CLOUD STORAGE, OXFORDSHIRE
Using cloud storage is a practical way for businesses in Oxfordshire to protect vital documents against hardware issues. If a local computer fails, files stored in the cloud remain unaffected and can still be accessed from any internet-connected device. This ensures business continuity and reduces the risk of permanent data loss caused by damaged or malfunctioning equipment.
Whatever the size of your business, there is a cloud storage solution that will suit you.
Cloud storage platforms such as Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive and iCloud are widely used by businesses to store and manage files. Although these services usually include a small amount of free storage, this is rarely enough for daily operations. To accommodate growing demands, most providers offer a range of paid plans that increase capacity, in some cases up to 30 terabytes.
Cloud storage makes it easy to access your files from virtually any device, keeping everything up to date across laptops, smartphones and tablets. This flexibility is one of the key reasons it remains so popular with modern businesses.
That said, it is not without drawbacks. If multiple people try to edit the same document at once, you may encounter version clashes or overwritten changes.
For individuals and sole traders, standard cloud storage is often more than sufficient. Larger teams, on the other hand, are likely to benefit from a tailored setup that supports real-time collaboration and provides greater control over shared content.
Are you file sharing across your Oxfordshire-based internal network?
Some companies rely on internal file-sharing setups to avoid the complications that arise when several users edit the same file at once. This can reduce the chance of version clashes, but it comes with its own set of issues.
The system depends entirely on the host machine staying powered on and running smoothly. Even a routine operating system update can break the setup or change how it functions. More critically, if the host computer suffers a hard drive failure, essential business data could be lost with no way to recover it.
Online File Sharing
Microsoft SharePoint makes team collaboration smoother by allowing documents to be locked for editing. When set up correctly, only one person can make changes to a file at any given time, helping to avoid conflicting versions and ensuring shared files stay consistent.
Several SharePoint plans are available, many of which are tailored to meet the needs of small businesses. Since all files are stored in the cloud, they can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, supporting flexible and efficient remote working.
Cloud Servers
For larger organisations, a Cloud Server is the most cost-effective solution. As unlike an on site server, there are no hardware or maintenance costs.
How safe is cloud storage?
Cloud storage services often provide stronger security than the average desktop or laptop. Files are encrypted both while being uploaded and once they are stored, helping to safeguard them from unauthorised access.
These platforms also use a combination of advanced firewalls, intrusion detection tools, access controls, activity tracking, and physical security at their data centres. Together, these features offer a comprehensive approach to protecting your business information.
The data centres used to host cloud servers are protected by stringent security protocols. These often involve continuous surveillance, biometric entry systems such as fingerprint recognition, and in some instances, on-site security personnel.
Despite these robust defences, the greatest vulnerability in cloud storage is rarely the technology itself. Human error accounts for more than 40% of data breaches, typically caused by mishandling of information or mistakes made by employees.
What if a cloud server breaks, will I lose my data?
All cloud storage services replicate your data across multiple servers, helping to keep your information secure even if one server suffers a hardware fault.
That said, cloud providers cannot offer absolute protection for your data in every circumstance. Therefore, it is crucial to keep an independent backup. Contact us to learn more about our Cloud-to-Cloud backup solutions designed specifically for businesses in Northamptonshire.
GET IN TOUCH
If you would a free consultation to discuss cloud storage for your business, please call us on 01327 300311 or complete our short contact form.
Keba Computers – we put the IT in Quality.
Fantastic, first class, professional, reliable, cost effective service for the last 7-8 years, I guess. Strongly and thoroughly recommend them for any IT support, advice, assistance. Well done KEBA pleasure working with you !
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