Cloud File-Sharing and Storage Services for Small Business

Cloud services is emerging as the most in-trend option for individuals and small business opting for seamless and secure file-sharing or storage  of data – thanks to popular cloud services like SkyDrive, Dropbox, and Google Drive amongst many others. However, with more and more people (either working remotely, traveling frequently or telecommuting) opting to store sensitive work documents in personal cloud services; there is a growing risk for data security at workplace.

This has inspired businesses to provide employees access to small business versions of cloud file-sharing and storage services for secure handling of data. However, with employees in workplace insisting on using their own portable devices to stream applications, view and edit documents, share work with other users and synchronize files across multiple devices; cloud file-sharing services can prove to be challenging for small business.

Beating the challenges….

Considering the growing trend of mobile user’s demand for cloud services, companies are increasingly regulating IT policies for enhancing security and controlling access to corporate data. This has also led to an influx in enterprises expanding their product lines to deliver enterprise-grade cloud file-sharing and storage services.

Cloud  file-sharing services offer basic features such as storage, syncing with mobile and desktop, and some security and small business management. This has been further popularized due to the availability of cheap, easy-to-use and accessible cloud file-sharing services.

3 MOST POPULAR CLOUD FILE-SHARING AND STORAGE SERVICES

Dropbox

Dropbox for Business offers unlimited storage, 256-bit AES and SSL encryption, syncing and file sharing. Moreover, it also allows two-step verification and mobile passcodes besides providing unlimited file recovery and version history. It also helps prevent file sharing outside the ‘closed group’ team so as to keep data secure. Available for PCs, iOS, Android, Kindle, and BlackBerry; Dropbox cloud services costs $795 annually for five users, plus an additional $125 per user subsequently.

Google Drive

Fully integrated with Google Docs and Gmail, Google Drive delivers the ideal collaboration environment for Google Apps customers. Here, users are allowed to share specific files and folders, grant read or write access to those files and sync files across multiple devices. Google Drive also allows administrators to add or remove storage for individuals or teams and encrypt data transfers – however with fewer options for enforcing in-house security policies.

FilesAnywhere Inc

FilesAnywhere Inc. offers an enterprise option for a minimum of 100 users, with an unlimited amount of storage and limitless upload facility. Some of the basic features include mobile access and apps, an online form generator, the capacity to send and receive large files, and password-protected sharing.  A few advanced features comprises of group sharing, custom branding, collaboration, role-based access control, and a dedicated domain. The enterprise version of FilesAnywhere has a 50-user minimum that costs $12 per user, per month. And with businesses having 100 users or more, the service costs $8 per user, per month.

Box Inc.

Box Inc. offers two file-sharing plans for businesses that calls for a minimum of 3 users and offers up to 1 TB of storage space. Box allows secure mobile sync and share features such as desktop synchronization, mobile access, OneCloud Apps and Office integration.

Box with existing infrastructure (comprising of mobile device management systems, helps configure third-party apps, such as Microsoft Office and Google Apps). Moreover, Box’s association supports versioning, password-protected sharing and workflow management. This empowers users to run Box on Windows and Mac desktops, besides the usual iOS, Android and BlackBerry devices.

Have you chosen a cloud file-sharing and storage services for your business?