Category: General

15 Best Free Online Data Storage & Backup Services

It is a handy list, a one stop shop if you like, of the best Freemium Online data Storage, File Sharing, File synchronization and Backup services. Ok! I admit, there are NO totally free services available.

Everyone needs to backup important data in one way or another. The safest method of backing up important data is to create multiple backups: to an external drive and also to an online storage service.

Nowadays, external drives are reasonably priced. About 10 months ago, I bought a 1TB external storage device for about $100. The nice thing about it, is that you can use Windows tools such as: “Back Up Files Wizard” and “Windows Complete PC Backup”. I am not sure if this would be possible using an online storage service to do a “Windows Complete PC Backup”.

Things To Consider

There are several things to consider when storing data online:

  1. Security of stored data and of data during transmission.
  2. Storage size limitations.
  3. Reliability and credibility of the service provider that you choose.
  4. The ability to automate backups.
  5. Customer support.
  6. Restrictions on file size and/or file extension.
  7. Restrictions on download/upload speed.
  8. Restrictions on bandwidth per day.
  9. Expiration of stored files.

Criteria

I would like to emphasize that all the services listed below:

  1. Offer a Freemium service.
  2. Offer a minimum of 2GB of online storage for Free.
  3. Are in my opinion, the best.

There are too many online storage services available and it can get confusing. After an extensive research and reviews, here are some of the best freemium online storage services that I found.

Hover over each image or link for a short description. All links are External. Good Luck!

Top Freemium Services

SugarSync – File Sync, File Sharing & Online Backup – 5GB Free Storage.

SpiderOak – Online Backup, Online Sync, Share & Storage – 2GB Free Storage.

Windows Live SkyDrive – Online Storage & File Sharing – 25GB of Free Storage.

MyOtherDrive – File Sharing, Online Storage & Backup – 2GB Free Storage.

Mozy – Online Backup – 2GB Free Storage.

IDrive – Online Backup – 5GB of Free storage

ElephantDrive – File Sharing, Online Storage & Backup – 2GB Free Storage

Dropbox – Online Backup, Online File Sharing & File Sync – 2GB Free Storage

CX – Online File Storage & File Sync – 10GB Free Storage. Still in Beta

FlipDrive – File Sharing, Online Storage & Backup – ONLY 1GB Free Storage

Box.net – Online Storage, Online File Sharing & File Sync – 5GB Free Storage – Downside: No Data Encryption for Free Accounts

ADrive – Online Storage, Online Backup & File Sharing – 50GB Free Storage – Downside: No Data Encryption for Free Accounts

MegaUpload – Online Storage & File Sharing – 200GB Free Storage – Downside: File expires after 90 days for Free Accounts

4Shared – Online Storage & File Sharing – 10GB Free Storage – Downside: Your Free account and Your files will be deleted if you do not login for 30 days.

OpenDrive – Online Storage & Backup, Online Sync & File Sharing – 5GB of Free storage – Downside: Watermark on Images, No Data Encryption for Free Accounts

Paid Service Worth Mentioning

Livedrive – Paid Service – Online File Storage & File Sync – Unlimited Storage

Why a Website is Essential for a Small Business

There are still small business owners who are wondering whether they need a Website. Small businesses need an online presence as much as they need a phone. A Website has become an essential link between customers and businesses.

Most potential customers begin their search for a product online. Having a Website is very valuable for small businesses. Here are few reasons why small businesses MUST have a Website:

  1. The Web is increasingly becoming an important medium for businesses across the world.
  2. New customers will be able to locate you and repeat customers will always know how to find you.
  3. Your competitors are probably already on the Web attracting potential customers.
  4. More people are using the Internet to get information about businesses, products and services. If you don´t have a Website, you don´t have a chance.
  5. Your Website will promote your business 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
  6. Your customers can buy your products and pay for them from their home.
  7. Your Website is better advertisement for your business for less money.
  8. You can update the information on your Website quickly.
  9. Your Website can reach potential customers locally, nationally or worldwide, at no additional cost to you.
  10. Your Website can convey a professional image, no matter how many employees you have.
  11. Your Website can help you improve customer service by providing information that visitors frequently ask.
  12. With Web analytics tools, you can keep track of your potential customers.
  13. Your Website will enhance perceived professionalism and builds credibility for your Business.
  14. Your Website is a virtual extension to your traditional business.
  15. Your Website can be a great Public Relations tool for your business.
  16. The internet is becoming a crucial part of any small business marketing strategy.

Why should I hire someone to develop my Website?

Your Website should reflect the same attention to detail and quality that you put into your business. You put a lot of hard work into creating the right image for your business and you want to carry that image over to the internet.

You could create your own Website, but do you have the eye for design and the technical savvy to create that great first impression? If you use a pre-built template, your Website may look like hundred others and not unique to your business. Also, web development is ever changing and you want to make sure your Website complies with the most browsers, reaches the most users, and meets the current Web standards.

Additionally, a Website that is developed right is an effective Internet marketing tool. Do you have the skills needed for that? Having a successful Website that attracts customers isn´t just creating few pages from a template. Just because you created it, doesn´t mean they will come. If you want your Website to work, you need to know how to optimize it for Search Engines, how to write effective content, and so on. Without the right Website, people will not be able to find your business online.

Website Marketing is Essential for a Small Business

Your Website should be an integral part of your advertising efforts. Internet marketing should be a crucial component of any small business. Consider Internet marketing as a way to grow your business and to attract customers. The internet provides a unique platform to “spread the word” about your business. Traditional forms of marketing and advertising, such as brochures and advertisements are fading and the Web is emerging to be best medium for Marketing.

Conclusion

When you decide to have a Website made, make sure you choose a developer who has the right knowledge and skills. Good marketing, Usability, Accessibility, Validation, and Search Engine Optimization are important factors in developing your Website. Your Website should not only look great, it should be easy to find and easy to use.