Chances are you already know, but let’s go over it just in case.
Cloud file storage is a data storing method in the cloud that uses shared file systems to provide servers and applications access to that data.
This sort of compatibility not only provides simple integration without code changes but also makes cloud file storage ideal for workloads that rely on shared file systems.
The keyword here being “shared” as teamwork is at the heart of every successful organization (every organization, period, if we’re precise). That is why the ability to not only share files but ensure smooth communication and collaboration between all members of your team or organization, as a result, is vital for every single process that takes place within the workplace.
Then And Now
It’s no secret that the chasm between the old and the new was pried open with the advent of personal computers, just like it’s also no secret that the internet continues to widen it every single day. Just think about it: back then we had file cabinets, carbon copies, and typewriters. Now? We’ve got devices galore and, of course, the famed cloud storage.
On the other hand, technology itself is not the only thing that’s changed. The way we work also looks incomparably different nowadays as well. Need proof? Just think about the number of choices and daily habits that are influenced by your access to cloud storage. Chances are we’re talking about more than just a couple – of course, depending on the unique circumstances of your role in your organization, and the organization itself.
Mobility Galore
If you were to take a look at your average office worker not too long ago, you would have noticed they were bound to a computer and single desk. Not only files, but software as well were stored locally, which meant that recreating your setup on another machine was not only a hassle physically speaking, but also one that was time-consuming and quite possibly very costly. In other words, if you needed or wanted to work someplace other than the office (which is to say, at your desk and computer), at the very least, you had to plan for it well in advance.
Then came about a big change: the cloud came onto the scene and provided a secure, centralized location for a plethora of common and widely used business tools. These include slideshow presentation programs, spreadsheets, and word processors, among others.
As a result of this technological development, nowadays you are able to basically work on your documents from almost anywhere, especially when you add to that the proliferation of smartphones, tablets, and laptops. When working with cloud applications a tool like Logit.io – Hybrid cloud monitoring can be used to monitor security issues and secure your activity.
Consequentially, the workday as we used to know it no longer exists – at least not in its past shape and form. Recent data reveals that approximately 20-25% of the American workforce spends at least some of its time teleworking. Additionally, since 2005, regular remote work has grown 103% among the non-self-employed.
This has also driven companies and employers to respond by making changes. For example, in today’s companies, you are more likely to encounter multi-purpose areas meant to accommodate teams of varying sizes working on different devices rather than vast expanses of cubicles. In other words, employees are allowed to split their time between parks, coffee shops, home, and the office. They’re free to come and go.
Truest Form Of Collaboration
When it comes to different styles of collaboration on an activity or project, today’s technology enables countless variations. But, this wasn’t always the case in the past. Back in the old days, team members were stuck performing typical assembly line-style work, where one person would make a contribution and then pass it on to the next person in line.
This was a naturally encouraging work scenario that came as a logical result of the fact that files were stored locally. Therefore, real-time collaboration demanded that all team members had to be in the same place at the same time. Additionally, a single person had to be in charge of oversight. While these conditions (limitations) were not necessarily a negative thing, at the same time chances are you’d struggle to find many who would claim that they were ideal.
Now, with the introduction of the cloud, it is safe to say that it has allowed us to transform the way we work together. Contrary to how things were done before, now you can have multiple users, and team members contribute to the same project and at the same time and they not only don’t have to be in the same room together; they can be at opposite ends of the country or planet, even.
Each one can make suggestions, changes ask questions and leave comments at the same time and more importantly, in real-time. A particular benefit of having this sort of setup is the fact that you no longer have the need to ensure you’re working from the latest version of the document. Why? Because the latest version is the only version.
One Of The Greatest Benefits
Also back in the old days, surely one of the most commonly pronounced (and therefore annoying to hear) reminders at the office was “don’t forget to back up your files.” Why? Because back then losing all of your important information irreversibly was quite possible if you were to have your computer break down. Needless to say, this was a scary thought.
But, peace of mind for millions of office workers came in the form of cloud storage as your work is constantly being saved thanks to creating documents in internet-based applications. It doesn’t end there – you’re able to access your work from anywhere and, should you feel so inclined, you can also allow access to someone else. The end result is that you can spend far more time creating and much less time organizing and worrying.
A Cost-Effective Solution
Businesses that have switched over to using cloud services for file sharing have been able to cut down their costs significantly. There is no need for business owners to invest in expensive machinery and equipment because files are shared directly over the internet.
Any way you look at it, cost reduction is one of the most important and basic considerations and a huge benefit for any business. The same applies to any person who is looking to use their home computer to share files with others, making cloud usage not only a convenient decision but a financially prudent one at the same time.
Time Is Money – Especially When You’re Using Cloud Storage
As a result of sharing files via the cloud, it goes without saying that both the average person and savvy business owners can save a great deal of time – time that could be better used elsewhere. Using cloud archiving solutions for file sharing effectively means that you no longer have to save files to an external device, then transport that device to the recipient’s station or computer, then insert that device in order to gain access to the files. The cloud just makes everything quicker and simpler – all you need to do is just click a few buttons, and the files are shared almost instantly.
Unrivaled Accessibility & Convenience
Speed isn’t the only thing you gain when it comes to using a cloud for file sharing. In this day and age of quick living where stress is abundant, many say that you can’t put a price on convenience and practicality. This happens to be one of the greatest advantages of using a cloud – basically, anyone who is using a cloud network is able to share their files with others; the only condition is that the other party/parties are also using the same network.
In other words, this means that not only are you able to enable quick and easy sharing of files, but you’re also able to allow access to the files to virtually anyone on the same network, be it a team member, member of the same organization or an external expert.
No More Stressing About Lost/Damaged Files
If using the cloud, there is no more room for panic if a file becomes lost or corrupted. Any issues with files that become lost or damaged during the sharing process can be easily resolved by cloud computing providers. As an added benefit, sending and receiving files is something you’re able to do without using a specific device.
As long as you’re allowed access to the cloud, you can basically send and receive files from any device or location around the world, be it a desktop, tablet or phone in the same country or a completely different continent.
Bottom Line
Users love the freedom to create, collaborate, and share content anywhere. On the other hand, businesses are similarly in love with the idea of having all that content in a repository they can easily manage and one that simultaneously makes their entire business less expensive to operate and more flexible overall. The trend of workers staying connected and on the go while working, building, and sharing more and more sophisticated content around cloud storage as a shared hub continues to accelerate. One thing is certain – it will be interesting to see how cloud storage will carry on driving change in the workplace.