Cloud storage is a service that allows you to store your data remotely on the internet. Since everything is stored online, you can access it from any computer with an internet connection. Cloud storage offers several advantages over traditional local storage, including mobility and accessibility. We’ve put together this guide to help you choose the right cloud storage solution for your needs.
Determine Your Cloud Storage Needs
Picking a cloud storage solution is a lot like choosing a new phone or laptop. You want to find something that suits your budget and has the features you need — but don’t overpay for things you don’t require. What’s more, there’s no point paying for extra capacity if all you want is a way to back up your files online and have them accessible from other devices. The same goes for security — encryption and two-factor authentication (2FA) could be crucial if your data is sensitive or contains confidential information, but not everyone needs those additional measures in place.
Check File Size Limits
Personal cloud storage services generally offer more generous file size limits than business cloud storage services, which often impose file size restrictions on their users in order to save on bandwidth costs. Most personal cloud storage services offer unlimited file size limits, while many business-oriented cloud storage providers impose a 2GB file size limit per file. If you need to send large files frequently, this might be an issue for you.
Consider Transfer Speed
This will depend on the size of files you’re uploading and downloading, but it’s still worth considering. The more files you need to upload or download at once, the more likely you are to run into bandwidth limitations as your internet connection gets congested. The same applies if files are very large; uploading several gigabytes of data could take days if you don’t have a speedy connection.
Proprietary vs. Open Source
While selecting the best cloud storage solution, there are two main options to consider: proprietary and open source. Proprietary services, such as Dropbox and Google Drive, have the benefit of working seamlessly with other programs, but they often come with privacy concerns regarding how data is handled. Open-source solutions like ownCloud aim to keep your information safer by allowing users more control over their data. However, it can take some time and effort to set up an open-source solution for the first time.
