There are a number of benefits that you can get if you use the internet for storing copies of your data. Using cloud storage services can help you save money because most service providers give a free storage allowance to their users. With your cloud storage, you can also save yourself from the costs and trouble of having to purchase, maintain and upgrade your data storage equipment. Access to your files is also a lot easier because you no longer have to rely on your USB drives, CDs and devices to view and edit the documents that you have stored online. You only have to connect a computing device to the internet and you can already access and even modify your files online. If you want to take advantage of cloud storage solutions, the first thing you need to do is to find a cloud storage solutions provider. Here are some of the things that you need to look for in an online storage service provider:
• Allotted Storage Space
One of the first things that you have to check out when looking around for an online storage service provider is the amount of storage space that can be allotted to you for free and with an account upgrade. You have to make sure that the provider you choose can give you the storage space that you need to back up all of your necessary files online. This is easy if you only intend to use your cloud storage for personal use. Storing your PDF files, eBooks and documents online won’t require you to have big storage allocation. Google Drive’s 15 GB free storage allowance can suffice if you only need to store your documents and PDF files online because this allocation is already enough to accommodate hundreds of text based files. Choosing for a provider, however, can become difficult if you intend to use your cloud storage for business and you expect to back up large amounts of files on a regular basis. If you will be storing a lot of files, you may want to look for a provider that can give you bigger storage allowance at a flat fee per month. Alternatively, you can choose a provider that will only charge you for every gigabyte you use.
• File Access
It is best to choose a cloud storage service provider that will allow you to store any type of digital file online. Otherwise, you may encounter problems if you have files that cannot be accommodated by your cloud storage provider. You should also ensure that you will have no problem accessing your files. You should be able to upload and access your files using several devices. This means that just like with the hosted PBX of RingCentral, you should be able to view and edit your cloud hosted files using another computer or with your smartphone, tablet and other mobile devices.
• Help and Support
It will be to your advantage if you choose a cloud storage service provider that offers help and support options so you have something to rely on in case you get lost with the processes of storing and retrieving copies of your files online. You should look for a cloud storage service company that offers troubleshooting and technical resources. This may come in the form of video tutorials on how to use the service and a comprehensive knowledge base. It is also best if you opt for a cloud storage service provider that offers direct customer support via email, phone or live chat so you can easily ask for help in case you encounter any problem or issue with your account.