Top 5 Cloud Storage Providers

With copious amounts of data floating around the Internet, it’s no wonder users are at their wit’s end trying to locate decent cloud storage services. Whether they need to store important documents, music/video files or pictures, such services are ideal virtual receptacles to hold important data in one accessible place. The following are top 5 cloud storage providers you can consider:

1.     Google Drive

If you are a Google fan, than Google Drive should be your cloud storage provider of choice. The best thing about this service is that it is integrated with Google tools such as Docs, Google+, Gmail etc. Speaking of Gmail, if your inbox is full to overflowing, you can increase its size to 25GB for a small fee. The annual price for 20 GB is $29.88, but get ready to shell out $59.88 if you choose the 100GB package. You get 5GB of free storage but you can only save documents that are at most 10GB in size. Google Drive is compatible with Windows and Mac with Android and iOS compatibility in the works.

2.     DropBox

After Google Drive, DropBox is typically the favored choice of users who like simple and intuitive design and functionality in their cloud storage options. The software allows users to share files online and even use Facebook to share them with friends. A free account will get you 2GB of free storage, which you can expand to 18GB if you invite enough friends to use this service. On the other hand, if you’re already a paying customer, you can increase storage to 32GB by attracting new users to it. The yearly price is $99 for 50GB and $199 for 100GB. It’s compatible with Linux, Windows and Mac as well.

3.     SkyDrive

If you’re not a fan of Apple, then Microsoft’s cloud storage service, SkyDrive is just as good. The software allows users to access their files remotely, create documents, presentations, spreadsheets and notebooks directly through the cloud. Additionally, you can also share files with friends and surf the Internet via the in-built Bing search bar. The yearly price of this cloud service is $10 for 20GB and $50 for 100GB. SkyDrive is compatible with Windows, Mac and users can expect iOS and Windows Phone versions in the future.I have described also about Sky Drive in my previous article 4 Portable Technologies to Keep Your Business Connected.You can also read that one.

4.     The Box

This cloud storage service is popular with large businesses since it allows larger storage options. That’s because unlike other prevalent services, this one comes complete with enterprise grade features such as content/task management, virtual work spaces, editing systems and other services that can allow businesses to streamline key tasks. The 25GB package is worth $10, while the 50GM one is for $240.

5.     Apple iCloud

For Apple fans, the Apple iCloud is a must try. Just like Google Drive is integrated with Google tools, the Apple iCloud is also completely compatible with iOS tools and features. Besides storage options, the service can be used to download iTunes via iTunes Match for an additional $24.99/year. The 20GB package is for $40, while the 50GB one can go up to $100. Paid users are privy to 250MB and the service can be used on Windows and Mac PCs.

Whether you need to save documents or share them online, any one of the abovementioned cloud storage options are worth trying.