Cloud storage is one of the most popular forms of cloud computing. Due to many benefits of this type of service — particularly in terms of flexibility — the adoption of cloud storage has become so common today. What kind of benefits you can get from cloud storage?

The most stand out benefits of cloud storage is regarding the access flexibility toward your files. Since your files are stored on the cloud, you can access them from anywhere as long as you have a device connected to the internet. The fact, nearly all cloud storage providers provide client app for mobile and desktop platforms to ease you in accessing your files.

As time goes by, online storage no longer only can be used to store files. Users can also take advantage of cloud storage to work collaboratively with their teammates, remotely.

For business people who want to just adopt cloud storage, here are some benefits of cloud storage you cat get.

1. Flexibility of access

As I mentioned above, one of the most stand out benefits of cloud storage is that you can access your files from anywhere and any device. There is only one requirement you need to fulfill, internet connection. The fact, nearly all cloud storage providers provide client app for desktop and smartphone. Thus, you don’t need to always open your web browser every time you want to access your files. The access flexibility of files is important enough particularly if you often use the different devices to work.

2. Simplifying collaboration

Cloud storage has transformed from merely a service to store files to a collaboration tool. On April 2015 Dropbox launched Paper, a note-taking app which can be used to work on document collaboratively in a real-time. Before it, it’s a common thing to see Google Drive users working on a document together using Google Docs. In addition to document-based files, you can also collaborate to work on other type of files with your teammates. Most cloud storage providers allow you to share files and folders with selected users you specify by yourself.

In addition to built-in collaboration tools offered by each cloud storage provider, third party collaboration tools like Slack, Trello and similar services typically also support cloud storage integration. Cloud storage makes your teamwork becomes much easier.

3. Makes it easy to backup files

One of the most common features offered by cloud storage providers is synchronization. The sync technology is particularly helpful if you need to backup some files from local storage to the cloud. You don’t have to manually upload the files you want to backup. You can install the client app offered by your cloud provider. This client app can be a bridge that connect your device with your cloud storage account.

For instance, if you want to periodically backup some files on desktop, you can install a desktop client app of your cloud storage provider and choose which folder need to backup. This way, you don’t need to manually upload the files you want to backup. Also, it’s much simpler than manually copying files to external hard drive.

4. Reducing the risk of losing important files

One of the reasons why people want to backup their files is that they want to save them so when something bad suddenly happen to their storage, they will still be able to work by using the backup files.

Having your files backed up on the cloud storage service can help reduce the risk of losing important files since cloud storage services are powered by better security infrastructure.

5. Scalability

One of the benefits from adopting cloud computing service, including cloud storage, is that you can easily downgrade and upgrade the specifications of the service you use. When it comes to cloud storage, you can easily upgrade the storage capacity by just clicking a or two buttons. If you only need a few gigabytes of storage capacity then you don’t need to upgrade anything.

6. No need to buy new hardware

Well, for some people, having a new hardware is probably a pride. However, if the hardware is external storage it is not a pride. It’s a inconvenience. You have to carry it anywhere you go, only to take the files. Besides, buying a new hardware means that you need to spend more money. Of course, you will also need to spend money for more storage capacity of cloud storage. But, the amount you need to pay is much cheaper. For example, you will only need to pay $8.25 per month for 1TB storage of Dropbox, which can be cancelled anytime.

7. Cost efficiency

If you run a business that need a storage server, adopting the cloud storage can be a better option than traditional server for your business finance. First, you don’t need to spend too much capital upfront on machines. Second, you don’t need to spend more monthly budget outlay for technical staff. This way, you can allocate your budget on other useful things like advertisement.