Which Cloud Storage Platform Is Right For You
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Rich Talbot
Feb 28, 2013, 1:19:01 AM2/28/13
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Rich Talbot offers the following royalty-free article for you to publish online or in print.
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Article Title: Which Cloud Storage Platform Is Right For You
Author: Rich Talbot
Category: Tools and Resources
Word Count: 965
Keywords: microsoft, apple, google, skydrive, icloud, drive, cloud storage, online storage
Author's Email Address: arti...@microsofttraining.net
Article Source: http://www.distributeyourarticles.com
------------------ ARTICLE START ------------------
Cloud based services are increasingly become a part of our day-to-day lives. During the early stages of using online storage users were unsure whether or not storing their private data on a remote server was a safe alternative to storing it locally. However consumer confidence has increased and the services have reached a maturity where they are viable options for file storage. In this article we'll examine some of the contenders and help you decide which cloud storage service is best for you.
Google Drive
Pro's: Google has established itself on both sides of the operating system war, sitting comfortably in the middle with a nice warm cup of hot chocolate. Therefore all their services are able to apply to both Windows and Macintosh users, including Google Drive. Its compatibility between iOS, Android and Windows devices allows users to view content wherever they may be, even if you're not connected to the internet you have the option to make files viewable offline. The interface is also extremely regimented to the way Google's homepage is designed, making it familiar to everyone.
Con's: Although Google Drive is a sophisticatedly connected platform it does suffer from a relatively stingy 5GB data allowance. This may be a variable negative, depending on what you will be using Google Drive for. However if you plan on using Google Drive as an integral part of your working life you will find this data disappearing fast. However, you are able to upgrade your storage capacity to 25GB a month for $2.50 a month or 100GB a month for $5.00. If you sign up to one of these plans you Gmail your account capacity will also be increased to 25GB!
Google Drive would best suit a user who has no preference when it comes to buying branded hardware whether it be an Apple, Windows or Google device. Its universal compatibility between hardware ensures that anyone that has the ability to share, open or edit content on the cloud. Its interface would also be suited for someone who doesn't want to adapt to a new interface as it strictly follows identifiable features that you would find on Google's search page. Due to its initial storage restrictions it would also be ideal for anyone who primarily wants to store documents with the odd photo/video.
Microsoft SkyDrive
Pro's: The storage capacity is generous, users immediately get 7GB worth of storage for free. If you're working towards creating creative content, with large file sizes, SkyDrive will be able accommodate these large files and share them between colleagues or friends. Another useful feature is the ability to edit documents within its own dedicated Office web app. For example if you have a spreadsheet you want to edit you can simply edit the file within the same browser window you already have open. It is also available to use for Windows and Macintosh users, both on desktop browsers and mobile applications.
Con's: The main downside to SkyDrive that I can think of is the inability to view files offline, a feature Google Drive offers. It would also be nice to see an update where users would receive an alert when new content is added or altered.
SkyDrive would be ideal for someone who works with large file sizes, such as those who work in a creative environment, or deal with big data. Its 7GB free storage immediately appeals to anyone who would want to share collaborative projects such as videos, digital designs or even audio files. Initially I would say that it would also suit most Windows users, however Microsoft have done a fantastic job in blurring that line between first and third party hardware. Its tile interface, on the desktop version, would be instantly recognisable for the Windows user. However its simplicity and almost one-click functionality turns it into a service that can be suited for anyone.
Apple's iCloud
Pro's: For anyone that owns, or has owned, an Apple device will know if its brilliant ability to back up and synchronise every ounce of data on every iOS/OSX device you own. iCloud is the front of this service, offering a slick interface that you would expect from Apple along with its ability to back up much more than just documents and photos. Essentially iCloud is an all encompassing service that backs up your contacts, your emails and can even help you track lost or stolen iOS devices.
Con's: Apple have always been a company that likes to keep its software and hardware integrated, therefore using services such as iCloud on third party hardware such as Windows can be quite ineffective. Using the 'public website' option on Photo Stream you can share photo's and videos to those who don't even have an iCloud account. However to share and edit content on the cloud can only be done providing you have an iOS/OSX device. The basic storage plan is also a rather small 5GB, the same as Google Drive.
iCloud boasts much more than just being a cloud storage service like Google Drive and SkyDrive. It is perfect for someone who likes to be organised, keeping his or her emails, contacts and even bookmarks in sync. However this does come at a cost, quite literally considering the price of Apple hardware. To make use of this much wider service you will have to be an iOS/OSX user. Although Windows users can view and upload content to iCloud its entire integration is far more disjointed and difficult to utilise. Generally though it is built around a connected triangle of those who use a Macintosh computer, iPhone and iPad.
Author is a trainer with a Microsoft Office Training company, the UK industry leader in its sector. For more information on Microsoft Office Training, please visit
http://www.microsofttraining.net
------------------ ARTICLE END ------------------
Feel free to use this article in your newsletter, website, ezine, blog, or forum.
-----------
PUBLICATION GUIDELINES
- You have permission to publish this article for free providing the "About the Author" box is included in its entirety.
- Do not post/reprint this article in any site or publication that contains hate, violence, porn, warez, or supports illegal activity.
- Do not use this article in violation of the US CAN-SPAM Act. If sent by email, this article must be delivered to opt-in subscribers only.
- If you publish this article in a format that supports linking, please ensure that all URLs and email addresses are active links.
- Please send a copy of the publication, or an email indicating the URL to arti...@microsofttraining.net
- DistributeYourArticles (www.DistributeYourArticles.com) has distributed this article on behalf of the author. DistributeYourArticles does not own this article, please respect the author's copyright and publication guidelines. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use this article.
-----------
Article Title: Which Cloud Storage Platform Is Right For You
Author: Rich Talbot
Category: Tools and Resources
Word Count: 965
Keywords: microsoft, apple, google, skydrive, icloud, drive, cloud storage, online storage
Author's Email Address: arti...@microsofttraining.net
Article Source: http://www.distributeyourarticles.com
------------------ ARTICLE START ------------------
Cloud based services are increasingly become a part of our day-to-day lives. During the early stages of using online storage users were unsure whether or not storing their private data on a remote server was a safe alternative to storing it locally. However consumer confidence has increased and the services have reached a maturity where they are viable options for file storage. In this article we'll examine some of the contenders and help you decide which cloud storage service is best for you.
Google Drive
Pro's: Google has established itself on both sides of the operating system war, sitting comfortably in the middle with a nice warm cup of hot chocolate. Therefore all their services are able to apply to both Windows and Macintosh users, including Google Drive. Its compatibility between iOS, Android and Windows devices allows users to view content wherever they may be, even if you're not connected to the internet you have the option to make files viewable offline. The interface is also extremely regimented to the way Google's homepage is designed, making it familiar to everyone.
Con's: Although Google Drive is a sophisticatedly connected platform it does suffer from a relatively stingy 5GB data allowance. This may be a variable negative, depending on what you will be using Google Drive for. However if you plan on using Google Drive as an integral part of your working life you will find this data disappearing fast. However, you are able to upgrade your storage capacity to 25GB a month for $2.50 a month or 100GB a month for $5.00. If you sign up to one of these plans you Gmail your account capacity will also be increased to 25GB!
Google Drive would best suit a user who has no preference when it comes to buying branded hardware whether it be an Apple, Windows or Google device. Its universal compatibility between hardware ensures that anyone that has the ability to share, open or edit content on the cloud. Its interface would also be suited for someone who doesn't want to adapt to a new interface as it strictly follows identifiable features that you would find on Google's search page. Due to its initial storage restrictions it would also be ideal for anyone who primarily wants to store documents with the odd photo/video.
Microsoft SkyDrive
Pro's: The storage capacity is generous, users immediately get 7GB worth of storage for free. If you're working towards creating creative content, with large file sizes, SkyDrive will be able accommodate these large files and share them between colleagues or friends. Another useful feature is the ability to edit documents within its own dedicated Office web app. For example if you have a spreadsheet you want to edit you can simply edit the file within the same browser window you already have open. It is also available to use for Windows and Macintosh users, both on desktop browsers and mobile applications.
Con's: The main downside to SkyDrive that I can think of is the inability to view files offline, a feature Google Drive offers. It would also be nice to see an update where users would receive an alert when new content is added or altered.
SkyDrive would be ideal for someone who works with large file sizes, such as those who work in a creative environment, or deal with big data. Its 7GB free storage immediately appeals to anyone who would want to share collaborative projects such as videos, digital designs or even audio files. Initially I would say that it would also suit most Windows users, however Microsoft have done a fantastic job in blurring that line between first and third party hardware. Its tile interface, on the desktop version, would be instantly recognisable for the Windows user. However its simplicity and almost one-click functionality turns it into a service that can be suited for anyone.
Apple's iCloud
Pro's: For anyone that owns, or has owned, an Apple device will know if its brilliant ability to back up and synchronise every ounce of data on every iOS/OSX device you own. iCloud is the front of this service, offering a slick interface that you would expect from Apple along with its ability to back up much more than just documents and photos. Essentially iCloud is an all encompassing service that backs up your contacts, your emails and can even help you track lost or stolen iOS devices.
Con's: Apple have always been a company that likes to keep its software and hardware integrated, therefore using services such as iCloud on third party hardware such as Windows can be quite ineffective. Using the 'public website' option on Photo Stream you can share photo's and videos to those who don't even have an iCloud account. However to share and edit content on the cloud can only be done providing you have an iOS/OSX device. The basic storage plan is also a rather small 5GB, the same as Google Drive.
iCloud boasts much more than just being a cloud storage service like Google Drive and SkyDrive. It is perfect for someone who likes to be organised, keeping his or her emails, contacts and even bookmarks in sync. However this does come at a cost, quite literally considering the price of Apple hardware. To make use of this much wider service you will have to be an iOS/OSX user. Although Windows users can view and upload content to iCloud its entire integration is far more disjointed and difficult to utilise. Generally though it is built around a connected triangle of those who use a Macintosh computer, iPhone and iPad.
Author is a trainer with a Microsoft Office Training company, the UK industry leader in its sector. For more information on Microsoft Office Training, please visit
http://www.microsofttraining.net
------------------ ARTICLE END ------------------
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