Cloud storage solutions are becoming popular and a necessity for businesses of any size. It becomes more than a storage space for files that businesses can use. Cloud storage solutions are now providing access to business data on the go. So, whether you need to edit a document or check on a file, these cloud storage solutions permit flexibility and improve productivity. Furthermore, using a cloud storage provider means that businesses don’t need to maintain the solution at all.
However, finding the best cloud solution that can keep up with your small business is not easy. You cannot use a cloud provider that’s for large enterprises because that would cost a lot. On the other hand, you can’t opt for free versions because it has limited space for storage. That’s why it is important to carefully select the best cloud solution for your small business.
In this article, we will provide a shortlist of cloud storage providers for you to narrow down your choice.
Benefits of Cloud Storage Solutions
Here are the reasons why your small business will benefit from using cloud storage.
- You pay for the storage space you utilize.
- Accessibility is another reason small businesses must start using a cloud provider. With only an internet connection, people with access to the storage solution can open files anytime and anywhere. It works on any device.
- It’s a great backup plan in case a data breach or natural disaster occurs. You can easily retrieve the file needed.
- You don’t have to hire an IT expert to maintain your storage at all. Cloud storage providers have a dedicated team that will keep their clients’ storage space safe and deal with any issue when it arises.
- They are always secure.
These are excellent lists of benefits but that doesn’t mean cloud storage solutions don’t come with disadvantages. There are some but, the advantages outweigh the drawbacks of using it.
Best Cloud Storage Solutions for Small Businesses
Microsoft OneDrive
For businesses that already use Microsoft 365, Microsoft OneDrive is the ideal cloud solution. Users can work dynamically across various programs, including Word, Excel, Teams, and SharePoint because of the integration.
OneDrive serves as both cloud storage and cloud synchronization. The file versioning, modifications monitoring, and link sharing all work in tandem with OneDrive’s basic features, bolstering the service’s credentials. All data is encrypted with AES 256-bit encryption and they have an additional Personal Vault subfolder, which provides limitless end-to-end encryption for all corporate clients.
Another great thing about OneDrive, the data is backed up on multiple servers, so if one fails, you can still access your files. Since security is one of the best features of Microsoft, integrating a 2FA into accounts of different users is available.
Aside from having one of the topmost security measures, OneDrive is easy to use and requires not much time to learn the application. It even includes an automatic backup and upload solution, real-time syncing, file sharing and editing, and mobile app versions for Android and iOS.
There are multiple plans available for OneDrive cloud storage. You can get the OneDrive storage for $5 per user/month without other Microsoft apps. Or, if you are using Microsoft Office 365 for your business, you can get the storage for only $2.50 per user/month for the Basic plan or $10 for the Standard plan.
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Box for Business
Another cloud storage you can integrate into your Microsoft 365 is Box. However, it doesn’t only limit to Microsoft applications, Box has a long list of third-party apps businesses can use it with, that even includes the online Google Docs and other apps.
Collaboration tools are available in Box, as team members can start a document and share them with others. It is possible to work on a single document even with multiple users at once.
For high-paid plans, it includes activity tracking, document watermarking, password policy enforcement, and more.
Box is a great storage solution for businesses from any industry or department. The finance department can manage budget and contracts; the marketing team can work campaigns faster, the HR department can streamline the recruiting process, and more.
When it comes to the security features, Box offers strong SSO and MFA authentication options, watermarking, and encryption of rested files with AES 256-bit
Dropbox
Dropbox is a storage and backup solution that is free. However, the storage space and features are limited. Small businesses need to move their Dropbox experience to a professional version, Dropbox for Business.
The minimalistic and straightforward design allows users to navigate through the interface easily. Moreover, files can be readily shared even if the recipient doesn’t have an account.
Dropbox’s security permits sharing and permission control, remote wipe for a lost device, 2FA, and 256-bit AES and SSL/TLS encryption.
Dropbox for Business has larger storage than the personal plan. It ranges from 3000 GB to as much space as you need for your business.
Collaboration using Dropbox is well enhanced. The Dropbox Paper is a space for teams to work on documents, videos, images, and more. Documents can even be secured using the HelloSign eSignature. It even monitors the users who downloaded or viewed the file, this is great to monitor if unauthorized access has been made.
The only downside to Dropbox is its price. It’s more expensive than previously mentioned cloud storage solutions.
Google Drive Workspace
Google Workspace is the new name for Google’s G Suite products. It includes Google Drive cloud storage. Other than the cloud storage tool, Workspace has Gmail, Meet, Keep, Calendar, Chat, and the entire suite of office tools.
It has a robust set of business functions like real-time syncing, file encryption and versioning, and document scanning. For security measures, it includes two-factor authentication, group-based policy control, and file encryption.
The Drive is integrated with Google AI to predict and recognize files and events that matter. You can easily access the content you need to work on by using the Quick Access tool. It will connect you quickly to the file and the people involved in the collaboration.
Get Google Workspace for as low as $4.20 per user/ month. All the business plans of Google Workspace include,
- Gmail
- Drive
- Meet
- Calendar
- Chat
- Jamboard
- Docs, Sheet, and Slides
- Keep
- Sites
- Forms
IDrive
IDrive offers a huge list of features that can cover the basic needs of users, but it even has powerful tools that can upgrade the experience of businesses.
The common features of IDrive include real-time online syncing, accessible to any device, quick backup, restore file in its original state, encryption with 256-bit, and overall activity report.
But for those who want to use IDrive for their business, there is more to it than the usual file syncing and storage.
Business features of IDrive include,
- Secure databases and serves like MS SQL Server, MS Exchange, and more.
- Linux server backup
- On-site disaster recovery with cloud replication
- Remote installation of IDrive using Microsoft Active Directory Group Policy on multiple computers.
- Compliant with governing regulations such as HIPAA, SOX, GLBA, and SEC/FINRA
The Team and Business plans start at $99.50 per year.
Egnyte
Egnyte is a cloud storage solution that enhances productivity with its ability to integrate a wide range of applications. It even has a task management function for basic work management. The project management feature may be useful but it’s not as powerful as a dedicated project management software like Professional Project or Asana.
However, Egnyte allows the integration of apps like Slack, Microsoft 365, Salesforce, and more. These integrations allow users to keep up with their tasks and store files in a safe environment.
On the security side of Egnyte, they have offered multiple protection for businesses.
- Threat detection such as suspicious login and unusual behavior
- Ransomware protection and recovery
- AI detection
- Sending issue alerts
- Assisted recovery services
Collaborative features of Egnyte permit flexible access on any device, advanced search, mobile PDF annotations, co-editing, and more.
The content in Egnyte can be controlled by monitoring and creating policies throughout its lifecycle. There is an option to delete automatically, retain, or archive files stored. You’ll get to see which files needs protection, aren’t necessary, and take up space, with real-time insight reporting.
The business plan starts at $20 per user/ month. For the Enterprise and Enterprise Lite, prices depend on the storage space needed.
BackBlaze
If you are simply looking for a cloud storage or backup solution, BackBlaze is what you need.
Backblaze does not include file-sharing or management features. Instead, it provides a secure backup solution that protects important files from malware and system degradation. Its main focus is security rather than functionality.
Backblaze is easy to use, just set it up once and it’ll do its function. The only time you need to access it is if your computer is hacked. Backblaze has an installation guide that walks you through the initial setup, and once you’re done, it will backup all of your files and folders in the background.
Backups can be scheduled automatically or manually. Users are limited to only one device per account, and while external hard drives are supported, network drives and mobile devices are not.
When it comes to security, BackBlaze has the best-in-class protection, like 2FA, Single Sign-on on G Suite and Microsoft 365, and monitoring of accounts.
Data at rest or transmitted are all encrypted using Personal Encryption Key (PEK), via HTTPS, and a 2048-bit secure symmetric AES-128 key.
You can choose between the Business Backup or B2 Cloud Storage Plan.
Conclusion
The best cloud storage solution for your small business depends on what you need. If you want better encryption of files, then look for a cloud provider that has one. Take your time to learn more about the solution you’ll be getting for your business because not all cloud providers are the same.
