Top Five Cloud Storage Options that Rule the Market!

Storing your files in the cloud has many advantages. Using the cloud is a no-brainer, but picking up the right one is tricky. Here is a list of the most popular cloud storage tools, with their strengths and weaknesses.

OneDrive (Formerly SkyDrive)

OneDrive can store all types of files including photos, video and documents, with accessibility to Windows PCs or mobile devices.

• All mobile platforms support automatic photo uploads to the OneDrive, and works closely with Microsoft Office apps.
• With an Office 365 subscription, one can collaborate with people easily and even view and edit changes after they are made.
• OneDrive’s automatic file organization is not always accurate which is one of the flaws of OneDrive.
• OneDrive allows for 15GB of space for free, with 100GB space access at less than 2 dollars and 200GB at less than 4 dollars a month.

Dropbox

Dropbox is one of the favorites in cloud storage world because it’s known to be reliable and easy to use. Files live in the cloud with the Dropbox’s website, and there are subsequent applications related to every platform.

• The apps live in the file system for easy transfer of files from the computer to the cloud and even for downloading them. One can access files from anywhere and there is no size limit on the files.
• Dropbox gives its users the option to beef up 2GB after signing up. After using the Getting Started tutorial, one gets 250MB extra. With the automatic photo upload feature activated, one gets 3GB of extra space. For every friend referral, you get 500MB which is restricted up to 32 referrals.
• Dropbox is efficient on all platforms, PCs, Macs, Android and iOS mobile platforms too.

Google Drive

Google Drive combines multiple office tools with cloud storage and one gets an online word processor, spreadsheet app along with a presentation builder too. The Drive boasts of 15GB of free storage space too.

• If you already have a Google account, Google Drive can be accessed easily  and one can start uploading photos, videos, documents, and other files directly on the drive.
• One can even share files from other Google applications including Gmail and Google+.
• The built-in office suite is a major advantage for editing documents, spreadsheets and effective presentations.
• Google Photos can help you organize photos into albums and one can actually drag and drop files into the Drive with a preview.
• One does have to export files to edit them in another program and even have to share storage space with Gmail.

Box

Box is for anyone who can sign up for a free account but it is the huge number of sharing and privacy options that aid business and IT users.

• Beyond the cloud storage setup, with support for all files, one can assign tasks, comment on other files, and even receive notifications on changes to files.
• One can set permissions and accessibility options while using files.
• Other apps from Salesforce and NetSuite can be integrated too with plug-ins for Microsoft Office and Adobe Lightroom too.
• For personal users, one can use 10GB for free and $11.50 per month for 100 GB storage. Business plans include 100 GB for 3-10 users at $6 a month and unlimited storage with minimum 3 users at $17 per month.

Open Drive

OpenDrive put the user in control of the personal cloud so that you can control the content and share memories, movies, and music all the time.

• One can easily share, manage, collaborate, and even sync all data without losing anything.
• Store your documents, music and pictures online with instant access, sharing and collaboration, all in a simple to use, secure environment.
• Back up data online, with complete security in accessible data centers.
• Share files and folders with other OpenDrive users account without restrictions on file sizes.
• Open Drive is compatible with all platforms.
• As a personal account user, one would have to shell out about 13$ per month for unlimited storage and business account users have to shell out less than 30$ per month. The custom plan starts from $6 per month for 500 GB space.

Rajiv Patil

Rajiv Patil is the founder & Managing Director of Nimblechapps, an innovative iPhone app development company. He takes a keen interest in topics related to mobile app development and mobile game development and often like to share his knowledge through informative posts on leading blogging sites.