Last Updated on May 23, 2024 by Jhonni Jets
Cloud storage has become an essential technology for businesses of all sizes. With the ongoing digital transformation, more and more companies are relying on cloud services to store, share, and access their data from anywhere. However, with hundreds of cloud storage options on the market, it can be challenging to select the right solution. This article reviews 10 top cloud storage platforms that are suitable for businesses based on features, pricing, security, and support.
1. Google Drive
Google Drive is one of the most popular cloud storage solutions for businesses thanks to its intuitive functionality and seamless integration with G Suite applications. It offers 15GB of free storage that can be expanded as needed. File sharing is streamlined with the ability to share files publicly or within the organization. Version history and file restoration are built-in. Security is robust with 256-bit AES encryption in transit and at rest. Drive is a good fit for small businesses that rely on G Suite apps for productivity and collaboration.
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2. Dropbox
Dropbox Business offers flexible storage plans starting from $12.50/user per month. It provides a generous 2GB file size limit and version history for 30 days. Collaborative features include commenting, assigning tasks, and folder/file sharing both internally and externally. Admin controls allow configuring team folders, restricting downloads, and enforcing two-factor authentication. Integration with major apps like G Suite, Slack, and Microsoft Office enhances workflow. The intuitive interface and top-notch customer support make Dropbox Business a reliable cloud solution.
3. Microsoft OneDrive for Business
OneDrive for Business comes bundled with Microsoft 365 subscriptions, leveraging the same security, compliance and admin controls. As an online file storage and synchronization service, it offers 1TB storage per user. Advanced file sharing using links with expiration dates streamlines collaboration across devices and locations. Version history and file restoration are available. eDiscovery and legal hold capabilities help organizations meet compliance needs. Native integrations within Office apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc. provide a familiar and productive work environment. For Microsoft-centric businesses, OneDrive offers great value.
4. pCloud
While not a dedicated business solution, pCloud offers business-friendly features appealing for some SMBs. Plans start from $4.99/month for 500GB storage with military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, two-factor authentication and file version history forever. Password protection adds another layer of security. File sharing is convenient through public links with password or expiration. The SAML single sign-on integration extends security. Remote Wipe functionality protects lost or stolen devices. With its transparent pricing and perpetual licensure, pCloud delivers good value for personal or professional cloud needs.
5. Box
Box is a popular enterprise content management platform with built-in cloud storage. Its business plans start from $5/user monthly for 100GB storage. Advanced security features like device PIN, password expiration, file auditing are available. Collaboration tools include file preview, comments, task management and workflow automation. eSignature capabilities streamline approvals. Integrations with G Suite, Microsoft and Slack help maximize productivity. Paid plans include features for IT management, compliance and analytics. Box excels for large enterprises requiring superior security, governance and real-time information access.
6. Backblaze B2
Backblaze B2 is an affordable cloud storage alternative ideal for backups, archives and infrequently accessed data. With no data transfer fees, it costs only $0.005/GB per month for storage plus $0.01/GB for downloads and $0.05/GB for uploads. Files can be accessed programmatically through API or the web portal. Downloads are supported up to 500GB/day while uploads are unlimited. An Application integration makes it suitable for developers. Though barebones, Backblaze B2 delivers incredible value and performance for basic cloud storage needs of businesses.
7. IDrive
IDrive provides online backup, file sync and sharing capabilities through a single, easy-to-use platform. Plans start from $3.50/month for 1TB storage. It supports unlimited devices and versions are retained forever with version rollback option. 256-bit AES encryption and two-factor authentication ensure security of data at rest as well as in transit. Shared folders can be accessed through web portal, FTP or the mobile app. Integrations with Windows file server and G Suite help simplify backup of network locations and collaboration. IDrive delivers great value through its all-in-one solution.
8. pNitro
pNitro is a feature-rich cloud storage solution tailored for creative professionals. It provides fast file sync, access and sharing capabilities via desktop and mobile apps. Base plan starts from $9.99/month for 1TB storage. Version history is unlimited and files can be restored for up to 30 days. Powerful permission and sharing controls allow granular access through view, edit or review links. Version collaboration with in-line comments streamlines team workflows. With support for 4K videos, RAW photos and large PSD/Ai files, pNitro delivers best performance for large creative project files.
9. Sync
Formerly known as Sync.com, Sync is a capable platform for productivity and team collaboration in the cloud. It provides 1TB storage and unlimited users from $12/user monthly. File sharing through embeddable links aids external collaboration. Powerful permission controls allows configuring access at folder or file level. Activity tracking gives visibility into content access and changes. Offline sync of files along with cross-platform support across devices promote productivity anywhere. Integrations with G Suite, Slack and Jira provide tight collaboration. Sync.com fulfills specific team collaboration needs of businesses.
10. S3 Storage Class
Amazon S3 is the largest and most popular cloud storage service globally. Although not a dedicated solution, the S3 storage classes offer compelling pricing alternatives for different use cases. Standard is the general purpose option ideal for primary storage, versioning and partitioning. IA (Infrequent Access) reduces costs for files accessed less than monthly. Glacier is optimized for long term data archiving at ultra-low prices starting $0.004/GB. Programmatic access is enabled through AWS API and SDKs. While complex to manage, S3 delivers incredible flexibility, security and scale suitable for large scale operations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right cloud storage solution depends on business needs around collaboration, security, scalability and pricing. While the top providers deliver excellent features, smaller sized SMBs might be better served considering Google Drive, Dropbox or Microsoft OneDrive. Enterprises with advanced requirements can leverage Box, IDrive or S3. Overall, the above ten options cover diverse needs for effective cloud storage of business data.