The Best Cloud Storage: 5 Services Other Than Dropbox

Guest post by Mauricio Prinzlau. For online backup reviews on the web see videos, tips and tricks, here.

Cloud computing is the current buzzword in IT businesses, and cloud-based companies and service have expanded their horizons and transformed the way we store, share and receive data. In fact, the majority of data-based businesses have come to rely entirely on the cloud, creating a great demand for cloud services. Dropbox, was the very first major service to come into being, and has built a wide base of loyal customers. But it was the first, doesn’t mean that it’s the best. Most users have a love-hate relationship with the service as they’re gotten used to the service’s convenient interface that allows for efficient workflows. Dropbox has simplified data sharing to the point where you can share data or media with the click of a button. But as non-IT based businesses began the process of cloud adoption, there has been a surge in the number of potent cloud service providers. Featuring awesome features like greater accessibility, near-limitless storage, and customizable hosting options, here’s a list of the 5 best alternative cloud services that as good as, or even better than Dropbox:

Box

Originally launched as Box.net, Box has revolutionized the already revolutionary cloud by offering competition-beating storage services that are ideal for small and medium enterprises. Box is a great way for users to store, manage and share information with others. Amazing features of Box include the massive 5GB storage space for personal users, and seamless integration with other services, including Google Docs.

For businesses, Box offers extra cloud storage space, along with high-level data protection. The service allows users to save files in multiple versions so that they can use other versions for logging or reference. The best part is that Box allows users to work on the same files simultaneously. Another unique feature of Box is that it allows users to comment on shared files or folders. Box’s unique features truly make it one of the best DropBox alternatives.

Sync.com 

Another great Dropbox alternative is Sync.com, a cloud service provider that prides itself on its virtually impregnable security. The company claims that they are the most private and secure cloud service that money can buy. Apart from being safe & secure, Sync also has one of the coolest user interfaces seen on any cloud service. The provider also has the requisite features to match its slick interface, including P2P file sharing and auto-sync, customizable controls, auto cloud backup, and zero-knowledge encryption.

Sync also offers HIPAA compliance, for its professional-level subscription packages. Even the service’s free account comes with an exceptional 5GB of storage, as well as a host of other pro features, except for its multi-user file collaboration feature. Paid packages are also one of the most competitive in the market.

SugarSync

SugarSync is a cloud service that features an impressive User Interface and one-of-a-kind cloud functionalities, such as a separate image folders, and the ability to edit files within the same user web interface. One of the latest entrants into the cloud services market, Sync exploits a quick and easy system that manages to provide a superior user experience.

Sync’s greatest feature has to be the option to sync folders that aren’t part of a shared folder; this means that users save space on their personal hard drives since they don’t have to make copies of their files to store in a shared folder. Not only is this feature really useful, but it opens up additional features, like the ability to sync multiple desktop, so that users can access all of their files on any computer. The photo-library auto update is another great feature, saving precious minutes while backing up images.

Cloudme

Cloudme is a Swedish cloud service that is typically Swedish, with deceptively simple looks and a host of extremely useful and effective features. Cloudme’s creative desktop has to be the service’s highlight, allowing users to have personalized desktops within the cloud interface. Users can modify the service to increase their own Web OS productivity, by installing applications that create a sustainable working environment. This feature also enables users to listen to music directly from their own music libraries, with the same going for photos.

Cloudme’s cloud service is compatible with all desktop & mobile platforms, including Windows, iOS, Linux and Android. This allows users to backup or sync the data from their connected devices. Cloudme also features in-built email support, which allows users to seamlessly integrate an email client of their choice, right from MSN to Gmail. The free version of this service comes with in impressive 3GB storage capacity, which only adds to Cloudme’s appeal.

Amazon Cloud Services

It might be surprising to find Amazon’s name on a list of Dropbox alternatives, but what’s even more surprising is that Amazon’s Cloud Service is quick and simple enough to outdo Dropbox. Amazon’s cloud service comes with an insane 5GB of free storage, which works perfectly in tandem with the service’s high transfer speeds. It also allows users to access any default documents or other data via any connected device, provided they have an account with Amazon.

A unique feature of Amazon Cloud Service is that it supports individual file sizes of up to 2GB, allowing users to share media like entire music libraries and/or HD movies. Amazon allows for only 8 devices to be connected to a single account, in order to maintain security. Amazon’s cloud service is as quick and effective as Dropbox, and the only possible con is that users cannot share their Cloud Drive, which means they have to share credentials in order to allow others to use it.

There’s no specific cloud service that is suitable for everyone, whether retail or corporate users, people will have to choose the one that is in line with their specific storage & security requirements. And although DropBox is a good enough option for anyone seeking professional cloud service, the above mentioned services offer a great balance of accessibility, speed & security, and are great DropBox alternatives.

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