How are you storing your business data? Of course, the days of storing files in cabinets are over. Most companies have gone digital and this means even greater risks of losing important data. Every business has some important information about their company and clients on their digital devices that they can’t afford to lose. If you’re not using cloud storage in your business, now is the time to start.
Some believe that having their important documents and files on external storage devices is the best option for keeping them secure. While these devices can come in handy, they should not be relied on as your main backup device. This is simply because these devices can malfunction, and you could lose access to files for good. A cloud storage keeps your data on a secure and cost-efficient external server.
Every firm has variations as to what they share on the cloud. The top things that you should be storing in the clouds include:
1. Email
Most businesses communicate and share important files such as contracts via email. Having your email on a cloud storage allows you easy access to your client agreements and so on. It also allows access to e-mail from different locations and devices as needed. Most email providers allow this option automatically. So, all the emails you send and receive are automatically synched and shared on your cloud storage.
2. Important Business Data
All the information about your business and clients that are crucial to the day-to-day operations of the business should be shared on cloud storage. This allows for quick and easy access to many users in different locations. Store the most important information that is rarely used. Your cloud storage usually has a limit, so it’s best to maximize your space.
3. Backup Files
Regularly back up and store all active files on your devices in the cloud.
*Note: Watch the costs, which can be high on some platforms. Be sure that you also back up and store files locally as well.
4. Certain Applications
Use cloud-based applications that allow you to be mobile and collect and deliver real-time data in a timely way. You can use your time/billing/expense tracking, contract/task management, calendars, etc. on an online cloud platform.
A cloud storage in your business can allow for easy collaboration among staff and clients, due to its ability to synchronize data in real-time. When selecting the best cloud storage for your files, be sure to consider the pros and cons before diving in. Cloud storage should be able to fulfill your specific business needs.