How to Choose a Cloud Storage Plan for your Small Business

All businesses require some form of data storage. The difference is really in the size of the data. Some very small businesses depend on a simple USB or back-up hard drive to house all their information. Still, as businesses grow and more data is generated and processed, using these basic physical storage devices becomes inefficient. If you've ever had your computer crash or your USB damaged, you'll understand how frustrating it can be to lose all that data. This is where the right cloud storage plan comes in handy.

Picking Your Storage Plan

Before the cloud, data storage all had to be in-house. But if you're a growing business that requires large data storage, there are definitely some cons to this option:

• The high cost of operation - Servers require a constant power supply, cooling, and other maintenance.
• No on-the-go connectivity - Most of these servers can only be accessed when connected to the company's local network.
• A high risk of data loss - Data can be easily lost if computers are damaged, and the data loss was irrecoverable.

Cloud data storage is where your company uses a separate entity that provides fixed online storage space to clients. It's like a pool where different businesses can store their data safely.

The cloud storage provider ensures that the data is available for the client at any time. With cloud storage, businesses won't have to bear the overhead cost of maintaining servers, and their data can be accessed on the go.

Recommended Data Storage Providers

Having sifted through the different providers and user reviews, we'd recommend the following data storage providers based on their flexible pricing plans, top-notch security, reputation, and customer support.

Dropbox

Dropbox is known for its simplicity and vast integration with other services. You won't have to learn how to use or navigate Dropbox's interface. Its free basic plan comes with only 2GB of storage. Although this is smaller than the 15GB offered by Google Drive, you are assured that you can use it on practically any platform you can think of, including team programs like Slack or Trello.

For more storage, Dropbox offers personal plans which start at $16.58 a month for 3TB while Business plans start at $19.99 for 3TB per month. You can find out more about their plans and features here.

Box

Box is another great cloud storage solution for small businesses. Box provides users with a workflow app that can be used by teams for file sharing, commenting, and other collaborative work. It also integrates well with G Suite and Microsoft Office 365. Aside from its basic individual plans, Box offers business plans which allow for unlimited storage space.

These start at $15 a month per user with a minimum of three users. Check out more about Box's plans and features here.

OneDrive

If you're a Windows fan, Microsoft has a reliable cloud storage solution that fits well with Windows. But this doesn't mean it is limited to only that operating system.

With their Office 365 subscription, you also get 1TB of free storage per person. If that's not enough, you can add 50TB to your OneDrive for $1.99 a month. Check out OneDrive at Microsoft.

Which Cloud Data Storage should I choose for my Business?

It's no secret that storing your data in the cloud is the best way to go. There are plenty of cloud storage providers to choose from, and it's easy to feel confused about which one to trust or the plan that best fits your small business. You're in the right place.

Based on the research we've done, these recommendations should fit your needs. I want you to be able to easily choose a data storage plan without having to go through the tedious tasks of researching plans based on your business.

Some of the major considerations are the size of your data, the number of users, availability of support, and customization.

Data Size

The first thing to consider when choosing a data plan is the size of your data. Most storage providers charge based on the size of the storage space that will be used. You should also think about whether your data size fluctuates over time. For some businesses, their data storage and usage peaks at certain periods and then drops again. If this is the case, you might want to opt-in for a pay as you go plan to avoid paying for space that you'll only occasionally use.

One of the good things about cloud data storage is the ease with which you can scale. As your business grows and your data storage requirements increase, you can subscribe to a bigger plan that can provide the needed space.

Price

One of the typical constraints of small businesses is money. You're really just starting, and there are many things you could spend your limited available cash on. Since data storage is an investment in the efficiency of your business, definitely take a closer look at your budget as you choose a plan and a provider. Go with a provider that offers the storage space you need at an affordable price -- a rate that will be sustainable for you over time.

Security

What level of security do you need for your data? If there's a data breach, can your business survive? The cloud provider's security needs to be a key factor in who you pick for your company's data storage. If you can access the physical storage location of the cloud storage provider. You might also want to look into other cybersecurity options outside of cloud storage.

Moving Your Data to the Cloud

Your decision to move your data storage online can't come at a better time. With more and more businesses using a work-from-home model, these cloud storage options can help you make sure your data is secure and easy to access for your entire team.