Cloud storage providers offer a number of features and capabilities in order to make their customers experience both reliable and efficient. Some of the most important features include:
Automatic Backups
Automatic backups offer the convenience of configuring backup jobs to occur based on a preset time and date. The feature alleviates the need for the user to have to remember to manually run the job. Once the feature is configured, you can rest assured that a copy of your data will be stored on your online account.
In the event that you shut down your computer in the middle of a backup job, it will automatically resume once the computer is powered back on.
Incremental Backups
A feature that ensures only files which were modified, or newly created, since the last backup are saved to your cloud storage. The feature is important in that it is efficient, quick, and saves precious space from getting eaten up by duplicate documents.
File Archiving
Without this feature, older files are automatically deleted and replaced by their newer versions. File archiving preserves older versions so that, if needed, they can be accessed. Regardless of the number of previous versions, file archiving will keep a copy of each.
Open File Backup
Unexpected events such as power outage or hard drive failure, to name just a couple, can take place while you’re in the middle of working on a document. The open file backup feature ensures that even open documents are backed up.
Remote Access
A feature that allows you to access stored files from any computer whenever the need arises. All that’s required are the login details for your cloud storage account. This feature comes in very handy for those who are frequently on the move and may need to access files while on a flight, in a meeting or simply out of the office.
File Security
This is a must-have feature. Providers of secure online backups encrypt files during both transfer and storage; otherwise, your data is liable to be intercepted and read by malevolent parties. Most cloud storage companies use SSL and 256-bit AES encryption.
File Sharing
The file sharing feature gives the ability for multiple users to access files, on your online account, from wherever they may be. The feature is especially useful for those who need friends, family or co-workers to be able to view some or all files stored on the account.
Steven is a web developer and online technology expert. He has built global networks and websites for fortune 500 companies. A graduate of Georgia Tech in Chemical Engineering, he now happily spends his time building Joomla and WordPress websites as well as reviewing online backup services, web hosting and anything else that needs reviewing.