Online file storage is a must-have for any business or entrepreneur. With cloud backup, you can avoid file loss and restore your device if it’s ever damaged. Cloud storage also makes collaborating with team members easier since they can access files remotely. Plus, remote access means you can access files anywhere and on any device.
But cloud services aren’t all the same. Some have functionality limitations, while others can be expensive. If you’re considering a new option or are looking to improve on your current storage provider, these six cloud storage options are all worth a look.
6 of the best cloud storage services
With a variety of storage plans, sharing options, and quality security, these storage services offer solutions for individuals, small businesses, and even larger corporations.
Microsoft OneDrive
For Windows users, Microsoft OneDrive offers an integrated, intuitive online backup and file sharing solution. Paired with Microsoft Office and Office 365, this platform can help save you time and keep you productive.
OneDrive offers file syncing on your hard drive and all of your devices. You can even use your mobile device to scan and store receipts, notes, documents, and other essential items and save them to OneDrive. The OneDrive Personal Vault offers extra identity verification security protection, making it an ideal location to store sensitive photos and files.
In conclusion, OneDrive’s free plan comes with 5 GB of storage. Paid plans start at $1.99 per month.
Apple iCloud
For iOS and macOS users, Apple’s iCloud offers easily accessible storage. The Mac Finder app lets you sync all of your files across your devices for seamless integration. You can use iCloud to back up your files, upload your photos to iCloud Photos, and store folders and documents in iCloud Drive.
With the ability to sync up to 10 devices with an Apple ID, iCloud can act as a central hub to ensure you’re always able to access the files, contact information, and resources you need.
The ability to use iCloud as a file backup service is a big plus. iCloud can perform partial daily backups of your iPhone or iPad, uploading information like music, photos, text messages, and device settings for easier disaster recovery.
iCloud offers 5 GB of free storage. After that, plans start at just $0.99 per month.
Dropbox
Dropbox offers many perks. With Dropbox Basic, you’ll get a free account with 2 GB of storage for photos, documents, and files. The company’s different plans, Dropbox Pro and Dropbox Business, offer increased capacity and storage.
The Pro individual plan, is suitable for entrepreneurs who aren’t working with teams and offers 3 TB of storage. Dropbox Business is available at Standard and Advanced levels. These plans provide multiuser accessibility, 5 TB and more of storage, and a variety of team management, audit, security, and collaboration tools.
Compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, Dropbox is a versatile option. Plus, if you accidentally delete a file, you can restore it on Dropbox.com within 30 days. You can even create Dropbox forms with JotForm to help streamline your work and save you time.
Box
Box is a powerful online collaboration tool. It integrates with over 1,500 apps, including JotForm. Advanced security controls and intelligent threat detection help keep your data and files safe. The platform’s user-friendly design makes it easy for new team members to use. Box Notes, a collaborative note-taking tool, allows multiple users to simultaneously edit a document together.
The individual free plan comes with 10 GB of storage and a 250 MB file size upload limit. Business plans start at just $5 per month, which gets you 100 GB of storage and the ability to collaborate with up to 10 users.
Egnyte
Designed for business use, Egnyte is a versatile option that can accommodate the needs of your business. It integrates with public clouds — like Google Cloud. That lets you to sync your workflows and content through multiple clouds.
You can also integrate your on-premises file servers with Egnyte to create a single point of administration for streamlined, cost-efficient management. Egnyte integrates with security tools, CRMs, and apps like JotForm for streamlined work processes.
Egnyte’s Team plan for up to 10 employees starts at $10 per employee, per month. It includes 1 TB of storage. The Business plan for 10–100 employees starts at $20 per employee per month.
Google Drive
One of the most affordable cloud storage services, Google Drive allows for easy storage, sharing, and collaboration. It integrates seamlessly with G Suite programs and can store over 100 file types.
Through Google Drive, your team can collaborate in Microsoft Office files in real time without worrying about converting file formats. Artificial intelligence (AI) and search capabilities help to streamline your work and save you time.
Google Drive integrates with many other tools, including JotForm, so you can store the data you collect from your forms directly to your Drive.
The free plan includes 15 GB of storage space. Paid plans start at $1.99 per month.
Choosing the right storage provider
In conclusion, these cloud storage providers — as well as other top services like Amazon Drive, SpiderOak, and Nextcloud — can help streamline your workflow and provide valuable backup and security. Many offer free trials to help you get a feel for how they operate and to make sure that they’re just right for your business and needs.
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