In many companies, data is exchanged via the cloud, which is a good solution for companies including small businesses. With enterprise cloud storage, data can be accessed anytime, anywhere as soon as there is the internet. In addition, this saves storage space on the local computer and the data can be accessed on any device.
Files are getting bigger and bigger these days and online storage services have become a must. Whether it’s preserving sensitive data, backing up your computer, or transferring files, here are the best cloud services for small businesses on the market.
6 Best cloud services for small business
Storage needs to be increase among users for whom physical media are no longer a guarantee of security. This is where cloud services come in at a minimum, they will allow you to store your data securely online, such as your photos and videos. According to INTELLIWORX, the offer then stands out on many additional features such as file synchronization, encryption, and even online collaboration.
- Google Drive – The most complete
Google Drive is a file storage and transfer service. To access it, you should possess a Google account. It allows you to upload all the files you want. The service works with all the services offered by Google: Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. It is therefore coupled with Gmail. The latter can not accept more than 25 MB, it redirects to Drive for sharing larger files and can share up to 15 GB! You can also synchronize folders on your computer using the Sync function.
Should you choose Google Drive? The benefits of Google Drive.
Generous free offer in storage space
- Integration with Google tools
- Collaboration tools: Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides
- Folder synchronization feature
Cons of Google Drive
- No password protection of shared files
- Privacy Concerns
- Uncompetitive prices
- Dropbox – The best in sync
Dropbox is one of the pioneers when it comes to cloud folder synchronization. It’s a safe bet that this is one of the first services of its kind that you may have used. With its cross-platform compatibility, excellent performance, and collaborative options, Dropbox is a recommendable online storage solution. Unfortunately, its advanced functions come at a slightly higher price, especially since the free version is far from the best on the market.
Should you choose Dropbox? The advantages of Dropbox.
- Compatible with many desktop and mobile systems
- Collaboration Features
- Market-leading synchronization
- Outstanding performance
The disadvantages of Dropbox
Free version a bit sparse
- High subscription prices
- OneDrive – Best on Windows
It has come a long way and yet OneDrive is now one of the best cloud services out there. Microsoft has refined its proposal over the years to consolidate all the offers associated with its Windows system as well as its office suite. Like Google Drive, collaboration is therefore at the forefront of the OneDrive service.
Should you choose OneDrive? The advantages of OneDrive.
Seamless integration with Windows and Office
- Compatibility with all systems
- Well thought out interface
- Collaboration tools
- File sharing function
The disadvantages of OneDrive
- Little storage available if you don’t pay
- No end-to-end encryption
- Mandatory synchronization folders
- Amazon Web Services – The best value for money
This is the new kid on the list: Amazon Web Services was founded in 2006. Your data will therefore be stored on servers in Amazon which ensures data security and confidentiality. The other advantage is the speed of the service, whether for accessing your files or downloading them. Amazon Web Services also offers advanced collaboration options in office automation.
Should you choose Amazon Web Services? The advantages of Amazon Web Services.
- Advanced collaboration tools
- Competitive rates
- Generous storage capacity
- Security and confidentiality guarantees
- Ecological storage
Disadvantages of Amazon Web Services
Limitations of the free version
- Apple iCloud – The best cloud for Mac and iPhone
If you are an Apple device owner including iPhone, iPad, or Mac then you are already an iCloud user. The cloud service integrates perfectly with all the Apple giant’s terminals, with its advanced synchronization functions between devices. And as usual from Apple, the interface is simple and unadorned. If the service is also compatible with Windows, it is not yet? In short, if you swear by Apple, look no further.
Should you choose iCloud? The benefits of iCloud.
- Full integration with Apple devices
- Thoughtful service and app interface
- Also compatible with Windows
- The very competitive price
The disadvantages of iCloud
- No compatibility with Android
- Free offer at only 5 GB
- Disappointing speeds
- pCloud – The most secure
pCloud relies on the security of shared data and files. This Swiss company stores all the data of these users in its own certified and highly secure data center located in the European Union, in Switzerland. pCloud is ideal to be sure of the protection of your data with the best encryption of the comparison. Finally, the automatic backup of all your files allows you to share them easily without having to upload them to your account.
Should you choose pCloud? The advantages of pCloud.
- Well-designed and easy-to-use interface
- Ultra-secure Swiss storage
- Lifetime economic offers
- Automatic folder synchronization
- No file size limit
The disadvantages of pCloud
- No third-party app integrations
- Paid strong encryption options
- Limited collaboration options
How to choose cloud services for small businesses?
- Define your storage capacity needs
This is one of the first criteria that will guide your choice: your need for storage space. Generally, if you don’t need more than 5 GB, then the free versions of most cloud services will suffice. But if you plan to use an online storage service for a large amount of data, then some services may offer you several TB. Choose services that offer scalable packages, so that you can change packages according to your needs.
- The security of your data
At the start of the chain, you will be responsible for properly securing your online storage account (complex password, two-factor authentication), but you will also have to rely on your service to offer satisfactory security protocols. The best solutions in this area use end-to-end encryption, an assurance that no one but you will be able to access your files, including the service you have subscribed to.
To sum up
Finally, you may be looking for a cloud service for that little extra democratized by Google and its Google Docs suite: a tool allowing several people to collaborate on text files, spreadsheets, and other presentations. If this is your case, be aware that many services have taken the plunge and now offer collaborative suites, such as OneDrive, Dropbox, or even kDrive.