It sounds counter-intuitive, but your job is currently restricting your workflow. When you do not have a cloud solution, you face many limitations you may not even be aware of. You need to find the best cloud provider for your small business. What to look for depends on your business needs.
What cloud services do you think will improve your processes and strategies? How can you make your work-life feel less stressful and more balanced?
It may take the features of the cloud to move those current roadblocks. You may need unlimited storage, file restoration, backup, or project management tools. It could be that you need all these services. Depending on the provider and solutions, there may be a cost to your cloud services. While there are some free cloud services available too.
It all depends on what you choose, but to do that you must first learn your options. Your cloud provider goals should include breaking down barriers that hold you back. You need a use cloud-based solution that transforms your devices into virtual offices.
No longer should the quantity of work you produce depends on the amount of access you have to your office space. And, with cloud services, you remove limitations and gain the freedom to work from anywhere.
What Does Cloud Services Mean?
Before the cloud existed and smartphones became popular, we saved our data on hard drives. They gave us the ability to share information via a USB port to other devices and with other people.
Today, the cloud takes care of it all and then some. Cloud services or cloud computing is the on-demand availability of computer system resources. Users gain access to syncing important records, file sharing, and worksheet editing.
The cloud has taken over. We have a ton of options to choose from for storage, databases, and servers. We can safely protect our precious data online.
With the cloud, collaborating with colleagues via the internet in real-time is easy. You can work on the exact same files at the very same time, with no issues. Nothing is stopping you.
And, unlike the days of USB file sharing, you do not need to be in the same room or using the same device. Better yet, you no longer need to even be on-premises or at your work desk to get the job done. Instead, use your Android, iPhone, PC or Apple computer to access files from anywhere.
Some analysts predict that half of the workforce will be freelancers by 2020. Cloud storage solutions permit you to work remotely, as “working” is no longer tied to a location, but a device.
“Cloud is about how you do computing, not where you do computing.” – Paul Maritz, CEO of VMware
Now, you can choose to conduct business from places like your home or the beach. As long as you have an internet connection, you have access to work files you store in the cloud. When using a storage option or outsourcing customer service, there will be an improvement in employee productivity and in customer service, too.
The cloud will save your business money and overhead costs. It sounds like a win-win-win situation and that’s because it is one. But, before choosing a cloud service you need to become familiar with them.
There are three main categories of cloud providers. Learn about each of them to determine which is the right one for you.
3 Cloud Service Categories
Below, are the three main cloud categories and what each of them does. Take a moment to review them to gain better insights about cloud solutions.
1) Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
IaaS is a private cloud-based service where users do not share resources. It is where you pay-as-you-go for things like virtualization, networking, and storage.
Examples of IaaS: Rackspace and Cisco
Why Use IaaS in Business?
IaaS allows businesses to have complete control over their infrastructure. It operates on a pay-as-you-use method, which fits most budgets.
2) Platform as a Service (PaaS)
PaaS is a public cloud that offers customers access to software and hardware.
Examples of PaaS: Amazon S3 and Salesforce
Why Use PaaS in Business?
PaaS is often used by application developers. It tends to be the most cost-and time-effective cloud service for businesses.
3) Software as a Service (SaaS)
SaaS is also a public cloud service as it gives access to software, provided by remote servers. As the servers are that of third-parties, it makes it a “public” cloud.
Examples of SaaS: Dropbox and MailChimp
Why Use SaaS in Business?
SaaS is ideal for businesses who want applications to run smoothly. It is great for those companies who want very little input from their users. As it is a hands-off cloud solution it involves some form of automation to run.
Most businesses like having different cloud-based options. Some make sure to keep informed about what is current and available. Especially those businesses who insist on using cloud storage and protection. While there are others that may already be using cloud services but are not yet aware that they do, yet.
After today, this will be a different story. Google Drive, for instance, is a public cloud service that many use. It is a cloud-based service where you can create and store documents online. Another prime example is G Suite. Many businesses use this one too as it offers useful cloud computing services.
There are various types of cloud solutions available. But, more does not necessarily mean better. It all depends on your needs and what would work best with your business. Do not just use one, you must choose to use the “right” one. Some cloud-based services offer file storing, sharing, and restoring, but there are other kinds too. It is essential to know that not all cloud providers offer the same features or are equal.
For instance, Quickbooks provides cloud-based accounting application software. Thus, it is very different than a cloud backup service. Some cloud services even let you build your own business apps. It is important to explore them all for you do not know what your business could be missing out on.
There are owners who prefer using public cloud services. Like, Google, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Microsoft Azure. There are still plenty of businesses who prefer private or hybrid cloud services. It all depends on it wants its own infrastructure) or a mixture of both public and private cloud services.
Thus, understanding how each cloud solution performs is vital. It helps with productivity and lessens the amount of downtime your current system causes. Although knowing the differences between cloud services is useful it may not be enough to change your current process. Which is completely understandable.
What you need are reasons why your small business should use cloud services and now you will have them.
Why Your Small Business Needs to Start Using the Best Cloud Service Provider
Every small business owner is cautious when it comes to data management and it is no different for you. As a result, some businesses will end up using multiple cloud services. Organizations leverage almost 5 different cloud platforms on average, which is not necessarily a good thing.
Handling customer information is a very serious task and can be stressful. Businesses turn to cloud storage solutions and data protection methods for this reason. They want to keep the information secure. But, you do not necessarily need more than one cloud service provider to do it. You can and should start using the best cloud solutions to properly meet your business needs.
Moving your main data from old filing cabinets to the cloud is how you will gain the security you desire. When you find the right provider, you can have it all in one place, making it even easier to access. In the event of a security breach or environmental disaster, you do not experience data loss. This lets you worry less and more focused on the job at hand.
Cloud services are more than a place to store your business data, they are what will cast your fears away. When you use the cloud that best fits your business, you feel safe about your business files. Always know exactly where your valuable data resides.
Safety and security are not the only reasons why businesses adopt the cloud, there are a lot more.
Here is why your small business should choose to use the cloud.
- Provides flexibility and mobility
- They are typically less expensive and cut costs
- Makes it easier to scale business growth
- Enhances the collaboration experience
- Improves productivity and the workflow process
- Employees can be more available to customers
Once you know what cloud-based solutions can do, you can realize what your business is not doing.
Here are fifty-two best cloud services your small business needs to check out.
52 Best Cloud Services
Even if your business already uses some type of cloud service, you will still want to check out this list. You may learn you are not using the best of the best.
Now is the time to give yourself the opportunity to change it.
1) Dropbox
Dropbox is a modern workspace that reduces busywork and increases productivity. You and your team can put your files together, in one central place. Making it easier to gain access to the files you need when you need them.
Documents are safely synced across your devices. Best of all, you can access them, any time, from anywhere. Immediately upon usage, employees can stop wasting time trying to find essential documents.
Dropbox becomes the central location for all your small business files.
While the files sync, so will your team. Together, they can offer a more seamless experience to customers.
2) Nextiva Drive
Nextiva Drive will make your small business instantly best friends with the cloud.
If you already use Nextiva’s VoIP phone service, then you know how freeing mobility can be. Now, you can have even more of it with Nextiva Drive.
Nextiva uses the cloud to securely and continuously backup your data. Your team can now access all-important business files at the office and while on-the-go.
Collaboration is a breeze, making work processes move along more smoothly and quickly. Distribute, edit, and re-sync files to avoid outdated work or control issues.
Everyone will immediately be on the same page, which is exactly where you need them to be. And, with Nextiva Drive, they will continue to stay there.
With work, you can always pick up where you left off. This lets you avoid productivity and money loss.
You can even accelerate project completion with real-time file edits. Make your team one who never skips a beat and remains on top of their game with the use of Nextiva Drive.
3) Google Drive
Google Drive is where you can add and store your photos, designs, recordings, videos, and much more. With your Google Account, you can easily access your files in Drive. Choose to view them from any smartphone, tablet, or computer.
So your files go wherever you go.
Google Drive also enables you to share your files with other team members. Quickly invite others to view, download, and collaborate on all your business files.
Forget about having to constantly send email attachments via Gmail. Use Google Drive instead.
Share your files with multiple people at the same time and get the results you want, faster.
4) Carbonite
Carbonite protects your business from common forms of data loss. Including ransomware, hardware failure, and natural disasters.
As you store your business files in the cloud, you no longer have to rely on “location” to access them. All you need to do is log-on and view your data from one of your devices.
Thus, you are protecting your data no matter where it lives or your location.
With Carbonite, you can schedule file-syncing and back up all your business files in the cloud. You will be giving yourself a great gift with Carbonite — peace of mind.
5) Microsoft Azure
Microsoft Azure is a hybrid cloud that meets you where you are, which can literally be anywhere. It offers you the ability to integrate and manage your environments.
Also, handle exponential data growth without giving anything up. You can grow and still have the security, scalability, and analytics you need.
From day one, you will have multi-layer security and data backup. Easily give employees access data while keeping all files safe.
The protection and privacy that Microsoft Azure provides give you confidence. You are completely sure files are safe and secure in the cloud.
6) Egnyte
Egnyte offers file-sharing capabilities and access to content quickly. Regardless of the file size, location, device or bandwidth, your work goes with you.
You can finally stop feeling like you are being held back. Say goodbye to old and expensive infrastructures. Step into the digital space to securely store your files. It will give you a newly found freedom.
Egnyte uses the cloud for storage, data management, and to provide file access to your team. You can keep important documents with you at all times. Their solution is an efficient way to manage your business’ centralized content.
7) iDrive
iDrive lets you forget about having to use multiple accounts at one time. Keeping track of their location and passwords can be a real nightmare.
Back up all your PCs, Macs, and mobile devices into one account. Wave goodbye to scattered and unorganized desktop files. Instead, open your business doors to the cloud.
You and your team can add business documents and files to iDrive from anywhere. Team members also gain access quickly to connect and collaborate on work projects. It makes getting to the finish line of tasks, faster to do.
iDrive is a one-stop solution that protects all your data and devices.
8) Acronis
Acronis is the perfect cloud solution to backup and protect your business files. It offers your business platform flexibility and work mobility.
Its system detects and stops both known and unknown strains of ransomware. Always keeping an eye on your files to ensure they are safe and secure.
Experience the protection that Acronis offers and let go of your file backup worries. With a customizable dashboard and all-in-one recovery tool, you are in control of your data.
Remove the pain points not using the cloud can cause. It is not too late to start using a better file storage system. Start today, with Acronis.
9) Apple iCloud Drive
iCloud Drive is a cloud-based, file sharing, and productivity-increasing service offered by Apple.
Known for its popular technology creations, Apple is what innovation looks like. With beloved products like the iPhone, iTunes, and Mac computer, many are fond of this company.
Yet, some do not know that Apple iCloud Drive exists.
If you are an Apple fanatic, then you are most likely already using this service. But, for those first learning about iCloud Drive, there are a few things you should know.
Not to confuse it with Apple’s iCloud, a file storage service, the iCloud Drive is Apple’s file sharing service. Before using either, it is important to know a bit more about them.
Take note that iCloud Drive is a part of iCloud and what you save on iCloud Drive will also save in iCloud. Thus, you need to sign in to iCloud to access the Drive.
iCloud is where you store files, iCloud Drive is how you sync them. You are able to sync files between multiple devices to perform work tasks seamlessly.
10) Backblaze
Backblaze helps protect and secure all your business data. Its protection and hard drive restore services also keep your files safe.
As an online storage and backup tool, Backblaze enables you to centrally manage data. It has an easy to use and scalable admin console, too.
With its 30-day rollback feature, you can access data from thirty days ago. You will feel secure knowing protection from ransomware is another essential feature.
Stop relying on physical hard drives that are vulnerable, as they are easy to lose and break. Store your business files in a place that will safely and securely back up your data and give you easy access to it.
11) Barracuda
Barracuda provides security, networking, and storage products with the cloud.
Their tools can secure your email, network, app, and data. It protects you against today’s most advanced threats, giving you security.
It also provides cloud-generation firewalls, while offering data storage and recovery.
Whether you need protection for your website, email, web application, or mobile device, Barracuda is here for you. It has a wide range of high-performance network solutions for your business.
Secure and optimize your network with the right tools. Ones that are specifically designed to protect your business from data threats and data loss.
Barracuda is cloud-integrated protection made for your business-critical data.
12) Hightail
Hightail, is a cloud-based service formerly known as, YouSendIt. It offers its users the ability to send, receive, and synchronize large files online. It also provides you with the capability to sign files, saving you time.
Easily collect feedback, streamline collaborations, and send email notifications. You are able to track the delivery of your downloaded files and more, using only one solution.
You can invite your team to work on various tasks and projects. You even have the ability to assign them “to-dos.” Hightail offers you the ease of managing tasks and teamwork, as you can view it all and get it all done, in one place.
13) JustCloud
JustCloud is a fast and easy Google powered cloud storage service. It automatically protects your files, photos, and other essential documents.
It syncs your data to multiple computers, giving you the choice to access files from any location.
You can schedule when a backup of your files should occur and it will run silently in the background to not disturb you while you work.
Let go of the awkward hard drives and file folders. Put away the bulky office filing cabinet and use JustCloud to store your business files safely in the cloud, instead.
14) Livedrive
Livedrive is an online cloud backup and sync storage service. Users can access business data from their mobile phones or tablet.
You can store as many files as you like with the unlimited backup space Livedrive offers — this is for up to 5 PC or Mac user accounts. That is a lot of space for all your business files. The Livedrive cloud also protects while it stores.
A copy of your business data is automatically kept safe in the Livedrive UK data centers. In the event that you lose or break your PC or Mac computer, you can easily restore the files and add them to your new computer.
15) SpiderOak
SpiderOak is a US-based collaboration tool that backs up and hosts your files online. Users have access to synchronize and share data using a cloud-based server.
Its provides your business with security software and teamwork-related tools. SpiderOak not only hosts your files, but it protects your data, too. It gives users the ability to drive greater organizational success.
Keep your mission-critical files safe and secure in the cloud. Use the collaboration tools that offer you the ability to meet business needs at a faster rate.
Increase your team’s productivity by cutting down the time it takes to share and review data. Have it ready for them to access all at the same time with SpiderOak.
16) Storage Guardian
Storage Guardian is a data center that protects and recovers your data quickly. One single file is all you need with no license fees or extra hidden charges.
Pay only for the total amount of data receiving protection. And it does protect your data against malware.
There are several factors that make them unique. Just as the name says, Storage Guardian, stores and protects your work data.
You can replicate your applications and data to their secure data center. It lets you backup your Dropbox data and sends a copy of your VEEAM Cloud Connect to Storage Guardian for back up too.
17) SugarSync
SugarSync is a cloud service that offers automatic synchronization. Simply click on your folders to add it to SugarSync and it will auto-sync them. Thus, any changes you make, are instantly applied across all your devices via the cloud.
It makes work-life much easier. When you edit your business files at the office, you can pick up where you left off when you get home.
Whether you use your PC, Mac, or mobile phone, your work projects will be more manageable. Access and share files, no matter the device you use. SugarSync also offers “Remote Wipe” which protects your data from threats and loss.
18) SOS Online Backup
SOS Online Backup is a secure service where you can privately backup your data online. And that is not something that many cloud data storage services can say.
They also backup all your mobile devices including your smartphone and tablet. You can even back up Facebook!
Rest easy when securely backing up your data with military-grade multilayer encryption. Simply put, it remains 100% private. The business data you add to SOS Online Backup is hidden from prying hackers eyes.
Their “Save Forever” feature lets you access unlimited versions of your present and past document. In a flash, you can even see the ones you delete.
19) Approval Donkey
Approval Donkey is an approval workflow tool that allows you to leverage your favorite email, application, or online form. You can turn submissions into automated and tracked approval workflows.
As most approvals take more than one person, Approval Donkey simplifies this process. It promotes teamwork and supports keeping all approvals together. Know exactly what you and your team have to action and learn where issues lie.
Streamlined approval workflows enable the right people to get the right requests at the right time. It offers everyone to stay informed and up-to-date, as well as, professionalism and accountability. Approval Donkey makes approval workflows easier.
20) Asana
Asana is a web and mobile application that help teams organize, track, and manage projects, speeding up the work process.
As a work management platform, Asana allows you and your team to stay focused on business goals, objectives, and daily tasks. It keeps you informed with notifications and provides a “following” option for each task. It simplifies eliminating roadblocks and hitting deadlines.
With Asana creating visual project plans it gives your team the ability to stay apprised during every stage of the process. Prioritize what matters most to your business.
It makes keeping everyone aligned and focused on essential business goals, today and far into the future.
21) Airtable
Airtable is a cloud collaboration service that is a spreadsheet-database-hybrid. It has the features of a database applied to a spreadsheet. It is entirely flexible that allows you to organize your work in your own way.
Whether you need to collect and save information from stakeholders or want the ability to group projects by status, with Airtable, you can.
Choose to use stack cards, a gallery, calendar app, or grid view to push business projects to completion. With large display cards, you can easily find any project. It is up to you.
Work your own way, become inspired, and unleash your creative potential.
22) Hootsuite
Hootsuite is a social media management platform that simplifies and enhances content sharing.
With their scheduling feature, you can easily add and share interesting articles. Connect with your audience via blogs, photos, and inventory-related posts. Show off your business products and services on social media in less time.
Your social media presence no longer has to have an endpoint each day, with Hootsuite, it can be on-going, even twenty-four seven. It is all up to how much content you add to the platform.
In just one sitting, your business can fill it up with loads of content and yet, keep it spread out. Ensuring you are constantly posting to your social accounts without having to overload it.
23) MailChimp
MailChimp has two major things every business needs. It is both a marketing automation platform and email marketing service that grows with you.
MailChimp has enlarged the subscription storing service. All their marketing tools support the way you work on a grand level.
Their platform, services, and tools allow you to bring your brand to life and put your audience first. Create awareness and spread your online presence faster with MailChimp.
Turn data into insights. Ensure all your marketing efforts reach the right people and your business goals. MailChimp makes your marketing processes easier to accomplish.
24) Amazon S3
Amazon S3 or as it is also known, Amazon Simple Storage Service, is apart of Amazon Web Services.
Through a web service interface, Amazon S3 provides you and your team object storage. A service offering industry-leading scalability, data availability, security, and performance.
It uses the same scalable storage infrastructure as Amazon.com. This means no matter the size of your business or the type of industry you are in, you can use Amazon S3 to store and protect any amount of data.
Organize your data and configure access controls to meet your specific business style. Get scalability, availability, and durability all in one place.
25) pCloud Business
pCloud Business is a complete and secure platform where you can store all your business data. You and your team can sync and collaborate on business files from anywhere. It makes room for more opportunities to occur.
Remove the limitations hard drives create. Instead, increase productivity and teamwork with your colleagues using the cloud. Not to mention, its easy-to-use tools. Each designed to help you control and optimize your workflow. Who doesn’t love that!
Anything that makes completing tasks on time, alone or with a team, is bound to create success. The pCloud Business platform makes hitting your goals a breeze and supports collaboration.
Make your team a powerful one with a complete system that transforms the way you stores data.
26) HiDrive
HiDrive is a cloud-based storage solution. Place your business files where your data is securely stored and easily accessible.
Access HiDrive from any device at any time. Your office space no longer needs to be what determines the amount of work your employees do. Location does not need to limit the success of your business. When you choose HiDrive, you can choose to work from the office or on the go.
Along with location limitation elimination, you also do not have to limit the type of data you can upload to the cloud. It does not matter whether you are looking to store Word documents or Excel spreadsheets, HiDrive is the place.
You are able to also store audio and video files securely in their European data centers.
27) Luckycloud
Luckycloud is a German cloud storage service that offers encrypted sync and a shared platform. If you want to use the cloud that meets high demands, security, and performance, Luckycloud is right for you.
What is important to know is that Luckycloud facilitates the processing of your sensitive data. It ensures the highest possible level of data protection to keep your business running smoothly.
It also offers admins extensive functions to control data access, sharing, and communication. As an administrator, you can transform workspaces and direct your employees’ activities.
Give your business files a new and secure place to call home with, Luckycloud.
28) OpenStack
OpenStack is a free and open-source software platform. It permits your business to do cloud computing — create private and public clouds.
It is used mostly as an infrastructure-as-a-service or IaaS. This is when the OpenStack virtual servers and other resources are made available to customers.
Manage the data center and dashboard without any hiccups. The software controls large pools of computing, storage, and networking resources. You will get what you need.
Its platform and features give you options. Who doesn’t love that! You can lessen the number of headaches that come from doing-it-all yourself. Having the proper software makes a world of difference too.
OpenStack makes cloud computing a reality for business.
29) Jungle Disk
Jungle Disk is an online backup software service. It is also a privately-held data security company too.
It offers your business a suite of products. Including a network protection service and email archiving. If you want to protect your critical data, Jungle Disk knows what you need. It offers a cybersecurity suite designed specifically for 2-250 employee businesses.
But that is not all, there is more.
It also has more essential features you will like. Including automatic backup data, password management, and security awareness training.
Keep you and your team’s files far away from phishing, ransomware, and more, by learning how to defend them. Jungle Disk has what you need to be ready.
30) Alibaba Cloud
Alibaba Cloud provides cloud computing services to online businesses. It does the same for Alibaba’s own e-commerce ecosystem.
A subsidiary of Alibaba Group, Alibaba Cloud is how your business can experience secure cloud computing. Get storage, networking, security, big data, and artificial intelligence (AI) all in one place.
Go beyond just cloud storing and explore more of what the cloud can do for you, your team, and your business. There are a lot of useful tools to examine and implement!
Alibaba Cloud provides you highly reliable and secure deployment solutions for enterprises. Fully experience the unique benefits of using their hybrid cloud and feel the difference.
31) Tresorit
Tresorit is an online cloud storage service based that offers end-to-end file encryption and sharing.
It not only enhances security it also does the same for data encryption. Perfectly made for individuals and freelancers.
As it provides workers with the mobility most employees need today. Its ultra-secure cloud allows you to store, sync and share files at any time.
Change the way you do business for the better. Use a cloud storage service that protects your important files. Stay connected to employees and encourage productive teamwork with Tresorit.
Experience a world of difference with the use of the cloud.
32) Nextcloud
Nextcloud is a suite of client-server software. Businesses use the suite for creating and using file hosting services.
Nextcloud application functionally is similar to Dropbox. But, unlike Dropbox, Nextcloud does not offer off-premises file storage hosting. Which means, it is a self-hosted collaboration solution.
When using NextCloud software, you protect, control and monitor data like never before. You are able to unify communication across your company, as well. Bring your team members together to work on projects has never been so easy.
The days of stressing out over the status of your business data are long over.
NextCloud is the next place your files should reside.
33) Sync
Sync is a secure and private cloud storage solution that offers secure file sharing and automatic backup.
This solution lets you store and share your work files from just about anywhere. It grants you and the entire team the freedom to roam while conducting business.
When you know that your data is safely stored in the cloud, you rest easy. With it secure, and 100% private, it takes a load off your shoulders that has been weighing you down for far too long.
As the heaviness leaves, you will find that you are more productive and focused while you work. It helps you speed up your work process and complete tasks faster. There is nothing like handing in a project you have worked hard on before its due date.
Give yourself a break and turn to Sync for help with your business data.
34) Degoo
Degoo offers online storage that is protected with military-grade encryption. It is a top-secret, AI (Artificial Intelligence) cloud storage that lets you revisit old memories. With zero-knowledge encryption, it takes security to the highest level.
Degoo is serious about protecting your photos and files. You can easily connect and access all your cloud services in one account. Which frees up your time to get more done.
Some may believe you cannot travel back in time, but as Degoo makes multiple copies of every file, it uses AI to show you the best moments of your life.
With your private Degoo feed, you can privately and securely access all your photos. Completely re-live past work or personal-life memories.
35) OneCloud
OneCloud is an easy self-service automation and iPaaS (Integration platform as a service). It enables your business to build and run specific applications.
Integration, automation, and approval are among the many great features OneCloud offers. With automation, you can schedule processes and notify users with ease. You are also able to move your data with a human integrated workflow before you approve it. That is nice!
OneCloud provides your business with the ability to integrate on-premise and native applications. It is time that you choose to use services that help simplify your life and workload. Thus, you might want to say hello to OneCloud.
36) Microsoft Office 365
Microsoft Office 365 is a part of the Microsoft product line that offers an array of office suite subscription services. Have your business stand out with the tools needed for success.
Especially great for businesses looking to use Office apps with cloud file storage and sharing. Microsoft Office 365 gives you access to the apps and storage you need on your PC, Mac, or mobile device. However, business email not included.
Thus, use Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Powerpoint, as well as, have access to store files in OneDrive. Microsoft Office 365 provides your business with these services, all in one place.
37) MediaFire
MediaFire is a file hosting, file synchronization, file sharing, and cloud storage service. Its software works on various devices. Including, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, BlackBerry 10, and web browsers.
With it being greatly accessible via numerous systems, MediaFire makes it easier to share work files with employees. It diminishes the frustration that comes with location restrictions and the type of device you own.
No longer do you have to wish for a secure place to store your business files and can allow you to give more employees access to those files. MediaFire has made your dream come true.
38) Rackspace Cloud
Rackspace Cloud is a set of cloud computing products and services. You choose the cloud services you want and Rackspace Cloud will manage them for you.
It offers virtual private, public, and hybrid cloud servers. It has cloud storage, load balancers, databases, backup, and monitoring services too. So, just about everything, but the kitchen sink.
With cloud-managed services from Rackspace, you can use a variety of leading cloud platforms and get the support you need. It will save you big time.
Not only will it save you the pain of doing it yourself, but also the complexity. Get the most out of your cloud mix, with Rackspace Cloud.
39) IBM Cloud
IBM Cloud is a suite of cloud computing services offered by IBM. It offers both PaaS (Platform as a service) and IaaS (Infrastructure as a service).
Get access to a robust suite of advanced data and AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools. Let your business connect with deep industry experts, who give all the support you need to use the cloud.
But first, you need to get your business on board with using IBM Cloud. Otherwise, you and your team will not have access to the full-stack cloud platform. Nor will you be able to use any of the over 170 products and services offered by IBM Cloud.
40) Google Cloud
Google Cloud is a cloud computing platform, offered by Google. It offers a suite of cloud computing services that runs on the same infrastructure as other Google products. Including as Google Search and YouTube.
Take your business to the next level by being able to build, operate, and grow in this busy complex, and multi-cloud world using Google Cloud.
Add photos, files, and other vital data to a cloud you can trust to be reliable.
Make your business unstoppable. Let nothing hold you back as you can migrate and modernize workloads via a robust cloud computing infrastructure.
Allow business innovation to become a top priority.
41) Oracle Cloud
Oracle Cloud is a cloud computing service offered by Oracle Corporation. It can provide your business servers, storage, network, and applications.
Services like SaaS (Software as a service), PaaS (Platform as a service), IaaS (Infrastructure as a service) you are able to build apps. You are able to deploy, integrate, and extend applications in the cloud.
Transform the way your business operates with Oracle Cloud and its Cloud Marketplace. It has more than 4000 Oracle Partner apps and services for you to use.
42) CloudLinux
CloudLinux powers 20,000,000 websites with an OS designed for shared hosting providers. It is developed by software company CloudLinux, Inc.
There are many reasons why host providers should use or at least consider CloudLinux. It improves server stability, density, and security by isolating each tenant. It goes on to offer allocated server resources, as well.
If you want a shared hosting account to feel more like a virtual server environment, then take a closer look at CloudLinux.
CloudLinux OS reduces operating costs and churn rates while increasing your business’ profitability.
43) Kinsta
Kinsta is what will take your business website and blogging efforts to a whole other level. As a managed WordPress hosting provider, Kinsta helps take care of all your website needs.
They use cutting-edge technology to run their services with user-friendly services.
Kinsta Cloud takes support seriously as it is their number one priority. You do not need to know everything as you have access to pro-active WordPress experts. They want to see you succeed and will reach out to you when your attention is needed.
You get the service you need to keep your website up and running smoothly.
44) Kamatera
Kamatera Cloud Servers provides your business with a virtual, server service. It delivers limitless scalability, reliable performance, and unhindered availability.
Easy to use, Kamatera can have you deploy a worldwide infrastructure in less than 60-seconds. As it saves you time, you will feel on top of the world (… wide web that is).
The Kamatera Cloud experts make managing your cloud servers as easy as saying one, two, three. You will have a firewall, load balancers, and other technical components, that saves your business money.
Let’s not forget to mention, you will also receive migration services and recovery management.
45) Red Hat
Red Hat, Inc. is a software company providing open-source software products to enterprises. Its cloud computing services include a suite of tools for private and public cloud infrastructures.
You can choose to build and manage an open IaaS (Infrastructure as a service) cloud or a private cloud on your terms and timeline.
The Red Hat Cloud Infrastructure uses integrated Red Hat technologies. It gives you the ability to deploy components however and whenever you want. Do not worry if you are unsure of something or have questions, as you can always depend on Red Hat’s support team to assist you.
46) Salesforce
Salesforce is your business’ command center. A CRM (Customer relationship management) system that stores pertinent information.
The solutions Salesforce office are designed to work together while working with you. Their platform provides you and your team a place to track and review communication.
It helps you manage your sales, marketing efforts, customer service, and much, much more. Forget having multiple places for all these things, with Salesforce, you can keep it all in one central location.
Their platform was built with your business in mind. As it is intuitive, personalized, and prepared to grow with your business.
47) Navisite
Navisite is a provider of several great services your business needs. Whether you need a provider for hosting or application management and managed cloud services, you will find it all with Navisite. It specifically designed for enterprises and outsourcing IT infrastructure.
As an experienced, multi-cloud provider, Navisite offers an array of IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service) solutions. Build for the rapid scaling of cloud-native applications, this platform is a powerful one.
Allow your business to maximize the benefits of a flexible, elastic cloud or hybrid environment has to offer. There is no need for compromising, either. You will receive their security, visibility, reliability, and functionality.
48) SAP Cloud Platform
SAP Cloud Platform is an open business platform designed to help with the innovation of your business. By having options to integrate and extend applications with agility, and flexibility, you have the ability to grow.
With its multi-cloud foundation, your business can leverage the latest cloud technologies.
You can use the SAP Cloud Platform in various ways. Choose to create intelligent, mobile-ready applications to better serve customers. It is time to modernize business processes and compete effectively.
When you have the foundation for an intelligent enterprise it allows your business to react, adapt and expand quickly. Your business will be ready and fully equipped to match new market expectations.
49) VMware Cloud
VMware Cloud offers you the ability to run a highly scalable, secure and innovative service. It provides your business with seamless ways to migrate and extend your on-premises VMware environment.
Using any cloud on any device, you and your team can easily learn more about your business application portfolio. Know how to run, manage, connect, and secure it.
When you can build modern mobile apps and unify multi-cloud operations, it strengthens you. Allow your business to become increasingly powerful with the cloud.
With its simplicity, security, visibility, and flexibility, VMware Cloud has a lot of reasons why you should choose them.
50) Adobe Creative Cloud
Adobe is the next generation of Creative Cloud that lets your business dream bigger. Whether you want your business to have new apps, features, or ways to create, your team can have it with Adobe. It is everything you need to make your dream, however big it may be, a reality.
Stop wishing and start doing with Adobe’s Creative Cloud to push your business forward, to get in front of customers, and ahead of the competition.
The best way to turn your innovative and forward-thinking ideas into actions is by using apps and services that offer you the ability to do amazing creative work.
51) PhoenixNAP Cloud Services
PhoenixNAP Cloud Services offers a range of cloud products designed to add agility, flexibility, and scalability to your business. They offer a highly competitive, on-demand public cloud to the most complex, private cloud solutions.
In case you were wondering, PhoenixNAP Cloud Services has you covered.
Their single-tenant public cloud offers on-demand, no contract compute and storage resources. Their PhoenixNAP Virtual Private Data Center (VPDC) is a VMware vCloud based, multi-tenant cloud service that gives you total command over your cloud experience.
PhoenixNAP products deliver a secure pool of resources; controlled and provisioned on-demand. You take the wheel of your business performance with a cloud service that matches your style.
52) CrashPlan
CrashPlan makes protecting all your work-related files of your small business, easy. As its name pretty much gives away the service it provides, it makes what they offer, no surprise — Cloud backup and data protection solutions
You can finally exhale to release the tension that exists due to the phrase “in case of an emergency.” Do you know what will happen to your business files? With CrashPlan you have the knowledge and protection you need to keep your business running even when an emergency occurs.
Stop stressing for you have better ways to spend your valuable energy while at work.
Conclusion
Not all fifty-two cloud solutions will be the right fit for your small business, but at least you can now choose the one that is, from the best.
Uncover how cloud-based services, products, and features can make your business and team better. Whether it be the need to protect your data or the accessibility of file-sharing, there is a cloud provider out there that is perfectly designed for you.
Find it. Use it.
Simplify your processes and team’s workload with effective solutions that enable your data to live in the cloud and let your small business fly.
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Question & Answers (56)
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In my opinion Azure is the most likable option for the small business if your are thinking of best cloud solution. I really like the presence of article that you represented. Keep sharing like this
Nextiva and Azure are the most preferred options for small businesses in my opinion. People might find it a difficult choice to choose between Azure and AWS but for me it’s a clear distinction for me. This is by the way, a well-explained and elaborate blog post including all the commonly available cloud solutions, thanks for sharing it up here.
Hi,
Nice blog, Thanks for sharing info.
I already come here less and less. Hopefully they won’t make the forums as desolate.
You spelled excrement wrong.
no doubt it is really a long list but there are some big market key players missing in this list I don’t know why and on what basis this list is conducted.
O grand TR pantheon of past editors… up above in the Cloud from which you watch over all gerbils… hear my prayer: I’m sorry I complained about the Lockerdome ads last year. De-whitelisting TR from my adblocker was a sin against independent tech journalism, and I now see that I was only hurting myself and others. Sometimes we do not fully appreciate what we have at the time — including the “Cast Your Vote: Is Hillary Putin’s Secret Lover?” ads on CPU reviews — until it is too late.
As a mere mortal, I haven’t an Inkling how to reverse the Damage. If the allotted penance is reading uncut SEO drivel, of the sort that I have fractured mice and keyboards from hitting the back button so hard to avoid hitherto, then so be it. Anything the preserve the flame of independent hardware news and reviews. As such, I now commend my faith to the Cloud, and its solutions!
Spoiler: you CAN! Comment voting is ridiculously broken right now!
Booooooooooooo
That bird has flown the coop. But I agree.
Indeed. This is good start of a series, and an interesting idea because we have jobs and not infinite time or money to evaluate stuff. It just needs to turn into a series with technical content.
Also, you can see the author before you open the article, and you know who posts real content and who posts fluff. Just don’t open the fluff?
I’m a little shocked these aren’t affiliate links
I mean, if you’re gonna pimp out these companies, you might as well make some money off of them.
This isn’t Tech Report quality. If articles like this keep showing up on this site, I’ll sadly be removing it from my daily visit list.
I think the hostility towards Renee has long ceased to be productive.
She’s — quite unfairly IMHO — catching the flak for the new owners.
You forgot to power your solution by infusing it with next generation technology.
“The Best”? This was not a list or an analysis on the best of anything. You can’t have a “best of” that goes above 30. And some of these services might be called “Cloud Backup”, but not “Cloud”, as if we could run applications on them.
I am disappointed in the too-wide scope, lack of focus, and zero clarity of this piece, and I am not at all sure it could even be called an “article”.
Edit: And I **STILL** have to enter my name and email when making comments here. This is a definite fail.
I wish there was some mention of which providers can help me transformatively lean forward into my synergy and deep dive into being a change agent of adding value.
I wish I could upvote this more than once!
@FlamingSpaceJunk
Yeah, but it doesn’t take very long before even a small company starts needing someone like me and you for when things get a bit out of hand. Having “the cloud” around hasn’t really changed that.
Ugh! These comments suck!
I can’t entirely blame Renee about this post. It’s pretty clearly SEO junk that was created because the new ownership said to.
the fuck is this?
Sigh. This comment and all deeper replies are unreadable on mobile.
I noticed that Zoho was not in your list. I wanted to see if you have evaluated the Zoho suite of products and what your thoughts were if you have.
This screams, “Take me to your editor”.
This article must be auto generated by the local excreationary system of ad sponsors and money printing systems.
Not impressed…
Do you think those who write such so called ‘articles’ have any insight?
Ok, so the comment software ate a line and half of my comment.
“You need _a_ use cloud-based solution that transforms your devices into virtual offices.”
_to_?
Renee, there’s a typo in the fourth paragraph:
“You need >>a<>to<<?
Much <3 from a long time TR reader and supporter.
P.S. Are you planning to do an actual review of (some of) these services or is this piece just a traffic-generating exercise? For what it's worth, a cloud review article series with insightful analysis and recommendations would be nice.
Replace cloud provider with datacenter, hosting provider, SaaS, outsourcing company, etc… It’s all the same song and dance. Hedge and make sure there is an exit strategy.
I’m not saying it can’t get pretty advanced, but people don’t have to be IT gods to run an Internet enabled business these days.
Ecommerce: Shopify + Mailchimp + GSuite.
Mobile App: Firebase + Other GCP stuff + Github + Gsuite.
Social Media Thing: CloudFlare + Digital Ocean Droplet + Digital Ocean Database + DO Block Storage + AWS ElasticSearch + O365.
There’s lots of different services out there people can buy to outsource business functions to. It’s like an accountant or lawyer. Most people aren’t experts at accounting or law, so they hire people to do those functions for them.
Ouch. RIP TR if this is the new normal.
I “liked” all the comments with substantive critiques of this article. However if the comment criticized the author I did not “like” it.
The article is a link dump, not true Tech Report at all.
I SWEAR I’LL SAY NICE THINGS ABOUT AMD!
JUST MAKE THE TORTURE STOP!
“Here’s a list of the best ## [somethings]”
Has it really come to this?
I fear that within the next couple of years, there will be no actual information left on the internet – it’ll all just be sponsored unboxing videos and listicles.
No, sorry, this is totally the opposite of a Tech Report article. No analysis, just a rolling advert like the spam I get at work from companies trying to sell themselves under the guise of offering a free “white paper”. TR just died a bit more, that makes me really sad.
This is a really, really bad article. It reads like what a business professor would want out of a report on what the cloud is, not the traditional technical audience of the Tech Report. For example, there is little distinction between IaaS and PaaS from just reading this. There are some distinctions but a reader would never know which one is more appropriate for their use case by reading this.
As for content, several of these cloud offerings are actually hosted on other offerings on the list. This is not a bad thing for a business but muddles the quality of this article by not pointing this out.
The list could be broken down by those who provide services like backup and those who actually do full hosting etc. The description of each item in the list is lacking for what they actually do and here it fall on the IaaS, PaaS and SaaS spectrum, much less why a small business would choose them.
Hmmmmm…both my earlier comments vanished into the ether. If I broke a rule, sorry & so be it – it’s your site & your rules no matter how unstated.
Then I’ll stick with restating the important part: How is THIS article intended to inform the site’s readership? It reads like a puff piece on Forbes, or a direct scrape of such from marketing/promo blurbs.
What’s missing is the critical analysis of the merits/cons of each providers’ solutions, or at the very least pages and pages of charts. 😉 Namely, WHY would I want to adopt one of these offerings? WHICH one is easier to use, or has a better implementation of said service? Or even just a better/worse UI or overall user experience? Cost vs capabilities?
The TechReport of old would have answered one or more of these questions, and I miss it. Keep the new site format if that’s really what it takes for the lights to stay on – but this “article” really doesn’t fit what people supposedly come here for. Even if this content makes TR pop up prominently in a search engine’s results and drives eyes here… what’s to make ’em stay if there’s nothing unique/insightful to be found?
Please, try harder. And good luck.
My personal jury’s out on whether Renee’s an actual person or a just-barely-sub-Turing chat engine. The comments I’ve seen over the past month and the above piece strongly suggests the latter.
That or someone way too new at this to have the wherewithal to say something that bucks a party line they’ve been told to follow, or at it way too long to care anymore past the paycheck.
And if I’m (happily, hopefully) wrong on both count’s? Prove it by doing better. No hate, just a hunger for the in depth coverage this site used to provide so very well.
Oh Renee… is there anything you won’t parrot? Regurgitating a “Cloud for Dummies” article is one thing if this were Forbes or somesuch , but this is Tech Report… so where’s the erm, Reporting?
Setting aside the whole “does this article fit with the subject material of the site” and it’s community in favor of a more constructive criticism – Which provider’s offering is better for what job? What tasks do they excel or maybe more importantly, fail at in the attempt? The latter being of far more interest as NOBODY’s marketing materials say “yeah… our product kinda sucks at…”
Yet here you are with a 4-5 page long scroll with none of that. Do yourself and your readers a favor and read through some of TR’s older content – if you can’t bring yourself to do critical analysis and dare to say something critical, leave the writing to others and focus on administering the site design as your area of expertise.
Yeah, but there’s a limit to how far you can do with that. You’re going to have a hard time using Data Factory in Azure without knowing how to write a microservice even though not having to write and maintain the code is the whole point of using it.
The problem is when things go to hell. You have to know that your cloud provider has all disaster recovery procedures in place. When your data leaks/gets compromised/disappears, the cloud provider can’t just say “welp, not my fault” and walk away.
This article reminds me of those financial site blurbs written by algorithms.
Missing Zoho.
(Why are some articles paginated and others not?)
Renee:
Do you know what you are talking about? You really don’t have to write an article like this to put pretty much every cloud service providers’ icon here to show the readers that you know the industry’s buzzwords. BTW, the new design is absolutely disastrous, and I recommend reverting back to the old TechReport design.
Good lord, that first paragraph alone manages to contain 35 word sin 4 fully formed sentences, and make absolutely no sense whatsoever.
Heh, I have a very difficult time believing that there are 52 ‘Best’ Cloud solutions for small businesses. I would have believed this was an actual, curated list instead of an advertisement if it had been more like 5-10.
I’m trying to be open about the new world order here at Tech Report but you’re not helping me out when you toss around “security” and cloud without even mentioning the shared responsibility model. The cloud is NOT more secure. It can be, but you need to have strong controls in place before you start going wild out there, signing up for any service that looks cool.
That said, cloud allows start ups to compete with the big boys in relatively short order. We are working with “young” companies that couldn’t have existed without “the cloud” a few years ago.
Just think of it as an advertisement or promoted content, and let it slide on by. Having a convenient list of 50+ cloud services in one place isn’t a bad thing even if the description is a bit thin.
It’s a step in the right direction. It’s not like there was a lot of content that kept my interest before. Graphics cards and Windows don’t really matter to me.
It does need some more content in regards to the suggested services, you know actually testing the services, because they obviously didn’t do anything more then a quick Google search for this article. LOL
Yeah, that’s the thing. It’s outsourcing, and it lowers the bar for smaller businesses. A couple of people can run lots of services with not a lot of deep knowledge.
There was one comment, questioning the target audience of the article. It was short and obviously negative. Still, in my opinion it wasn’t crossing any line or such – just honest feedback from a regular reader. Now this comment is not visible anymore. SAD.
I didn’t want to comment here, because I don’t have anything positive to say, but the censorship provoked me. Let’s see if my comment appears or not.
So, of course I don’t like this article. Topic is OK, but there’s no meat on it. Maybe it has some use as a list of cloud storage services (and a few others in-between) with a little copy-paste from the promo materials of each provider…
Hopefully all those links, buzzwords and big-company-names will bring some traffic to the site? Will random people be fooled by the google snippet to click on that? Maybe. The wonders of SEO. Great for Techreport if that pays the bills. Not so great for the people who click expecting something more.
I hope I’m wrong in my assessment and plenty of people disagree with me and find it very useful.
Well this is a perfect example of exactly what I was afraid was going to happen.
Recommending Openstack for small businesses is madness. It’s a mess, and it’s really only for large businesses.
“The cloud is just someone else’s computer” – I think I lifted that one from jbi in the forums years ago, and it’s rung true ever since.
Still, there’s something attractive about letting someone else maintain it.
There are two types of users of cloud services: those who think “the cloud” fixes everything, and those who know how they work.
What?