Which Online Cloud Storage Service is Better for You?

Online Cloud Storage is becoming a method of choice for when it comes to storing data. Online cloud storage is a model in which your data is stored and the files stored in the cloud can be accessed at anytime and anyplace, the only thing you need is the internet connection.

Online cloud storage includes the software and hardware necessary to protect company’s data. The main benefit of Cloud storage is that you can restore files lost on your computer. There are numerous companies that provide cloud storage services, you need to check various things before choosing any online cloud storage service such as

● The first thing to do is to evaluate your storage capacity

● What are the security measures provided to keep your data safe

● Look for the cloud data backup pricing model, before hiring the service

● You need to know who is handling your data and how it is being handled

● Cloud data backup service provider should offer disaster recovery for your data

● Check the terms of service such as service limits, contract terms and if vendor lock-in is required

With cloud storage, you don’t need to keep any hard copies of your data as everything is safe and secure. Just by logging in you will be able to access all your documents that you have stored.

Out of many benefits provided by Online cloud storage service, security, and privacy of your data is the essential one. Choosing the best service that suits your needs can be challenging, this is where we come to your rescue by providing you the comparison between Dropbox and other two online file storage service providers i.e. OneDrive and Google Drive to help you decide which best fits your needs.

The basics

Dropbox: Launched in 2007, Dropbox is a basic file storage service provider. It has the ability to store your files in folders and subfolders. You can share the stored file and also sync local files. Dropbox has apps available for all the major platforms. It works equally well on PC, Mac, Android, and iOS.

OneDrive: It is also known as SkyDrive, a Microsoft service launched in 2014. It lets you store file types and organizes those file types, this service is also integrated with Microsoft office, and it is also available on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS and Windows Phone.

Google Drive: Launched in 2012, Google Drive is available free as long as you have a Google account. You can store any type of file and share those files. Google Drive has Apps for Windows, OS X, Android, and iOS. Google Drive office suite that allows collaborative editing of documents, spreadsheets, forms, and slideshow presentations.

Storage Capacity

Dropbox: Dropbox basic accounts are free and it offers 2GB per user for free. It has a scheme in which for each person you invite to Dropbox, normally by sharing a folder, who joins you receive an extra 500MB of free storage up to 16GB. There is also a Pro Version that offers 1TB for $10 a month.

OneDrive: It offers up to 5GB of free storage. You can get up to 50GB by upgrading to OneDrive basic for $2 per month. Office 365 subscribers have access to 1TB.

Google Drive: Google drive offers 15GB free storage per user. It also offers storage from 100GB to 30TB for fees ranging from $2 to $300 per month.

Uses and File Syncing

Dropbox: It can be accessed through any web browser, Desktop app, and Dropbox mobile app. You can upload a file of any size, drag and drop files and folders into your Dropbox folder. Unfortunately, you cannot drag and drop entire folders for upload in the web app, you need to drag and drop the individual file.

By enabling LAN syncing you can increase file syncing speed between devices, it is useful while sharing large files. With Dropbox, you can also access and restore deleted files for up to 30 days after deletion.

OneDrive: It works with multiple platforms. OneDrive is also backed right into Windows 8 and Windows 10, OneDrive is a background app, and just shows up as an option when you save files or use the file explorer. You can also access your files from Xbox 360 or Xbox One console.

It is integrated with Outlook, with this, you can attach files in the cloud to your email. Microsoft Office is also integrated with OneDrive, this makes sharing files easy and efficient.

Google Drive: It can be accessed through the browser, desktop app or mobile app. With Google Drive desktop client you can drag and drop files into the linked folder on your desktop and sync them with your account in the cloud. If you have a Gmail account, then Google Drive lets you attach and save attachments directly through Drive.

Supported Platforms

Dropbox: It has native support for iOS, Mac, Windows, Android and Windows Phone. It also has a native app for Amazon Kindle Fire and Blackberry.

OneDrive: It has native support for Windows PC and Mac. It offers native apps for Android, iOS and Windows Phone. You can also run it on Xbox 360 and Xbox One.

Google Drive: Google Drive has a native app for Windows PC, iOS, and Android, but does not have a native app for Windows Phone.

Dropbox, OneDrive and Google Drive aren’t the only options for Online cloud storage. Other options available are SugarSync, Carbonite, IDrive, BackBlaze, JustCloud.com, Mozy, CrashPlan etc. Select Cloud service that serves all your business needs and also ensure that it is flexible and offers security.