Thursday, March 17, 2011

Ensure Safety of Your Data With These Free Online Storage and Backup Tools

In this knowledge economy that we conduct business in, data is one of the most critical aspect for any business. Business information and communication is a crucial aspect which needs utmost importance and attention.

Data Backup: Challenge for the SMEs
Data backup has always been a challenge for the Small and Medium Enterprise segment players. Data back-up and storage requires investment both in terms of time and money. While the business depends upon the availability of accurate information in real time, at all times, there are many business functions which rely completely on correct and updated information.

Eg: the finance department of an organisation depends upon the availability of information from the HR as attendance of employees to ensure the salaries

The challenge for SMEs here is the huge cost of hardware. Also while the SMEs grow, the only option they have is to ramp up the existing hardware or set up new data storage units, which is not always a cost effective feasibility.

How do SMEs generally backup and store data?
SMEs generally maintain backups of critical business data in external hard-drives, servers which is not a scalable option and also require huge costs to install and maintain..

Since SMEs do not have major budgets allocated for IT and Security, data backup is one challenge they face while looking for feasible and scalable solutions for the same.

Are there other low cost/ free options available to backup and store data?
Team IndiaMART has always been a proponent of the Internet for SMEs and hence we provide a list of low cost and in some cases Free online services which can go a long way for the SMEs to store and backup data while having access to it at all times online.

There are various online tools available with different storage options. Many of them are free but some of them do charge for the service provided. Some of the good options available online are:


  • Windows LIVE Sky Drive
Source: http://www.techmixer.com/pic/2011/03/Windows-Live-Sky-Drive.jpg

A popular Cloud Based service, Windows SkyDrive offers as much as 25GB free storage space to ts users. The usage is fairly simple, the user logs in with his/ her LIVE id to the Windows SkyDrive account. Post which all you need to do is drag and drop your files in the designated folders. These files are now online and can be shared as a hyperlink with anyone you would want them to be accessible to.
  • Idrive
Source: http://www.techmixer.com/pic/2011/03/IDrive.jpg

Idrive is another backup tool which provides upto 5GB of storage free. For more space its a paid service. With enhanced 128 bit SSL encryption, Idrive ensures your data safety.
  • Gmail Drive
Source: http://www.techmixer.com/pic/2011/03/GmailDrive.jpg

With a simple Gmail account you are good to go. Gmail Drive creates a virtual file syste around your Gmail account and allows you to use Gmail as a virtual file storage system.

Gmail drive creates a virtual drive on your system and hence you can connect with it while being on your desktop.

There are many more tools like Dropbox which provide storage and backup options. The above mentioned are highlighted and are the best possible placed options for SMEs.

Team IndiaMART Knowledge Services is always aligned to creae opportunities to help SMEs grow. If you have any queries/ questions, drop in a comment to this post and our experts will be happy to touch base with you.



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