Cloud Storage for Your Business

Files are essential in all most everyday tasks including school, work, and personal life because they help us to document important data. With the help of technology, it is no longer necessary to print files on tons of paper, accumulating high piles of printed copies. We can now easily store everything on our computers.

[su_quote class=”cust-pagination”] “I don’t need a hard disk in my computer if I can get to the server faster… carrying around these non-connected computers is Byzantine by comparison.” ~ Steve Jobs [/su_quote]

However, the challenge is the limited space that we can use. There are several storage devices available such as USB flash drive, optical drives, and external hard drives. The main challenge is that users cannot access their files if they don’t connect the storage device to their computers and laptops. As a result, they still need to carry these devices wherever they go, which is a disadvantage.

 What is Cloud Storage?

Recently, companies introduced the cloud storage where users can upload their files from their personal computers into a central Internet server. Therefore, users can access their files wherever they are or even if they are using a different computer.

There is no need to carry your own laptop or storage devices, which makes cloud storage very convenient. The best news is that most companies offer their services for free. However, if you are going to use it for your business, it is better to subscribe to their monthly plan, which includes bigger storage space and better security system to protect all of your files.

 Benefits of Cloud Storage for Businesses

Nowadays, individuals are choosing to use cloud storage to save or backup their files because of its convenience. Moreover, small businesses are taking advantage of it to store their digital files. Most of them used to rely on in-house servers to store their growing amounts of online files. However, they are now transferring those files to online data storage services due to several benefits that small businesses experience:

 Reduced Expenses

It only incurs operating expenses rather than capital expenses because companies only pay for the storage they actually use. Cloud storage can reduce the annual operating cost of the company.

Saves Energy

They can cut energy consumption by up to 70%, which makes their business greener. Moreover, it keeps their own costs down for company operations because they don’t require internal power to store information remotely.

 Freedom of Choice

They can choose between off-premises and on-premises cloud storage options or both options. It depends on the initial direct cost savings potential like the regulations, policies, records retention laws, continuity of operations (COOP), disaster recovery (DR), and security (PII, HIPAA, SARBOX, IA/CND).

 Delegated Maintainance

Storage maintenance duties like purchasing additional storage capacity and security are assigned to the service provider because it’s their responsibility. They don’t need to hire IT staff or retain consultants to maintain their servers, which is very expensive to do.

 Ease of Access

Users can immediately access their digital files using any gadget as long as they have Internet access.

 Reduced Chances of Data Loss

Concerns about data loss are minimized because it can be easily moved. Cloud storage can be used as a backup. Generally, there are 2 or 3 different backup servers that are located in different places around the globe. So in case, there are natural disasters, accidents, or emergency situations in your work area, you can still retrieve your files. Setting up for a new office is now a matter of plug-and-play.

 Efficiency

Companies with many offices in different locations or have employees across the globe can share files efficiently. Employees no longer need to send e-mails containing files to individuals but instead, send a web link to recipients.

Synchronization

Using cloud storage ensures that everyone has the most-up-to-date company files. Thus, it helps in managing workflows and onboard new consultants, new clients, and new employees.

 Data safety

Companies feel that online storage providers can protect their digital files from cyber criminals. Even though service providers like Dropbox are more vulnerable to cyber-attacks, they have people who are solely focused on data security.

 Ease of Sharing

With the help of cloud storage, businesses can instantly share project drafts to their clients in real time and be able to get instant feedbacks from them. This makes the clients more involved in the process and giving them an in-house experience with the company. It can be a good thing, especially if the company is performing very well.