There are many cloud backup services out there, and each one does things a little bit differently. More and more people are recognizing the importance of cloud backup services, and it’s true that this is something you should definitely be looking into if you haven’t. However, it can be extremely daunting to decide on the right service. Here are four questions you should be asking to determine the best cloud backup for your needs.
- How Much Are You Storing?
The first question to determine is how much data you’re actually planning to store. A laptop is almost inevitably going to have less storage space than a desktop, for example, but if you don’t store a lot of data-intensive files, your desktop may not have as much stored on it as you were expecting. You can see how much data is on the device that you’re hoping to back up by going to the settings. Very large amounts of data may need something different than smaller amounts.
- How Many Devices Do You Have?
Next, determine whether you’re going to need coverage for multiple devices. Many companies that offer full device backups charge by the device, not by the amount of space. This can be great if you have a single device with a lot of information on it, but it might not be as helpful if you have three different devices, each with a fairly small amount of data on them.
- How Does the Service Restore Your Files?
If you do need to download the files that you’ve uploaded to the cloud, how will you be able to restore them onto your device? Of course, most cloud storage systems allow you to restore your files by downloading them from the cloud, but this might not be the best option if you have many terabytes of files. In this case, can you request a hard drive? If so, how expensive is the hard drive, and how will it be shipped to you?
- What Special Options Are Available With the Service?
Lastly, look at any special options that might be available with a certain service. For example, some companies offer restoration options, which essentially allow you to access files as they were within a certain period of time. You might be able to download a file the way it was saved two weeks ago, for example. Essentially, these are extra things that not all cloud storage services offer, and they can help you choose a final service, especially if you’re split between two services that seem mostly the same.
Conclusion
There are many pros and cons to all sorts of different cloud backup services, and just because one service works well for many people doesn’t mean it has to work well for you. These four questions will help you decide on the right cloud backup service for your personal needs, so you can take control of your files.