This is the digital age, and cloud computing lets businesses get to their important data and files anywhere. Cloud services are important for every business, and the best cloud service provider for small businesses can make things even easier.

Businesses of all sizes need to find the right cloud services, but each one may be easier to use or meet different needs.

This post is all about the best cloud computing options for small businesses. We will also give you a quick rundown of cloud services and talk about why small businesses should use and set up cloud services for their backup systems.

Let us get down to the specifics.

What do we understand by cloud service?

People used to keep their important files and data on hard drives because cellphones and cloud services weren’t around back then. To do this, they used USB ports. However, there are many ways to store databases, files, records, and computers these days because cloud services are so common.

We no longer have to store our information on our local drives in order to keep it safe. Not only do these cloud-based services save us money, but they also give us access to many useful features that we can’t get when we store our data ourselves.

Another great thing is that people can view all of their files, records, share data, and more from anywhere. This makes it easier than ever for team members to work together in real time. Everyone on the team can work on the same things at the same time without any bother.

A little more about cloud service

To put it simply, a cloud service is a type of digital service that gives people a safe place to store data for any size of business. It lets users get to client information that is stored on a remote server.

The company that hosts the cloud is in charge of managing and owning the cloud storage. The person who bought the space to store their data is the only one who owns it. If the cloud service provider lets users have safe access, they will be able to get to their stored client data without any problems. The data, on the other hand, might be on more than one computer in the cloud hosting company’s data center.

There are different types of cloud services for small businesses that include:

• Cloud Backup
• Cloud Backup
• Software as a Service (SaaS)
• Cloud hosting

The best cloud services for small businesses can manage several essential company-related tasks, including file storage and web hosting.

Why should a small business require the best cloud services?

Cloud solutions are no longer just for big businesses. Anyone can use them and gain from them. Cloud technology works just as well for small and medium-sized businesses, which is a bad thing.

Businesses save time and money with cloud services because they make them more productive. It even makes working together as a team easier, which opens the door to new ideas. You can make your work flow bigger as your business grows.

So here are some of the top reasons why a small business should activate the service of cloud solutions.

• Ease of accessibility on the move from anywhere
• Improved flexibility
• Increase in data security, privacy & control
• Cost-effective service and economical upfront investment
• Convenience while maintaining a remote team & facility
• Easy data backup option
• Business process automation
• Get updated with the latest technology
• Simultaneous team collaboration with constant user consistency

5 Best cloud services for small business

In addition to the benefits listed above, a reliable cloud service means that small businesses don’t have to hire people to update and install apps, handle email and file servers, or run and maintain backups. This means that their staff has less work to do. Since your network server won’t need to be updated with software, you can save room on its hardware.

What this means is that you no longer have to store any file, backup data, or software installation file that takes up room on your computer and server. Last but not least, online cloud storage companies update their apps all the time, so you don’t have to. This saves you time. The following cloud service providers are already well-known in the field of cloud storage options, which is getting very crowded.

Microsoft Azure

After signing up for Microsoft Azure, you may operate virtual PCs and apps on its cloud-based storage and backup system. It is a cloud computing platform designed from the start to enable businesses to migration tools. Businesses can now move Windows and RDS to several devices.

It can integrate and manage your environments well as a hybrid cloud service. With its web service and iPhone, Android, and Windows phone apps, it supports most common platforms. The solution works for small and medium-sized businesses. It offers online training and knowledge-based material for client support.

Having security, scalability, and analytics while developing a firm is easy. Additionally, its multi-layer security and data backup features are available from the start. Even after giving staff data, protect your files. It is a reliable cloud service for all company models.

Key Highlights

• Scaleable as per user demand
• There is no requirement for on-site hardware
• Budget-friendly subscription models
• Enterprise-grade development tool
• Top-notch cybersecurity
• Advances compliance features

IDrive

IDrive is one of the best online backup services for small businesses, offering 5 TB of cloud backup storage for only $13.90 for the first year. Clicking on IDrive’s notification area launches the complete application and lets one configure backup schedules and settings.

Until the client restores it, the data is encrypted during transmission and storage on the server. It enables you to select files and documents from popular user directories like documents, music, images, etc. for backup. The drop-down menu lets users choose the original backup device to restore files directly to the PC.

Its settings allow folder restoration via checkboxes. Sharing choices, syncing, and device options are available. Signing up with IDrive lets users effortlessly transfer files via email.

One can download any file by browsing directories or selecting a computer from the backup page. Its mobile app lets you back up anything on your phone. The fast backup speed makes IDrive a fully-featured internet drive for any business.

Key Highlights

• Easy-to-use setup functionality
• There is no limit on the number of devices per account.
• Backup for disk image
• Syncing of Folder
• Download & bulk upload backup file
• Easy data restoration via email
• Lighting fast upload speeds in testing

Google Drive

This is the most widely used cloud service. This free cloud service may power any tiny business. Its cloud-based document, presentation, spreadsheet, forms, and drawing tools make it everyone’s preferred cloud service, not just small enterprises. A complete online drive for anywhere access. This implies that your files follow you.

This is currently the most popular place to save and exchange images, documents, files, recordings, videos, and more. Simply log in to your Google account to view your files on any device. You will adore how smartly you can exchange crucial files by sharing an invite link to cooperate with your team.

Instead of sending email attachments through Gmail, utilize Google Drive. Sharing and collaborating on files with many people has never been easier or faster.

Key Highlights

• Compatible with Microsoft Office
• Simple & easy to use interface
• Custom link for easy file sharing
• Store any type of files, videos, PDFs, presentations, documents, etc.
• Files protected with SSL standard
• Compatible with plenty of apps and templates
• Easy accessibility from any device you want

Note: Although most of the cloud services from Google have been free all these years, from June 1, 2021, Google has announced that its users will no longer be able to enjoy its free Google Photos storage service and will only be able to use their dedicated 15 GB of free storage to save their photos and videos.

If anyone feels the need to extend its storage for its cloud service, then they will have to opt-in for the Google Drive premium plan.

Dropbox

Another popular cloud storage solution for easy file storage and sharing. Dropbox is a great tool for managing, accessing, and storing files remotely. It can exchange files with non-Dropbox users, which is unusual. You get 2 GB of free Dropbox storage when you sign up. Accessing this tool is simple—just connect to the internet.

Keeping and backing up your important data in the cloud is also recommended. If you accidentally delete data on your computer, you may quickly recover it. When moving files to and from cloud storage, the tools encrypt them for total data security.

Working from your phone or tablet is easier than ever because you can view and edit files anytime. Users can access files and folders you’ve set to sync offline, even without an internet connection.

Collaboration with team members is also easier than ever, as collaborators with a Dropbox account can work simultaneously on shared files. Backing up your files is also hassle-free, as the user can simply drag & drop the file or folder that they want to backup to the Dropbox folder on your desktop.

Also, retrieving your accidentally deleted files can be difficult on many cloud services, but not in the case of Dropbox, where you can get lost files back with a single click.

Key Highlights

• It is free & easy-to-use
• Ideal & secured platform for backing up information
• Great mobility for accessing files from anywhere or any device
• Easy backup and retrieval of files at anytime
• Work without an internet connection
• Share files easily to collaborate and work on them

SpiderOak

Secure backup tool SpiderOak supports limitless machines. Its zero-knowledge policy and military-grade encryption provide top security. Only authorized operators can access your data on their in-house server.

Backup all SpiderOak data and files with desktop apps. Users can select between free 2 GB storage and affordable premium subscriptions. The solution provides basic and enhanced backup. Advanced backup gives users additional control over data and file backup.

De-duplication is another intriguing aspect of this unique cloud service provider. The system will detect any duplicate file on your desktop in advance and not back it up while it locally syncs it with the system to prevent it from producing it again.

Its highest selling point was always the security and privacy that it provided to its users, protecting their sensitive information. Although one of its negative points can be attributed to its only having a desktop app and not any web app,. Although its mobile app is available for use on Android & iOS.

Key Highlights

• Easy file sharing & archiving
• Private encryption of backed up files
• Free storage of 2GB
• Local and server-side encryption
• Keeps unlimited deleted files
• Collaboration through folder sharing
• iOS and Android apps

Apart from these popular and reliable cloud services for small businesses, there are also web-based project management solutions, like Trello, Asana, etc., that enable the user to manage a project among teams in a more flexible, visual, and organized way. And if you are looking for a solid yet self-hosted project management tool that is incredibly useful, versatile, and super easy to use, then WP Project Manager is the solution for you.

Be mindful while choosing the best cloud services for small business

Cloud computing has many benefits for small organizations, but it also has problems. Before choosing any of the cloud services above, you should handle all those drawbacks, carefully evaluate their applicability, and understand your company’s needs.

Every cloud service provider might offer distinct features and functions. Some are inexpensive and have the best features, while others are more feature-rich and user-friendly. So you must know and determine what your small business needs from a cloud service provider. Choose the best cloud services for your small business based on that.

The most important element when picking the best cloud services for small businesses is protecting your personal and sensitive data.

Which cloud services or solutions do you use to keep your data and records safe for your small business? Share your experience with us in the comments below.