A Guide To Cloud Storage Services: How To Choose The Right Platform

Cloud storage and backup is possibly the best data management solution for those who want to maintain information accessibility and security at the same time. As of now, there are numerous service providers and platforms available in the market, which means that you will have an easy time choosing the best setup for your applications. However, you must exercise caution when selecting platforms or providers, as this can have serious long-term consequences. Be wary of bait offers, such as an AWS Free Tier subscription, or adware, such as in other supposedly free options. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of some red flags to be aware of when using cloud storage services.

You may wonder why there is a need to be so cautious as regards choosing a service provider. Well, cloud storage and backup is a data management solution for storing and processing critical information. This data usually contains information that is necessary for your personal or business functions. In that case, you must select a service provider or platform that can provide you with the best terms and most features in order to have a long-term and reliable storage setup.

Beware of Free Subscriptions

When looking for cloud service providers, you will come across many companies that promise free storage and backup. Keep in mind that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Cloud storage and backup services are expensive to set up and maintain, so it appears highly unlikely that companies will simply offer them to customers for free. Most “free” subscriptions require you to register your credit card in order to use their services, which you can “cancel at any time.” However, this is one of the most significant red flags to be aware of because it puts you at risk of hidden and additional charges and fees.

Be Cautious of New and Small Companies

Other companies, less well-known in comparison to the larger providers, significantly undercut the competition in terms of pricing. This makes their services much more appealing, particularly for those looking to maximize their cost savings. After all, these businesses provide essentially the same service, right? Not completely. 

Companies that offer extremely low prices frequently lack essential service features such as data encryption, cross-platform compatibility, and so on. This can be inconvenient in your operations because you will be severely limited in your options. But, once again, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Understand the Terms and Conditions

It is critical that you fully understand the terms and conditions of the service provider you choose, whether it is well-established or relatively new. Some businesses force users to agree to unsuitable terms and conditions, such as excessive data collection, a lock-in period and paid premium features. Before fully committing to a cloud storage and backup service provider, run tests and trials. This strategy allows you to explore the platform, test out all of its features, and become familiar with how the system works in general. Remember that this data management system is typically used for a long period of time, so you must be at ease and confident when using it.

Consider Extra Features

The final area of consideration in choosing a data management and backup platform is the inclusion of extra features. Basic data encryption methods, cross-platform compatibility, and relatively generous customization options are all essential features. These characteristics are regarded as the bare minimum in a practical yet secure data management strategy. 

On top of the most basic functions, some companies will provide advanced computing, multi-step authentication, and other data tracking and sorting tools. When comparing different companies and platforms, do consider checking the entire service package and see if there are any added features that could be beneficial for your operations.