Cloud storage services: What is the most profitable service for large companies?
Cloud storage services: What is the most profitable service for large companies?
IDrive
IDrive is unique because it offers cloud storage and online backup, usually sold as separate services. Moreover, it can do this at a lower price than many standalone cloud storage services without compromising on many features.
IDrive offers the free plan that gives you 10GB of essential cloud storage for those who want to try out the service. Moreover, the premium plans are among the cheapest available due to their capacity. The lowest-priced program is IDrive Personal, which gives you a whopping 5TB for less than $5 per month for the first year. The only downside is that there is no option to pay monthly, so you have to pay the annual bill upfront.
The file storage can be easily managed through the browser interface or in desktop and mobile apps. For example, when you install the desktop app, it creates a single folder called Sync. Everything you put in this folder is backed up to cloud storage and accessible from your other devices, making it easy to access the important files from anywhere.
One of the best features of the IDrive is how it handles releases. Most cloud storage will keep versions of your files for a set period, so you can recover or roll back changes to the files. IDrive does things differently, keeping up to the 30 previous versions of edited files for an unlimited time. These last 30 file versions also don't count toward your storage quota, so you don't have to worry about filling your space with multiple versions of the same file.
Pros
- A great combination of cloud storage and the data backup
- The cheapest way to get the 5TB of storage
- The option makes it zero knowledge
- Unique file version system
Cons
- Plans can only be paid annually
- Few sharing and collaboration options
Google Drive / One
Google Drive is included in this list over other well-known cloud storage providers for several reasons, starting with the number of people who already have a Google account. In addition, the 15GB of free storage and excellent collaboration tools, especially for those who also use Google Workspace, are compelling arguments for their use.
If the 15GB of free storage isn't enough, there are several premium plans to upgrade. They start with Basic, which gives you 100 GB for just $2 a month and goes up to 30 TB for $150 the month. In the middle, you have also the 2TB plan, and while this isn't the best value at $8.33 a month, it's comparable to the similar storage plans from other providers.
One of the best features of the Google Drive is the number of add-ons available. You can add dozens of free tools, from file organizers to collaboration and productivity tools.
Pros
- 15 GB with a free account
- Storage can be shared with family members
- Powerful search and collaboration tools
- Many free apps are available to add features
Cons
- It does not use zero-knowledge cipher
- Google's record of disrespecting users' privacy
Icedrive
The Icedrive is the newest cloud storage service on this list, having only been around since 2019. Unfortunately, it's too easy to overlook new players in a market dominated by vast and well-established names. However, that would be a mistake, as this innovative UK-based company has an impressive cloud storage offering.
To get started, Icedrive offers a free plan for personal use. This free plan gives you 10GB of cloud storage with a daily bandwidth limit of 3GB. You don't get the same client-side encryption as the premium plans, but this free service is satisfactory for less sensitive data. The three premium storage plans start from just $1.67 per month for 150GB, with the most significant 5TB plan running at $15 per month.
One of the best features of the Icedrive is how it gives you access to your stored files. In addition to the easy-to-use apps for android, iOS, and web apps, it also offers some intelligent Windows desktop software.
Pros
- A lifetime plan can equal significant savings
- It uses incredibly secure Twofish encryption
- The unique sync folder acts like the install drive
- Fast data transfer and seamless Sync
Cons
- It does not contain many collaboration tools
Sync.com
The Sync may not be as well-known as some of the other names in cloud storage, but it has become increasingly popular over the past few years. This is due to its beautiful combination of great value, robust security, and impressive features. As a pure cloud storage service, Sync is top-notch.
As with every cloud storage service on this list, Sync offers a free plan for anyone who needs a little essential storage or wants to try out the service. For free, you get 5GB of storage, 30 days of file release and recovery, and some limited sharing options like the ability to create a few password-protected links. Premium individual plans start at $8 per month for 2TB of storage and go up to $20 per month for 6TB.
Synchronization provides comprehensive data security thanks to zero encryption and end-to-end knowledge. In addition, robust security features persist in sharing options. For example, you can create unlimited password-protected links, set download limits on shared files, and select expiration dates for shared links.
Pros
- It uses unknowing, end-to-end encryption
- Unlimited data transfer and file size limits
- Works brilliantly with Office 365 apps
- Robust sync and share options
Cons
- Not the fastest file transfer speeds