Keeping files in the current technological age is as easy as pie—thanks to Cloud Storage Technology. Individuals, academics/researchers, corporate organizations/companies, etc. do not have to worry about the safety of their files as there are now different cloud storage providers that allow users to keep their files safe on their platforms. Vital irreplaceable documents such as certificates can now be scanned and safely kept on ‘cloud’. Apart from the fact that cloud server technology provides a safe platform for storing files—credentials, company files, videos, musicals, etc., it also facilitates easy reference and boosts productivity. Some cloud storage platforms also allow data synchronization. Cloud Server Technology also reduces companies’ expenses on expensive hardware and infrastructure which they hitherto used for keeping files.
In this piece, I examine some top cloud storage providers and their basic features:
1. Dropbox
Dropbox remains one of the top cloud storage providers. It provides 2 GB of free storage for users which can be increased up to 16 GB free of charge if a user links their Dropbox to social media and refers friends to join the service. Dropbox also has a Business subscription package for corporate users. This package allows users to collaborate on work and also allocates each person unlimited space in a personal Dropbox account.
2. Google Drive
Google Drive is Google’s cloud storage platform for Android device users and other platforms’ users. It enables users to swiftly invite others to view, download, and work together on a file without having to attach emails. It also facilitates easy reference as files stored in Google Drive (files, photos, videos) can be accessed from any smartphone, tablet, or computer. Google Drive comes with 15GB free storage. Advanced users can also subscribe to 100 GB for $1.99 / month, 1 TB for $9.99 / month, 10 TB for $99.99 / month, and so on.
3. Microsoft OneDrive
OneDrive (previously known as SkyDrive) by Microsoft is another cloud storage provider that allows users to store and access files and photos on Windows, Windows Phones, Mac, iOS, and Android. A Windows PC comes with preinstalled OneDrive while other platforms’ users will have to download it from their platforms’ app stores. OneDrive offers 5 GB free and 50 GB for $1.99 per month. Also, Microsoft Office 365 users additionally have the benefit of subscribing to Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote with 1 TB OneDrive capacity at a cost of $6.99 a month, and $9.99 a month for five users, each of whom gets 1 TB. With Microsoft Office 365, users could store all their spreadsheets and presentations on OneDrive.
4. iCloud Drive
This is Apple’s cloud storage platform. This platform is best suitable for Mac or iOS device users. iCloud allows iPhone and iPad users to also back up their devices on the platform for easy reference and safety in case of device damage or loss.
It stores and syncs data such as photos, videos, documents, apps, contacts, calendars, bookmarks, etc. Nevertheless, iCloud can be used with non-Apple devices and can be accessed publicly at icloud.com. It allows users 5 GB free. Users can purchase additional storage for a total of 50 GB, 200 GB, 1 TB or 2 TB.
5. Mega
Mega is owned by Mega Limited, company based in New Zealand. It comes with a handy mobile app that allows mobile users to seamlessly upload files and photos as well as users with desktop machines. Also, files stored on the Mega cloud are first encrypted on users’ devices before being uploaded to Mega cloud servers. Mega offers a huge 50 GB free storage, 200 GB for €4.99 a month, 2 TB for 9.99 € per month, and so on.
6. IDrive
IDrive similarly offers online storage and backup services. A single IDrive account can securely backup and restore documents, contacts, photos, videos, calendars, texts, apps, etc. from multiple devices. It also backs up files from social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. A free account provides 5 GB of storage while paid plans start at $5.95 a month for 1 TB.
7. pCloud
pCloud also provides cloud storage services to individuals and businesses. Files stored on pCloud can be accessed on any device. It offers up to 20 GB of free cloud storage. Alternatively, users can upgrade their accounts with a monthly or yearly subscription to a pCloud Premium 500 GB and pCloud Premium Plus 1 TB plan.
