In such a crowded industry, finding the best cloud storage software might be difficult. However, if you know what you need before you start shopping, this procedure will be considerably easier.
The majority of cloud storage and backup providers provide not just personal or premium cloud storage, but also business and free plans, so choosing one that allows for growth may be quite helpful in the long term. You can be covered in the future if your needs or requirements change.
In this top tools list we have compiled the top 21 cloud storage software along with their features and pricing for you to choose from.
1. Box
Box allows you to work more efficiently and securely with anybody, anywhere, on any device. Despite the fact that Box is a business-focused cloud storage company, it nonetheless provides two free and premium options for personal customers. Box is jam-packed with advanced features due to its position as a business-focused storage solution. The list of capabilities includes everything from powerful collaboration options to two-factor authentication, note-taking, and project management.
Key Features:
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With cloud-native security and compliance features like granular access restrictions, watermarking, and categorization, you can keep your assets safe.
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With Box Shield's machine learning and the ability to define policies that identify threats, you can stay proactive.
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Working collaboratively on files is simple on Box, with features such as annotations and tasks. Collaborate with colleagues within and outside your company in real-time, no matter what device or software they're using, and from any location.
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Anyone may use Box Relay to construct simple workflows to accelerate standard corporate procedures such as digital asset approvals and contract management.
Cost:
$15 per month.
2. pCloud
pCloud is one of the few cloud storage software that offer a lifetime membership, which includes 500GB of storage for $175 and 2TB for $350. Annual plans, on the other hand, cost $47.88 and $95.88, respectively.
TLS/SSL (Transport Layer Security/Secure Sockets Layer) security with 256-bit AES encryption is also used to safeguard all data. For mobile administration, there are powerful Android and iOS applications available, as well as tools to assist you set up automatic social media uploads if you need them.
Key Features:
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Securely back up folders from your PC to pCloud. Old versions can be saved and recovered for up to a year.
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You may send and receive huge files to and from anybody using pCloud's many file-sharing options.
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You may encrypt your important files on any device using pCloud Encryption and make them invisible to others! pCloud Crypto is compatible with all devices.
Cost:
On-time payment of $175 for 500 GB.
3. MEGA
MEGA, the infamous Kim Dotcom's creation, allows you to upload files over an encrypted connection while maintaining control over your encryption key. This essentially prohibits anybody from scanning your material, including MEGA. Furthermore, its sync client is open-source and vulnerable to security checks.
Key Features:
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MEGA's dependable infrastructure can handle even the largest files, and we'll scale up your plan to meet your storage requirements.
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Friends, coworkers, and clients may access shared files without having to register with MEGA. They continue to profit from MEGA’s lightning-fast transfer rates.
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The file transfer center displays progress and allows you to manage planned file transfers when you upload or download files or folders.
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Even if your files were not originally uploaded from your mobile device, MEGA Mobile Apps make it simple to access, view, and share them.
Cost:
$5 per month.
4. Dropbox
Dropbox is one of our top suggestions in our cloud storage software list because it enables outstanding collaboration, which is one of the reasons why it is still so popular.
Dropbox allows you to create and collaborate on Microsoft and Google documents, making it a suitable choice for customers that need to utilize both services. Both formats operate together flawlessly, enabling you to co-author papers in real time and have them saved to the cloud automatically.
Key Features:
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Dropbox allows you to share files quickly and easily. You can transmit anything - from images and movies to zipped folders and massive CAD files – to anybody, even if they don't have a Dropbox account, by just sharing a link.
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You may access your files on your daily commute to work or while on vacation, allowing you to recover them quickly.
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When you save a file to the Dropbox folder on your PC, your mobile devices will instantly sync.
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Dropbox's cloud storage solutions can safely store any file or folder you're seeking to back up, from images and movies to massive CAD files and PowerPoint presentations.
Cost:
$11.99 per month.
5. Microsoft Onedrive
Microsoft Onedrive is the most comprehensive cloud storage software for Windows 10 and Microsoft 365 customers, as well as macOS, Android, and iOS users. It's also accessible for Xbox One console owners, allowing them to safely store game save files in the cloud. It will work as indicated after you've put it up, with no more effort or worry on your side.
Key Features:
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By pressing the camera icon on your OneDrive mobile app and shooting a scan, you may convert your paper documents, receipts, or whiteboard notes into PDFs.
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Organize your photographs and locate them faster. OneDrive automatically organizes your images by date and location, as well as creating albums for you.
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In OneDrive Personal Vault, you may store sensitive data and copies of your driver's license and passport. For further security, it employs a second layer of identification verification.
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To make extra capacity on your devices for applications and games, use OneDrive online cloud storage.
Cost:
$1.99 per month.
6. iCloud
iCloud, Apple's own cloud storage software, follows closely behind Microsoft in terms of quality. Even if 5GB of free storage isn't enough to fully back up your iPhone or iPad, premium memberships are reasonably priced.
The service's accessibility across Apple's platforms is a notable feature. For example, the Mac Finder programme, which connects with iCloud Drive, allows you to save anything and sync iWork documents across all of your devices that are saved to iCloud.
Key Features:
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Documents, spreadsheets, presentations, photographs, videos, music, email, bookmarks, and more are all stored, backed up, accessed, viewed, edited, and shared across many devices and platforms, even with other authorized users.
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Users may also utilize iCloud to track for misplaced items or pals. With macOS Catalina, the Find iPhone function was renamed Find My, allowing iCloud users to track iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and Macs.
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iCloud allows you to share your online browsing history with other authorized devices.
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Keychain information, including application and website passwords, may be shared between many authorized devices using the platform.
Cost:
$0.99 per month.
7. Koofr
Koofr has several unique features that set it different from the other providers on our list. The option to connect it to other cloud storage software is one of the most beneficial features. You can now link Dropbox, OneDrive, and Google Drive accounts, allowing you to mix and match services in one spot.
After you've linked your accounts, you'll be able to view all of your distant files at once, allowing you to transfer and copy files across them all while searching for files across all platforms. Your Koofr storage capacity is unaffected by files saved in other cloud accounts
Key Features:
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The Koofr desktop software allows for unlimited two-way synchronization from your PC. Select the directories that you wish to sync.
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Protect your account even further with two-step verification for increased protection and security.
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To share any file or folder, create a link. Set the expiration date, make the links private or public, and add a message. Send them using your preferred method.
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It's never been easier to receive huge files from anybody, or a large number of them. Create a Receive files link in a folder and send it to anybody you want.
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To easily export a duplicate of all your Facebook photographs and videos to Koofr, use Facebook's official transfer tool.
Cost:
$10.85 per month.
8. Zoolz
Zoolz provides cloud storage services to both organizations and individuals. Even while it's more expensive, it has capabilities that cheaper rivals don't, which is especially handy if you need to store a lot of data.
Both personal and commercial customers will benefit from Zoolz cloud storage software. BigMIND's file management and search features would be ideal for someone who has to back up a lot of images or movies. As a corporate user, hybrid storage may speed up file restoration, and deduplication functions are beneficial if you're uploading data from many locations.
Key Features:
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Continuous data protection with file change monitoring.
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Everything, including desktops, laptops, servers, external devices, and network drives, should be backed up.
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Backups that are scheduled.
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There are other performance modes available, including turbo, smart, power saving, and presentation.
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Backup configuration wizard with step-by-step instructions.
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Data selection is simple to utilize.
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Filtering of files by type, size, date, and expression.
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Backups can be paused and resumed.
Cost:
$9.99 per month.
9. SpiderOak
SpiderOak is meant to let you back up essential information and sync files and folders across several devices.
Zero-knowledge cloud storage refers to encryption, which takes place before syncing, according to SpiderOak, so it has no idea what you're saving. Your data is completely private since you are the only one who knows what's being encrypted and preserved. Because the source code isn't available, you'll have to accept SpiderOak's word for it.
Key Features:
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Before your data even leaves your computer, SpiderOak assures you that it is safe.
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If ransomware attacks, Spideroak's Point-in-Time recovery tool can restore your data to the condition it was in before the malware's attack.
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Utilize Spideroak's Exchange Room functionality to securely share files with others via a web-based interface. Make self-destructing temporary links to single files in your backup.
Cost:
$11 per month.
10. Google Drive
Google Drive is a good alternative to OneDrive if you want a comparable experience. Google, like Microsoft, offers storage that works nicely with its own suite of office programs, which can completely replace the Microsoft Office experience – and do it rather effectively.
Thanks to Google Docs' built-in versioning tools, you can collaborate in real-time, leave comments, and roll back changes.
Key Features:
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Drive allows you to access your data in an encrypted and secure manner. When a malware, spam, ransomware, or phishing is found, files shared with you are proactively inspected and destroyed.
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Drive works smoothly with Docs, Sheets, and Slides, all of which are cloud-native tools that allow your team to interact in real-time.
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Drive works in tandem with and enhances your team's existing technologies. Edit and save over 100 other file kinds, including PDFs, CAD files, pictures, and more, in Microsoft Office files without having to change file formats.
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Drive includes Google's amazing search tools, which provide unrivaled speed, performance, and reliability.
Cost:
$99 per year.
11. IDrive
IDrive is an excellent value-for-money cloud storage software that delivers highly secure cloud storage and has a solution for every user.
Files are accessible from any computer with an internet connection, and file sharing is simple. All subscriptions include the unique IDrive Express function, which allows you to back up files and data to a physical storage device that is subsequently shipped to the address you choose.
Key Features:
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Quick data backup and recovery by physical storage shipping in less than a week, with minimal bandwidth utilization.
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On distant machines, a web-based panel allows you to handle data backups, restorations, program settings, and more.
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To protect your complete computer, create a sector-level or file-level backup and restore it to its original condition in the case of a disaster.
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By uploading the updated sections of a file, incremental and compressed backups will reduce network traffic usage.
Cost:
$14.62 per year.
12. NextCloud
NextCloud is not, strictly speaking, an online cloud storage service. It's a self-hosted file sync and content collaboration platform that gives you free software to install on your own server and manage your own cloud storage.
A self-hosted solution has the advantage of allowing you to store your data on your own servers, giving you total control and better speed.
Key Features:
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Data and communication should be protected, controlled, and monitored across your organization. Ensure that all commercial and legal obligations are met.
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To share, collaborate, and communicate beyond corporate boundaries, enabling productivity across any platform, whether in the office or on the road.
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Enjoy continuous improvements from an open-source community development process that is flourishing and transparent, with no lockins or paywalls.
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Always keep your data on servers that you own. Nothing, not even metadata, is safe.
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Nextcloud allows users to access data stored on any storage device in a transparent manner.
Cost:
$42 per month.
13. Zoho Workdrive
Zoho Workdrive's Android and iOS mobile apps, as well as the desktop sync program, take care of all of your mobility needs. For modern teams, small companies, and major corporations, Zoho WorkDrive is online file storage, sync, and collaboration platform. It features Team Folders, which allow groups of any size to collaborate securely as if they were sitting right next to you. You also receive the Zoho Office Suite Editors, as well as detailed access statistics at the team and folder levels.
Key Features:
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Forget about handling numerous copies of the same document and emailing data back and forth. Team Folders allow you to store and manage files in a common location.
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Permissions for Team Folder members should be set appropriately. WorkDrive allows users to share subfolders to guarantee that they have access to just what they need.
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In a clear, tidy writing place, jot down ideas and collaborate. Collect input from your team and publish your work within your company or online with its WordPress connection.
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With built-in formulae and functions, you can analyze complicated data to gain important insights. Make your work stand out with colorful graphs and charts and automate activities using macros.
Cost:
$2 per month.
14. Your e-Locker
Your e-Locker is a simple and cost-effective option for managing and storing your papers. With unique features like Predefined Structure, workflow automation, full-text indexing, collaboration features, advanced search features, sharing, and more, Your e-Locker empowers business organizations to have complete control over their organization's documents.
Key Features:
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One or more documents can be opened at the same time. Drag and drop is simple.
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Assign users to specific directories and responsibilities.
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For a safe and secure workplace, many security features are available.
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Component dedicated to dealing with government tax notices. It's simple to keep track of your communications.
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With notifications, you won't overlook critical deadlines or expiry dates.
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Like a music playlist, make a list of your favorite papers.
Cost:
$12 per month.
15. WeTransfer
WeTransfer is a cloud-based file sharing platform that enables companies of all sizes to share, download, store, and upload multimedia files, data, and documents. With attractive backdrops and personalized emails, this file transfer service can store 100GB and send 20GB of data.
Key Features:
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Document Management is a term that refers to the process of
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It's possible to share files.
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Controlling the flow of work.
Cost:
$13 per month.
16. Backblaze
Backblaze is a cloud storage behemoth and a stalwart in the market, catering to both personal and large-scale enterprise backup requirements. Backblaze's important term is 'backup,' because there's no file synchronization or sophisticated collaborative capabilities here — it just backs stuff up, as the name implies.
Key Features:
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Grow on storage that is built to last, with predictability regardless of the size of the data collection or the frequency of uploads and downloads.
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Supplement your stack with Backblaze B2 to improve data mobility, speed, and cost while avoiding vendor lock-in.
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Start in minutes, scale up and down as required, and get human assistance when you need it.
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You can rest easy knowing that your storage is built to last and that your data is safeguarded to your specifications.
Cost:
$0.05 per GB per month.
17. IceDrive
IceDrive's servers use super-safe twofish encryption, and the data leaving your PC is secured client-side as well, making things extra safer. Although IceDrive has only been in the cloud storage industry for a few years, the company provides a compelling offering that is distinct from the standard cloud locker.
The main distinction is that IceDrive's online storage may be shown on your (Windows) machine as a regular drive, much like your hard drive, with the goal of making it easier and more intuitive to use.
Key Features:
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With the groundbreaking drive mounting software, you can make your cloud storage seem like a real hard disc.
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You can access, manage, and update your cloud storage as if it were physically tied to your computer, but it won't take up any space.
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You'll always have your Icedrive cloud storage where you need it with their large assortment of cloud storage applications for a number of platforms.
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With comments and ideas on your display page, you can get the feedback you need to improve your projects.
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You'll always have your Icedrive cloud storage where you need it with their large assortment of cloud storage applications for a number of platforms.
Cost:
Free up to 10 GB.
18. NordLocker
NordLocker may be recognizable to you because it comes from the same people who brought you NordVPN, one of our favorite VPN services. It's a simple but efficient tool that provides you with a cloud storage locker or can be used to establish a local file vault on your device for safe storage, both of which employ encryption to protect your data.
NordLocker is free to use locally on your own PC, and with that free version comes a tiny amount of online storage - 3GB to be exact.
Key Features:
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NordLocker syncs your data to a private cloud, making them accessible at all times. To access your cloud lockers, log into your account from any PC or Mac.
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They automatically encrypt and back up your cloud locker data. Log in to NordLocker on a new device and download your cloud lockers if your device is ever broken or stolen.
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While they take care of your data, you can relax and enjoy yourself. NordLocker employs the most trustworthy encryption methods and cutting-edge ciphers in the world.
Cost:
$3.19 per month.
19. Sync
Sync differs from the other choices on our list in a few ways. It appears to be a lot easier at first appearance, but the organization places a strong emphasis on security. As a result, it's ideal for legal, healthcare, and accountancy firms.
You'll need to download the Sync installer whenever you join up. You'll have a new Sync folder on your PC after executing it.
Key Features:
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Your personal data in the cloud is always protected from unwanted access thanks to end-to-end encryption. Sync can't read your data, and neither can anybody else.
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They don't collect, sell, or share your personal data or app use information with marketers or third parties, and they don't claim ownership of your information.
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Sync automatically backs up your data and makes it simple to restore deleted files and earlier versions of any file at any time. Never worry about losing a file again.
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You're always in control with two-factor authentication, adjustable user rights, remote wipe, bespoke passwords, expiration dates, alerts, and more.
Cost:
$5 per month.
20. IBM Cloud Storage
IBM Cloud Storage services provide a scalable, secure, and cost-effective storage solution for your data, supporting both traditional and cloud-native applications. IBM's cloud storage services enable provisioning and deploying services such as access object, block, and file storage easier. As requirements vary, adjust capacity and performance. Pay solely for the amount of cloud storage you require.
Key Features:
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With their customizable tiered choices and no-cost private network, you may save money on cloud storage services. Data may be moved between IBM data centers.
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Enhanced governance and observability features let you manage and enforce policies across all of your cloud storage settings.
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For IBM Cloud Object Storage, achieve 99.9% data durability and boost data resiliency with built-in fault tolerance.
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Increased agility in object-based storage settings allows for improved developer productivity.
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To gain more business, use object-based storage solutions to increase scalability and performance.
Cost:
You can request a quote on their website.
21. Internxt Drive
One of the most effective free cloud storage options is Internxt Drive, which offers industry-leading privacy and security. It allows you and your team to store various file kinds in the strictest of security.
Key Features:
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Access to a collection of apps that are optimized for all of your devices
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You can upload content from a distance.
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Enables you to save and retrieve data whenever you like.
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It offers dependable client service.
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Provides a variety of price alternatives.
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Limits uploads to 20 GB for a fee and provides 10 GB for free.
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Limits paid transfers to 1 GB.
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Supports compliance requirements like the GDPR
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Provides zero-knowledge privacy, military-grade encryption, and client-side encryption
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Files within 14 days after recovery
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Ensures security with SSL and TLS
Cost:
Internxt package start at €3.49/month.
Things To Consider When Choosing A Cloud Storage Software
Cloud Shareability
Looking for a cloud solution that allows numerous employees to access the same files in a corporate setting? Then you should pay great attention to the distribution of storage.
Some organizations charge per user and allocate a certain amount of storage space to each. This has the advantage of being more scalable—if you recruit more people, you can just add them to your network and they'll be allotted their own cloud slice instantly.
Security
Data on the cloud is subject to hacker assaults and virus infection, just like data stored locally. It's partially your duty to stay safe—a huge percentage of users put themselves in danger by misconfiguring cloud accounts—but it's also critical to pick a service with proper security safeguards built-in.
End-to-end encryption is used in the most secure cloud services. This is a zero-knowledge solution, which means that only your local device will be able to encrypt and decode data saved in the cloud. As a result, no one will be able to access or change your cloud volume without your consent, even your cloud provider.
Storage Location
When you move your data to the cloud, keep in mind that you're actually transferring it to a data center—or a network of data centers—with a physical address. Always find out what address your internet storage will be before purchasing it.
Any cloud storage or cloud backup option that stores your data far away from your base of operations or clients should be avoided for performance reasons. When uploading, accessing, or downloading data, using a remote cloud network will almost always result in long transfer times.
Conclusion
Whatever platform you choose, keep in mind that moving to the cloud should be done intelligently. Setting up internal rules and practices for cloud data management may take time, especially for large enterprises, therefore it's typically advisable to divide your migration into parts.
FAQs
How To Identify The Best Cloud Storage Software?
When looking for the finest cloud storage for business, seek systems that are extremely dependable and safe, and that protect data at all times. End-to-end encryption and zero-knowledge architecture are essential but seek for StaaS technologies, which provide superior cloud sync and collaboration capabilities for smoother digital workflows, enhanced employee cooperation, and efficiency.
Access management, system audits, two-factor authentication, and roles-based permissions are all-powerful administrative tools to look for, especially for medium- and large-sized businesses.
What Is Cloud Storage?
Cloud storage is a cloud computing approach in which data is stored on the Internet and managed and operated by a cloud computing provider. It's on-demand, with just-in-time capacity and pricing, and it saves you money by not having to acquire and manage your own data storage infrastructure. With "anytime, everywhere" data access, you get agility, global scale, and durability.
When Should You Consider Using Cloud Storage Software?
Many cloud storage options back up your team's files automatically, so no one has to do anything. It's a wise decision if you want to ensure that your hard work isn't lost due to viruses, hackers, technological issues, natural catastrophes, or simple human mistakes.
It's also a fantastic method to have access to all of your files across all of your devices. You and your team are no longer bound by your desktop PCs thanks to cloud storage.
You can access anything from anywhere in the globe by connecting your phones, tablets, and computers.
Whether you want to work at a coffee shop with your feet up on the sofa, in a hostel while traveling around Europe, or anywhere else with wifi.
How Does Cloud Storage Work?
A third-party cloud provider owns and operates data storage capacity and offers it via the Internet in a pay-as-you-go manner. These cloud storage providers manage capacity, security, and durability to ensure that data is available to your apps from anywhere on the planet.
Traditional storage protocols or an API are used by applications to access cloud storage. Many companies provide add-on services to aid in the collection, management, security, and analysis of large amounts of data.
Is Free Cloud Storage Beneficial?
Because the cloud storage industry is always evolving, several firms now offer free plans for individuals that just need minimal capacity or have a limited budget. While they have a smaller maximum storage capacity and fewer features, they're generally sufficient for most people's needs, such as document or photo backup.
What is the Process of Cloud Storage?
The data is physically stored in sizable data centers and computer servers and made accessible online over the web using cloud storage. Through the Internet, users can remotely view this data. It enables users to upload, save, and retrieve material online from a distance.
With cloud computing storage, is my data secure?
Concerns about data theft and privacy are understandable because data is stored remotely rather than on your premises. However, most cloud storage providers encrypt data in transit and at rest. Additionally, only logical access to your data is granted to their staff. Most businesses use very tight standards to maintain data security, confidentiality, and privacy. You might choose a hybrid cloud, where some of your data is stored at your facilities and some with the cloud provider if your data has unusual security requirements.
For the vast majority of users, even a little quantity of storage makes a significant impact, since they can safely preserve copies of crucial data for quick and simple access. It's simple to switch to premium plans provided by many free providers if you need more capacity.
