Migrating to cloud storage is becoming a popular move for small businesses looking to utilize the benefits inherent to a cloud storage system. Once you decide to make the move, you’ll undoubtedly be looking for ways to get the most out of your new cloud storage. Here are a dozen ways to do so.
Sync your folders
The first thing you should do when optimizing your cloud storage is to make sure your folders are synced. When your folders are synced up on both your local storage and in the cloud, files will never go missing and you won’t have to worry about keeping track of everything separately; when you make a change locally it is automatically updated on the cloud.
Sync multiple computers
Syncing multiple computers has a similar effect as syncing folders, except that it will keep your files and folders consistent across more than one local computer. When all of your computers are synced up, you don’t need to worry about manually moving files from one to another and on to the cloud. All of your files will be available on all of your machines, consistently.
Make the cloud your default download destination
Typically, your browser will put your newly downloaded files in a default folder called “downloads,” or something to that effect. You can eliminate having to move these newly downloaded files from that default folder to the cloud by setting your default download destination in your browser to a folder within your cloud storage.
Create backups
You create local backups for protection, and creating backups to your cloud offers another layer. You can back up files and folders, or you can archive Drupal, Joomla, WordPress, and other sites to just about any cloud storage service with the right plugin or software.
Work Offline
Making your documents and folders available offline means you can be productive at any time, even if you’ve lost Internet access. If you make sure your files and folders are available offline, you’re saving a copy of them locally to work on. Just be sure that your files sync to save all your changes when you go back online.
Send and receive faxes
HelloFax is a service that can integrate with most cloud storage services. With HelloFax, faxes go directly to your account to be viewed, shared and archived. Faxes can be sent directly from the cloud with this service, as well, eliminating the need to physically go to a fax machine.
Get extra storage space for free
Many cloud services offer ways to increase your storage space, sometimes for free. All you typically have to do with these services is refer a friend or link your Facebook or Twitter accounts to the cloud. Additionally, if you are willing to give up some space on your local machine to the distributed network, your service may offer you more storage for free in return.
Send email attachments to the cloud
Avoiding the multi-step method of emailing files to yourself is particularly desirable when using a mobile device. You can make file transfers from mobile devices to the cloud quicker and easier. There’s even an add-on for Gmail that will send certain attachments to your cloud automatically.
Turn your smart phone or tablet computer in to a scanner
Use Apple or Android apps like Doc Scan, Genius Scan or Handyscan to turn your tablet or smartphone into a scanner. Take snapshots of a document, convert it to a PDF and sync it to your cloud storage.
“Print” from devices to the cloud
Utilizing the same software that allows your mobile device to print to any networked printer can also allow you to “print,” so to speak, to cloud services. Send emails, photos or webpages, among other items, directly to the cloud from your tablet or smartphone.
Make the Cloud Searchable
Synata is an app that makes your cloud service searchable. With a single search bar, Synata lets you find information without knowing exactly where it is stored, saving you time and eliminating the possibility of duplicated files.
Operate from one service
For those who utilize multiple cloud services, or who collaborate with other people who use different cloud services, Otixo manages files across multiple services. Search, copy and paste, and view your files over a wide variety of services, saving time and frustration.
Getting the most out of your cloud storage means expanding your capabilities and improving your system. Utilizing these tips will make a cloud computing system optimal for a small business setting.
