One of the dilemmas that small businesses have to face is whether or not to have their website and data stored on servers that are located onsite or let hosting providers take care of it all. And now that cloud computing has become the norm, the choices have become even more confusing.

Now, what can be admitted is that all three of these choices have their own merits and disadvantages. But what can let such business owners eat the cake and keep it too is a part of the third alternative: cloud storage and syncing.

What is Cloud Storage and Syncing?

Cloud storage is the client-server technology that allows for the storing of data in the cloud. The “syncing” part concerns the fact that the data flow isn’t a one-way traffic. Every time some changes are made on the clients’ side it is reflected on the server and then – if there are any differences from the duplicate data that is located on other clients’ devices – it is synced so that everyone has the same exact copy of the, say, edited document.

Is it Expensive?

Well, if you’re a small business you will be happy to know that there are cloud-hosting companies that are happy to offer you their services for free. That’s right – for free. Companies like Drop Box offer their services at no cost on the ground level, but should you think that their features aren’t enough, you can go for the premium package and pay a measly amount every month.

Can you Rest Assured it Will Work?

Cloud storage and syncing is a data storage technology that has proven its worth. Many large and established companies have adopted it with a whole heart and haven’t complained about it. Let’s be honest here, if companies like National Geographic and Expedia prefer it, wouldn’t you think you too should look into it?

What are the Advantages?

Cloud storage and syncing services come with a myriad of advantages that include (but are not limited to):

1. Up-to-Date Data Across the Spectrum

As mentioned above, all data that is stored in the cloud and its sync-ability ensures that any changes that occur in one part of the network are reflected and updated all over it. This way, business owners that employ the technology can be sure the data they view is always the latest and updated version.

2. Enhanced Security

While many businesses will [understandably] be reluctant to let their data been seen (let alone, held and stored) by others, they need to know that the hosting providers stake their reputation and their livelihoods by ensuring the data they are entrusted with will be kept out of the sight of any prying eyes – to the best of their knowledge.

Now, this may not be good enough for some of those businesses. But let us be honest, who can protect data better than a company that has made storing it their bread and butter? The businesses themselves may attempt to go it on their own and this could be their downfall as they fit in the exact category that hackers target: small businesses that think they know about data security, but really don’t.

3. Collaboration is Easier

With easy access and updating of data, files and folders comes collaborative ease. Employees that need to work on a project together won’t have to spend time searching, emailing or uploading relevant documents every time they need to compare notes or hold a meeting over a topic. Everything will be where everyone can access them – even if the meeting is being held (via teleconference, for example) with participants located half way across the world.

4. Storage and Restoration of Old File Versions

Keeping track of versions of documents can be a very daunting task. In the “old” days, whenever you updated a document and wanted to keep the previous version, you would need to save the new one using a different name. That is tedious and will inevitably lead to errors and confusion.

The alternative is to go with the cloud and syncing storage systems. Previous versions of all documents are tagged and stored accordingly. Whenever they need to be reinstated, they can easily be brought back to replace the current versions.

5. You have all the Advantages and None of the Responsibilities

Ok, now that we have almost reached the end, let’s admit it: with cloud storage and syncing services you will have all that is good about the technology at your disposal while the hosting providers will have to be “burdened” with the day-to-day task of making sure you get the services you deserve: running/maintaining/administering servers, upgrading software and hardware at the right time, troubleshooting and resolving any issues you may have with your services… You just pay, sit back and let your service provider do the work for you.

With cloud storage and syncing services implemented in your day-to-day computing, you will certainly push your business’ way of doing things into the fore of the 21^st Century’s way of  data handling and processing.

So, go for it if you still haven’t.