Online File Storage for Small Business Independent Review

We all know that burdensome feeling when y'all've lost holiday snaps that weren't backed up. Can y'all imagine if that happened to your life-or-decease business files?

Now cloud storage services are more than scalable, bullet-proof and cheaper than always, pocket-sized business owners can back up and share important files hands with colleagues.

And with every document encrypted and tracked by experts in cybersecurity, you lot tin brand sure anybody else is kept well and truly out.

Online storage keeps all your business organization files accessible, traceable and secure to help your kickoff-up or visitor work smarter. But there are a few key areas to consider before deciding.

Of course, price is a big i for pocket-size business concern owners, just you too want to know your important documents are in the safest of hands, on a platform that does everything you want it to and saves yous time.

Plus you'll want your new storage tool to scale as your business grows, so you can avoid the pain of trying to migrate all your files to a new online storage solution after on down the line.

Since naming cloud storage equally ane of the top six trends to disrupt the workplace in 2017, our readers told us on Twitter you lot wanted help finding the best deject storage tools.

That'south why we've created this page including everything you need to know to assistance y'all become the correct provider for you – plus our bias-gratuitous list of the best and worst deject storage tools on the marketplace today.

In this article we comprehend:

• 01 | What is a deject storage?
• 02 | Why utilise the deject?
• 03 | Is cloud calculating safe?
• 04 | How do I choose the right 1?

• 05 | Deject storage pricing comparison
• 06 | Which are the best providers?
• 07 | Where can I compare and trial?

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WHAT?

What is cloud storage?

Cloud storage only ways storing data online

Cloud storage is really just online storage. Rather than bankroll upwardly your files to your local storage device (like a hard drive), many people today similar to salve them to a remote database using their Internet connection.

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WHY?

Why use the cloud?

73% of businesses are planning on joining the deject

The number of businesses – big and small – using cloud storage tripled this past year, and 73% of companies are looking to move their data to the cloud. That's according to a recent written report by Intel Security.

These are the main advantages of using cloud storage:

• • Protect your information – Deject storage software uses encryption to foreclose data breaches and keep hackers out.

• • Never lose a file once again – We all know we should be backing up our important files, but many of u.s. forget until information technology's likewise late. A key reward of most cloud storage tools is they automate the process of saving your data online, so y'all tin relax knowing it's all taken care of for yous.

• • Save more – With online storage, you lot'll often get much more room to salvage your files compared with local devices like your computer or an external hard drive.

• • Become 24/7 access – Get your easily on your information wherever y'all are and whenever you want it – on your desktop or mobile.

• • Enjoy group access – Deject storage is oftentimes the easiest and quickest style of sharing of import documents with your team. Y'all can always make up one's mind who you lot want to gain access to your files with and what permissions you'd like them to have.

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Cloud storage vs local storage

So are in that location whatever disadvantages?

With more and more businesses joining cloud services, it's fair to say for many people today the benefits of deject storage far outweigh its limitations. Hither are the main factors to consider when deciding if it's for you lot:

• • Access comes with one condition – Of course, considering your files are saved online, yous'll need an Internet connection whenever yous want to reach them.

• • Bandwidth may vary – Some providers volition desire to restrict your bandwidth allowance, and some will offer it unlimited. You'll just want to check this to brand certain y'all have the flexibility you need.

• • Just what about the risk of a information breach? – Although hacks of starting time-ups are virtually unheard of, some people are worried about the risks of storing data remotely. That's why it'south so of import to pick a reliable cloud software provider.

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Is cloud storage rubber?

64% of It professionals trust cloud security more than than on-premise storage

With millions of the states now uploading our personal and business organization documents to cloud storage services, it's essential to know these companies are protecting this data confronting even the smartest of hackers.

Safety fears are the main reason people hesitate to join the deject. But are these worries founded? Hither's how deject storage providers are able to go along your information secure:

1. 1. Encryption – It is at present manufacture standard for online storage companies to encrypt all your information, so information technology can't exist read by anyone who doesn't take your passwords.

1. 1. Identity management – They besides rely on robust layers of security such as passwords and user permissions.

1. 1. Multifactor authentication (MFA) – Two-factor authentication (ofttimes confirming your identity using your telephone or email) is now becoming mainstream, only you can ofttimes add more than than two layers for your most sensitive information.

1. 1. Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) – By only allowing devices within your organisation to admission your information, y'all can stop any unknown users trying to arrive.

1. 1. A combination of information centres – Many online storage providers own multiple data centres, so all your important information is split between them for added security.

Perhaps that's why according to Cloud Security Brotherhood, two thirds of It professionals at present trust the deject more than on-premise storage devices.

To be sure your deject service vendor is reputable, it's a good idea to check they comply with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and ISO 27001.

Keeping your data secure is a top priority for online storage services. As an case, Microsoft spends over $1 billion (£750 million) a twelvemonth on security.

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HOW?

How do I choose the right cloud storage provider for me?

Here are some of import questions to ask yourself:

How much information storage will I need?

With raw data storage condign cheaper every twelvemonth, you lot won't need to be quite so precious hither. Only as a rule of thumb 2GB is around 2,000 photos or ane hour of video. 15GB is ideal for effectually 5,000 photos and 100GB volition get you closer to 33,000 photos.

Most people consider 1TB unlimited storage. But if you by and large merely save small documents, some pocket-sized businesses could make do with a free subscription. Though you may yet like to consider more advances deject storage plans to get you added perks like multiple user access.

Does the cloud calculating company have their own information centre?

When picking the right cloud storage solution for you, you'll want to know the visitor y'all sign upwardly for will be the ones in accuse of safely storing your data. Some cloud storage providers have their own data centres, whilst others outsource using a third party service.

If it'southward the latter, you'll demand to check who they are and what their track record is for cybersecurity. All our recommended providers on this page had to score top marks in this area.

Will you lot desire to share your files within your teams?

Sharing your information is a major plus signal of deject storage, and lets teams collaborate from wherever they are. With some providers, y'all'll demand to get shared information as an add-on, only it usually isn't expensive.

And if yous're oftentimes on the become, y'all might desire to brand sure you tin install the company app on your phone. That way, you lot'll stay connected to whatsoever decisions made in meetings, wherever y'all are.

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HOW MUCH?

Cloud storage pricing comparison

How do the elevation 3 cloud storage providers compare?

Microsoft OneDrive Easy to use and lightning fast

OneDrive offers all the features start-ups need, plus some nice touches that get beyond but file storage.

What's it similar to use?Microsoft OneDrive is a doddle to start using, and there are handy tutorials to help whatever beginning-timers. It's a simple, easy-to-employ software with some of the fastest download speeds we tested.We like being able to edit our files online, and the pick of reverting dorsum to a previous version of a file if anything goes incorrect.And so in that location's the alive syncing of data, then all your devices are kept up-to-appointment, and the file sharing works well. Pocket-sized businesses can really rely on this software for well-nigh functions, even for playing role music or watching shows when y'all're travelling.Is there anything to sentry out for?OneDrive uses encryption to keep your information secure. We just think it would be a good idea to have the option of using a different password from your regular Microsoft one for an added boost of security. Though the two-factor authentication can help y'all get round this.Microsoft OneDrive pricing Typical annual toll: £0 Get 5GB of gratis storage or pay from £1.99 a month if you lot'd like more.
£5.99 / month1TBRole 365
(including Word, Excel, Powerpoint etc.)
Should I get it?Nosotros think Microsoft OneDrive is a great option for small business organisation owners wanting an like shooting fish in a barrel-to-apply and affordable cloud storage tool. Y'all can besides salvage on your Office 365 Home parcel.If you're interested, you tin read more or sign up on the Microsoft website.Dropbox Business One of the biggest, and nonetheless one of the best

As a specialist cloud storage provider, nosotros think Dropbox accept idea of but about everything growing businesses would always desire.

What's it like to employ?It's easy – you lot can apply Dropbox on Windows, MacOS and even Linux and there'south a squeamish little tutorial to become you on your feet. Information technology likewise happens to perform tasks in a wink.Dropbox users relish a host of features – it lets you auto-sync your devices, edit your documents on their software, rewind to old versions of files and collaborate with friends or colleagues.Is at that place anything to spotter out for?Dropbox pricing Typical almanac price: £79 Dropbox Plus gets you a whopping 1TB of storage space for £7.99. Or 2GB is free, but we don't recall that'll be enough for most modest businesses (it's around 2,000 photos or ane hour of video). Information technology'south not bad, but OneDrive is just that bit more generous.There's also the pick of Dropbox Professional if you lot fancy extra bonuses like creating jazzy presentations and tracking who's seen what, but if not Dropbox Plus is also a fine option for small business use.Should I become it?Dropbox is a great selection because it specialises in cloud storage and is used by millions of big and small-scale businesses effectually the world. That ways if you want to add staff members to your business account, there's a good take chances they'll already be familiar with this software.How does Dropbox compare to Google Drive? They're ii top-notch options, but many heavy users tell us they detect Dropbox download speeds a tad faster.You lot can compare all of Dropbox's plans and try whatever 1 you like for gratis hither.Google Bulldoze Generous complimentary storage but access besides open

Google Drive is a cakewalk to use and it's easy to admission your data from wherever you are – though possibly a fiddling too easy with the lenient password controls.

What'south information technology like to utilise?We observe Google pretty fast for uploading and downloading photos and it has a good mix of must-have features like file sharing, online editing and syncing your devices. These will all brand your life easier.Is there anything to watch out for?For business employ, we really think it'due south important to be able to limit your privacy settings for unlike users – later all, you lot don't want your whole team pulling up the file on salary information.It's fiddling things similar this that make Google Bulldoze perfect for your personal redundancy, but more express for small businesses.What's more, if you ever want out, you'll also need to say good-bye to your Google account. But the good news is that your data will be well and truly gone.Google Drive pricing Typical annual price: £0 Google Drive gives yous the most bang for no buck: 15GB of complimentary storage. If you need more, you can cull between:

• 100GB – £1.59 a month

• 1TB – £seven.99 a month (the same as OneDrive and Dropbox)

Should I get information technology?If yous're looking for bags of free storage, you'll be hard pressed to discover better than Google'south 15GB for free. Where do I sign? You can head to the Google Drive page to track your storage and take things further.Cloud storage providers to avoidMozy Slow and expensive for what you lot become
★★ ★★★

This is really picayune more than a storage tool – there'south no in-cloud editing or file sharing, which makes the tool much less helpful for business utilise.

What's it like to use?Cloud storage newcomers beware – Mozy doesn't take any introductory tutorials, so it tin be a little tricky to become to grips with.The app works fine on Apple tree and Android devices, and the rollback feature (which lets y'all return to an before version of a document) is a great idea yous don't often detect. Only in general Mozy is missing quite a few handy features y'all get with other providers.Is there anything to watch out for?Mozy uses encryption and encourages you to change your password a few times a yr, and so there's little to worry about. Just we think it would offer added protection if information technology advised you on the strength of your password when you're choosing one, just like with other tools.Mozy pricing Typical annual toll: £60 Mozy is i of the least price effective online storage providers we found. Here's what information technology costs:

• 50GB – £4.99 a month (OneDrive and Google Drive both price under half that)

• 125GB – £7.99 a month (again, with alternatives you'll get 1TB for that amount)

Just if y'all'd like to effort Mozy, it's free for 2GB.Should I get it?We wouldn't recommend Mozy as an online storage tool for business apply. Information technology'southward 1 of the more expensive providers, but actually offers much fewer features than its alternatives. And it's got one of the slowest upload and download speeds.Merely if you'd like to check it out, feel free to read more than on their website here.Amazon Cloud Drive Fine, but you tin can do better
★★★ ★★

Amazon Cloud Drive is slap-up for uploading and downloading photos in a flash. But it really doesn't practice much more. With other online storage providers, you'll go much more functionality.

What'due south it like to use?Amazon makes deject storage easy using its slick app – and they're taking security seriously with two-factor authentication for when you sign in.But nosotros think features like file editing, sharing and rollback are a must for effective business organisation use. And even for personal employ, Amazon Drive is adequately limited – video files are slow to download and they need to be under 20 minutes long for video streaming.Is there annihilation to lookout out for?Merely promise you won't ever want to delete your Amazon Deject Drive subscription fully because the just way is to cancel your Amazon account likewise.There'due south also the risk that you might want to end your Prime number membership ane day, which would make this storage option less worthwhile.Amazon Cloud Drive pricing Typical annual cost: £0 All users get 5GB worth of gratuitous storage and for Prime members in that location's no limit to your photo uploads. Modest businesses will probably be wanting more space though.Should I get it?Nosotros wouldn't rush to sign upwardly. There are plenty of alternatives that will brand your life a lot easier.Simply if you're still interested, here's where to go.In a nutshellWe know that even if monthly subscription packages don't accept to cost the earth, choosing the right cloud storage provider for your small business is an important decision. No one wants the headache of trying to migrate all your files to a new service further downwards the line.Start-ups and small business concern owners tell us they're looking for ease-of-use, decent (concern-friendly) features, security and value for money. And each one of our top three scored well in all these areas.So, the pinnacle three nosotros would recommend our readers are:#1 | Microsoft OneDrive
#2 | Google Drive
#3 | DropboxMozy and Amazon Drive are really just reasonable deject storage tools, merely for professional person use you'll need a bit more functionality.Google would be your best gratuitous pick, only we don't think it'due south quite up to scratch for business organization utilize with its lenient password controls and express privacy settings.Of the remaining 2, Dropbox is our winner – it's a specialist online storage tool that'due south slick, fast and does everything small businesses need. But it's adequately pricey compared to Microsoft OneDrive which is some other exceptional selection and our number i for value for money.

Where next?

If you'd like to start a free trial or sign upwardly for any of the online storage services nosotros covered on this page, here are the links y'all'll need:

• • Microsoft OneDrive – All-time for value for money

• • Google Bulldoze – Best for free or personal use

• • Dropbox – Best for functionality

	2GB	5GB	15GB	50GB	100GB	1TB	5TB
OneDrive		Free		£ane.99 /mth		£5.99 /mth	£7.99 /mth
Dropbox	Free					£vii.99 /mth
Google Drive			Free		£1.59 /mth	£7.99 /mth
	✅ PROS – Piece of cake gear up-up, neat smartphone app, depression cost, alive synchronisation of files ❌ CONS – Same password every bit Microsoft accountEase of use ★★★★ ★ Features ★★★★★ Value for money ★★★★★
Price	Storage	Any perks?
Free	5GB	This is more often than not to exam information technology out
£1.99 / month	50GB	Non however…
£seven.99 / month	5TB	Office 365 Home (which lets you add up to v users)
	✅ PROS – Dandy security controls, user-friendly software, fast transfers, virtually features small businesses need ❌ CONS – No password protection of individual filesEase of utilize ★★★★ ★ Features ★★★★★ Value for money ★★★★★
	✅ PROS – 15GB free storage, like shooting fish in a barrel-to-use, editing tools, encryption, stellar app (Android and iOS), fast data transfer ❌ CONS – Password settings could exist stricterEase of apply ★★★★ ★ Features ★★★★ ★ Value for money ★★★★★
	✅ PROS – Simple app, encryption, easy to delete account, useful rollback function ❌ CONS – No tutorials for first timers, limited features (no certificate editing, no sharing, no 2-factor authentication), slow download speedsEase of use ★★ ★★★ Features ★★ ★★★ Value for money ★ ★★★★
	✅ PROS – Existent-time file syncing, user-friendly app, speedy downloads, two-gene authentication, Prime number member perks ❌ CONS – Restricted file sharing and editing, no rollback, uses Amazon passwordEase of use ★★★★ ★ Features ★★★ ★★ Value for coin ★★★★★

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Source: https://startups.co.uk/technology/best-cloud-storage/

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