Cloud services are any Internet service or application that directly syncs with the cloud aka the Internet. These cloud services allow businesses to share information, backup data, collaborate with others, stay organized, and provide many other benefits. Cloud applications like Dropbox allow businesses to backup and sync data almost instantaneously with the Internet and makes data loss a thing of the past. Other cloud services like Google Apps allow businesses to share and sync data, contacts and calendars. Each person will discover their own need for these cloud services but I will explain the more popular and common uses of these Internet applications.
Google Apps for Business
My personal favorite cloud service is Google Apps for Business. Google Apps for Business is one of the most easy-to-use and robust cloud service available. It has everything a small business needs from data storage to sharing calendars. Some of the services Google Apps for Business offers are:
- Email – Gmail
- Chat – Google Chat
- File and Data Storage – Google Drive
- Calendar – Google Calendar
- Docs – Google Docs
- And much more!
The use of Google Apps for Business is essential for businesses looking to implement a cloud solution or seeking collaboration among its employees. Checkout Google Apps for Business today for more information regarding their cloud services or Contact Us today to schedule a Free Network Audit for small businesses.
Dropbox
Dropbox is a cloud service we’ve discussed before. In my previous post; 5 Reasons You Should Use Dropbox, I highlight the benefits to this cloud service. Many people that currently use Dropbox have many uses for it. The most common use of Dropbox is data and file storage. To get started with Dropbox, sign up for Dropbox, after signup, you’ll be prompted to download and install the service. A quick and easy installation follows then you’ll see the Dropbox folder appear on your computer. At this point, you’re now ready to start storing your important files and data in the cloud. For beginners, this will be the end of your use of Dropbox but advanced users have just begun the journey. Some advanced uses of Dropbox are:
- Windows Profile Sync
- Folder Sharing with others
- Data Organization
- Favorite Files for offline reading
- Email Dropbox Files as attachments
- Website Backup – WordPress
- IOS Photo Sync
Dropbox has become one of my favorite and most widely recommend cloud services today. Every business should be using Dropbox in some way or many others. Checkout Dropbox to learn more about their service or simply contact us today for more information regarding Dropbox and other cloud services.
Carbonite
Carbonite is another service we’ve discussed before in; Why Everyone Should Have Cloud Backup. Recently we’ve seen an even greater need for outreach with small businesses. Small businesses are relying on dated technologies like tape and RAID to backup their data. While at a previous network audit, I’ve even been told of a small business using a flash drive to backup their important data off-site! As outrageous as that sounds, I was shocked to have learned this myself. Small businesses that currently implement some backup solution like tape and RAID only assume they’re working.
During our Free Network Audit for businesses, we confirm if any backup is in place and make recommendations for a disaster recovery plan. A proper disaster recovery plan consists of local and off-site cloud backup. The reason for both local and off-site backup is for redundancy. Using services like Windows NT backup or Acronis alongside a cloud backup service like Carbonite, ensure proper data backup and recovery of data when needed. If you’re still not convinced of the importance of data backup, call a data recovery specialist and get an estimate on costs and procedures involved. Without a data backup solution in place, the thought of a crashed hard drive can be horrendous and expensive to say the least!
Getting Started With Cloud Services
Each of these cloud services can me implemented with the help of ITC. We’ve successfully configured and trained businesses to integrate these services into their daily operations. Many businesses report increases in productivity and even peace-of-mind. Contact Us today to learn more about these cloud services and our Free Network Audit for small businesses in Austin, TX.