Digital storage is an essential commodity for any organization. From crucial information to day-to-day files that prove eminent in a corporate environment requires a safekeeping on a digital substructure. Cloud storage services offer an impeccable solution to big as well as small organizations storing their important data and information safely. While there is no end to the number of cloud storage service providers what’s important for any professional while choosing the service is to outline the utilities and applications.

Digital storage came into existence in the late 1950s and was completely commercialized in the wake of the 21st century. With each passing year, storage modules offered more storage space, became long-lasting and most of all became smaller until 2006 when cloud storage was introduced to corporations by Amazon. With the introduction of cloud storage, the hardware dependency for storage became negligible while accessibility increased by many folds.

Today, several cloud-based storage services allow accessing data and files even from the most basic devices connected to the internet. While there are several options to choose from, investing in cloud-based storage that offers maximum utility to professionals is important. With so many performance metrics and features to choose from, it wouldn’t be a difficult task to find the right cloud storage service. This is a complete guide to help you choose. 

Application and Utility

Here are some application and utility measures that one must adhere to while choosing the best cloud-based storage service:

File Transfer and Sharing: 

Sharing files over the cloud is one of the most applied and useful features that any cloud storage system can offer. Make sure that the system allows users to share files with several accounts or users simultaneously offering the feature to download the file on any OS.

Services like InfinCE enable smart file sharing by offering instant file sharing over secured firewalls, data-powered dashboards to initiate faster decision making and multiple platform support.

Live editing of shared documents is one of the features that cannot be missed out. It not only saves time by mitigating the need to download a document before it can be edited but it also allows the team to stay on the same page with the progress in real-time.

The Browser and OS Support:

Gone are the days when just two or three browsers and operating systems were used universally. Today, there are numerous browsers and operating systems that professionals use based on the utility and their personal preferences.

While leading operating systems have several new updates popping up every year, you must ensure that the cloud storage system supports the latest versions of the major OS. Similarly, there is no end to the number of web browsers available these days.

Some of the major operating systems used by professionals and their latest updates include Microsoft Windows with the latest version of Windows 10 and macOS 10.15 Catalina for Mac. Linux and Ubuntu are also used widely around the globe.

Multiple Platform Support:

Cloud-based storage must offer support for multiple platforms such as for Android and iOS smartphones along with tablets and iPads. This is an essential feature for professionals who are on the go or who spend more time on the field rather than a conventional remote work setup.

Social media evangelists and professionals require this feature most of all as there is frequent data streaming required for both laptops and smartphone apps.

Multiple File Format Support:

An average professional goes through more than 11 file formats in a day’s work. This number doubles up for professionals whose job demands creative fabrications such as graphic designers or video editors. While choosing a cloud storage system make sure that at least the formats mentioned below are supported:

.docx, .doc, .ots, .xls, .pdf, .jpeg, .jpg, .gif, .pptx, .pptm, .odt, .ods

Ease of Accessibility

One of the most crucial factors to look up to while choosing cloud storage is the ease of accessibility that it offers to users. A complex framework with several functions is no better than an easily accessible system with fewer functionalities. A system that offers swift browsing through folders while making it convenient for users to search for specific files without hassle leads to better productivity in more than one way.

Fair Price Point

While various cloud storage systems offer free services what important is to make sure that you do not run out of storage space. A fair price point for paid services must also be ensured and this should be included in investments for your business or organization. Several services offer customized packages for storage space and this must work in your favor.

Many service providers offer bundled packages and you may avail more than just cloud-based storage for what you pay. This may include free email tools or online desk solutions. It is also important to make sure that the security encryption offered by the service is up to date.

Involvement of Team

Involve your team in the decision for choosing the most appropriate storage service. While every member of your team has different storage and file support requirement it is important to cater to them. While a sales team does not require a lot of storage space each year a creative team may require many folds. Involving your team in making the decision will not only mitigate the shortage of storage that may occur in the future but it will also help you in planning out your investment for the service.

These factors will help you choose the best cloud-based storage service that meets your team’s requirements and also offer impeccable and glitch-free services. Given the fact that there are numerous cloud storage platforms offering their services, ensure that you invest in the right set of features, and get a fair deal for what you pay. This goes in synchronization with the added support you may avail from such service providers. Bundling the storage with additional services will also give you a value for your investment and will bring down the overhead cost.

Now that you know all about choosing the best storage service on the cloud, go ahead and find out the one best suited to your requirements. Happy hunting!