Cloud storage services is getting more popular every day, and there are already a lot of sites online that offer cloud computing and storage on redundant remote servers. Working with files in the cloud has a lot of advantages, especially when it comes to data safety and accessibility, although you do need to have a constant Internet connection, preferably unlimited, as well.
But are cloud storage services good enough to be used by businesses, which need stability and reliability all the time? As a matter of fact, they are! While cloud computing is still a bit iffy (but useable), cloud storage is pretty much indestructible and on the same level or higher than dedicated remote backup servers. The industry has matured a lot in the past few years, and today you can use cloud storage services for your business needs without any worries.
Here are just a few of the services that will let you store and work with your files and data in the cloud:
Microsoft SkyDrive
SkyDrive is one of the best kept secrets from Microsoft, it seems – such a useful service should really get more attention. With SkyDrive, you can save any files on Microsoft’s cloud using your free LIVE account, and you get 25 GB of space for free. There are apps for Android, iOS, Windows and other operating systems that let you easily sync files and whole folders with the remote account, and the data is safe and secure on Microsoft’s servers – it’s the perfect service if you’re just getting started.
Dropbox
Dropbox is one of the most popular online storage and backup services, and they have all the features you’ll ever need for saving and working with files on the cloud. You can upload and sync files using one of the many tools available for pretty much every OS out there. You can sing up and get 2 GB free, to be used however you want, with larger packages having a fairly reasonable pricing structure.
iCloud
If you use Apple products and have updated to the latest version of iOS and Mac OS, you already have access to iCloud, which is one of the best cloud storage services on the market. The service is integrated seamlessly with most of the apps on the iPhone, iPad and Mac, and you can use it to store documents, photos, music and other files remotely – of course, you’ll need a constant Internet connection and a subscription.
Google Docs
Google Docs was among the first services to offer document creation and editing services in the cloud, and it’s still going strong today. You can create pretty much any of the popular document formats right inside your browser and edit them using a nice WYSIWYG editor, with advanced formatting support. Aside from documents, Google Docs lets you upload, store and share any other kinds of files, too.
Box
Box lets you easily store all the files you need in the cloud and share them with anyone or access them whenever you want, from wherever you want. The web interface is easy to use and secure, and the pricing is very reasonable, as well.
There are many advantages to using cloud services to store and work with your files, especially for businesses that are constantly growing. If you were thinking about trying them before, stop thinking and try them! Start with the services listed above and if they don’t fit your needs (which is pretty unlikely), you can always find other great alternatives using Google.
