What to Look for in a Good Cloud Storage Service

Cloud Storage Service

So, you’re looking at investing in a cloud storage account and the sheer volume of options is intimidating. Don’t worry, this is incredibly common.

Cloud computing has boomed exponentially over the last decade and there is a bigger variety of choices than ever before. There are many great articles on the most cost-effective cloud storage or the most secure cloud storage. However, it can be hard to find guidance on what basic features you should consider when choosing a provider. This article will provide just that.

What to Look for in a Cloud Storage Service

Cloud storage providers offer a range of core features and factors that need to be considered, no matter what provider you look at. Of course, there are also unique features to consider, but they should come after the basic considerations. Here are three key factors to consider when choosing a cloud storage service:

1)    Manual vs. Automatic

Depending on whether you use your cloud storage for personal files and photos or work and academic documents, automatic or real-time syncing could be a big feature for you. Check whether a provider offers manual or automatic backup options to make sure you are getting the service that you expect.

2)    Ease of Use

Just like most software, cloud storage services can either be geared for user-friendly experiences or aimed at more technically proficient users. Consider the level of knowledge that you have and whether you will be able to get the most out of more niche services while considering your options.

3)    Reputation

Reputation may not be everything, but it is important. Big companies like Dropbox became popular because of their reputation for being accessible, user-friendly, and secure. Check recent reviews to make sure there are no concerns around safety or customer service when choosing a cloud storage provider.

These basic factors are crucial when choosing a good cloud storage provider, no matter what specialist needs you may have. However, there are other factors that you should consider if you want to find your ideal cloud storage services and providers.

How to Pick the Right Provider for Your Needs

Not all cloud storage service providers are created equally. Like most businesses, they often have niche markets in mind and cater to customers with a specific set of needs. Because you know what you need, you are in the best position to decide whether a cloud service caters to you. When doing research, you should consider the following factors:

1)    Budget

The best cloud storage solution for you will also be one that suits your finances and budget. Consider whether you can get what you need and want from a service that offers a free basic account. If not, assess your budget and move forward from there. You will find providers offering cloud storage for every budget!

2)    Storage Space

Most cloud storage providers that offer basic or free accounts have a storage space limit of a few GB on those accounts. For many people, this is plenty of space, but if you store a lot of photos and videos, you may need more. Consider what you want to store and what volume of information you need to store when choosing a cloud provider.

3)    File Sharing Capabilities

Most cloud storage providers make it very easy to share files with others, but the nature of this sharing can look very different. For example, while some cloud storage providers will let you send documents from your account, others will allow you to set up folders and files that are shared with multiple people while protecting the rest of your account. If you intend to work on joint projects or start a family photo folder, this second option will be much better for your needs.

4)    Security Measures

All cloud storage providers invest in basic security measures such as firewalls, encryption, and two-factor authentication, but if you intend to store sensitive information (such as medical or financial documents), it may be smart to look for more robust security features.

The ability to encrypt, password protect, or lock certain folders, for example, is useful. There are also cloud storage providers that specialize in offering high security services to clients with highly sensitive information to store.

If you combine the basic factors with these more personal considerations, you will have a good chance of finding a cloud storage provider that meets your needs well.