Let me tell you a story  ~

About 15 years ago, I had a computer catch fire right on my desk! (faulty internal fan😳) Fortunately I was right there to deal with it but I lost ALL my precious photos and tons of important documents and information. Everything.

I learned a very painful lesson and began searching for better ways to protect my data. At the time, the best and most accessible solution was external hard drives and manual backups. Before long though, I had an external drive die (again with all my data on it) Fortunately that time, I still had most of it on my computer as well.

Yet again, I learned the hard way there had to be a better way.

If this has never happened to you, you're lucky, and I totally understand if the thought of keeping your important, confidential, and proprietary information 'out there in the Cloud' strikes fear in your heart. Honestly, at the time I originally started using the Cloud it may have been less secure, but things have totally changed. Nowadays it's far safer than keeping data in any physical form (drives, disks, etc).

Skeptical? I get it. Here's the facts.... 

WHY USE THE CLOUD?

The Cloud is reliable, affordable, secure, and more flexible than physical drives when it comes to managing data. That's because internal and external hard drives can easily be damaged, lost, or stolen. Using the Cloud protects and gives quick access to your data wherever you are and whenever you need it. Best of all, the Cloud always stays current and never needs to be replaced or updated. Computers and other devices come and go. Your data remains safe and easily accessible. 

WHY THE CLOUD IS MORE SECURE

The Cloud provides the highest level of security. Just as clouds in the sky shade you from the sun, Cloud computing protects you from the many digital security concerns you face. It's a lot more likely data on a local drive will become corrupted, be hacked, or accidently erased. Not to mention natural disasters like flood, fire, or just a cup of coffee spilled, will irrevocably damage your hard drives, but when your data is in the Cloud you can rest assured, your data is safe and sound.

WHY THE CLOUD IS MORE CONVENIENT?

The Cloud is available anywhere you are. Whether you’re updating your social media with new photos, sending an email from your mobile device, or streaming your favorite movies, it's all happening in the Cloud. It's everything and everywhere. You're already using it. If you aren't taking full advantage of the technology to make your business run more smoothly and efficiently... it's time.

WHY THE CLOUD IS A SAFER PLACE FOR YOUR DATA

Today, the Cloud is a part of everyday life. If you're not using the Cloud — your data is at risk unnecessarily. The Cloud provides great data backup for unexpected events and it's an integral part of a data security plan. Information stored in the Cloud is far more likely to be secure than local files unless you happen to have a robust IT security company and/or on-staff experts working constantly to keep your data safe. Why? Because Cloud companies rely on far more robust cybersecurity measures to protect your sensitive data than most small businesses could ever have. It's just built in. So unless you are an IT company or already have massive IT security protocol in place... you're likely at much greater risk by continuing to keep things local.

SO WHAT’S THE SOLUTION?

There are many Cloud based file services available now. Which one will work best for you depends on what your individual needs are (how much storage space you need, what features are most important to you, how you use it, etc) and cost, of course.

Popular options include Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive. Another is Dropbox.

In essence they all work in a similar way. I've used them all. I prefer Dropbox for my business because it integrates in a more functional way with my computer and the programs I use. It lives right in my file directory so it looks, and acts, just like the local files. It's super easy to use. It's accessible from all my devices. And the app is PHENOMINAL.

If you would like help choosing and setting up the right Cloud based file service for your needs, please schedule a call with me to talk about it.

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~ Becky O’Neill, Author
Founder of Specialized Business Services LLC

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