If you’ve decided to make the leap to online file sharing, choosing a service can quickly become overwhelming. What once used to comprise of a handful of choices has grown exponentially. Cloud storage is extremely convenient, but you’ve got to take choosing the site you use for your storage seriously.
Never choose the first site you stumble upon, and don’t pick a service just because you get tired of looking. Here are five ways to choose the cloud storage service that’s best for your small business:
1. Know What You Need
Do you need a simple site on which to store and share your documents? Do you need a site that only provides backup services? Do you need a site that offers both options? Knowing your needs is the first step in whittling down your choices of cloud storage services. Some sites allow you to store and edit text documents, while other sites allow you to store, edit and share your documents and other files while also providing backup.
2. Downloadable Vs. Browser-Based
Some cloud storage services allow users to download software, while other services are browser-based, and there are distinct advantages to both. Downloadable software is often has a quicker learning curve, allowing business owners and employees to manage files easily. On the other hand, browser-based services allow users to access their documents from anywhere in the world.
3. Free Trial Periods
It may not seem important now, but ask any business owner who has paid for subpar service and they’ll tell you: Don’t ever sign-up for a service without first utilizing a free trial. If the service that you are looking at doesn’t offer at least a 30-day trial period, scratch it off of your short list and keep looking. A trial-period allows you to get a feel for the service, try it out and make sure that it meets all of your needs before you plunk down your cash for a year-long contract.
4. Growth
Look for a service that will grow as your needs do. While you may only require 2GB of storage now, you may need 5GB as your business takes off. You don’t want to be tied to a service that won’t allow you to upgrade when you need to.
5. Tech Support
While most services are very easy to use, there will come a time when you need to call upon tech support. Look for a service that provides a variety of ways to get in touch with the help that you need and, ultimately, one that offers support 24/7. You don’t want to have an idea strike you in the wee hours of the morning, only to find that you need unavailable assistance in retrieving your important files.
Choosing a cloud storage service doesn’t have to be difficult; you only need to know what you’re looking for. By looking for the five key features above, you’ll be sure to choose a site that not only meets your needs now, but in the future as well.
Larry Tillman writes for a tech blog. Learn more about computer technology at these type of sites.