7 Factors SMBs Must Consider When Selecting Cloud Storage
Aside from security, what are the other considerations SMBs make when selecting a cloud storage provider? Click through the slideshow to find out.
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Aside from security, what are the other considerations SMBs make when selecting a cloud storage provider? Click through the slideshow to find out.
Security is the top priority for SMBs selecting cloud services. According to Clutch’s survey, 87 percent of SMBs believe that the level of security of data stored in the cloud is very secure or somewhat secure. Experts say this contradiction is likely due to the complexity of cloud, and suggest that one of the most important areas to ensure cloud security is to prevent human error.
Twenty-two percent of respondents to Clutch's survey said that improved security of data is the primary benefit their organization has received from using a cloud storage platform.
Performance is critical for SMBs selecting cloud storage. Speed and reliability are both important factors of performance. This week, Dropbox added new Points of Presence (PoPs) to help boost its performance and cut down on latency.
With one-quarter of SMBs using free cloud storage, it is no wonder they are comparing how much room they can get for as little as possible. However, it is important for SMBs to have a clear idea of how much storage they need so they can get the right cloud storage for them, which may or may not be the free version.
Oftentimes cloud storage tools are used across an organization so they must be easy to use for even the least technical employees. Ease of use is critical in ensuring that users have a positive experience and continue to use the approved cloud storage solution, rather than seek out their own applications. Using sanctioned apps is an important factor in ensuring security of data stored in the cloud.
Using cloud storage, according to SMB respondents of Clutch's survey, has improved their organization's access to data (27 percent) and has provided an easier method for sending and receiving large files (22 percent).
Though many SMBs only use a free cloud storage service, cost was not considered a very important factor. With security and performance at the top of the list, SMBs may be willing to pay a premium for these features.
Only 11 percent of respondents to Clutch's survey said that decreased storage cost was the primary reason their organization chose cloud storage.
Most SMBs (42 percent) spend between $51-$250 per month on cloud storage services, while 26 percent spend between $251-$1000 per month.
Another consideration for SMBs choosing cloud storage is how well the application works on mobile. For workforces on the go this feature is particularly important. A recent study by CloudRail found that Dropbox was the most popular mobile cloud storage service.
SMBs ranked brand reputation and reviews of cloud storage services least important, which could present an opportunity to channel partners to introduce SMB customers to lesser known cloud storage services or educate clients on the best solutions for their specific needs.
SMBs ranked brand reputation and reviews of cloud storage services least important, which could present an opportunity to channel partners to introduce SMB customers to lesser known cloud storage services or educate clients on the best solutions for their specific needs.
Cloud storage has become a necessity for businesses that need to share and access documents with ease. At least part of the reason cloud storage has become so ubiquitous is the range of vendors offering free cloud storage solutions.
According to a new report by Clutch, one-quarter of small and medium-sized businesses only use a free version of cloud storage.
The survey also found that 14 percent of SMBs using free cloud storage store medical records and 11 percent store bank card information, despite the majority of SMBs listing security as their top priority when selecting a cloud storage provider.
Aside from security, what are the other considerations SMBs make when selecting a cloud storage provider? Click through the slideshow to find out.
12/12/2016: This slideshow has been updated to include more findings from Clutch.
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