unreadable without the encryption key. Cloud security is becoming increasingly important as some cloud services have been victims of major hacks over the past year.
If you’re interested in more information on cloud services, check out NextAdvisor’s cloud storage reviews, where you can compare and contrast different cloud storage services and the features they offer.
Chris Rancourt is a NextAdvisor.com content manager who covers Web hosting, online backup, cloud storage, audiobooks, online dating, online video and payday loans. Chris is a graduate of University of the Pacific and currently resides in the San Francisco bay area.
