Technology has enabled the gig economy to grow rapidly over the past decade, from drivers and personal shoppers who use apps like Uber and Instacart to find work, to a growing number of freelancers and small business owners providing a wide range of services. Remote workers who work from home offices also benefit. Cloud storage enables these professionals to store a large amount of data in the cloud, making it easier than ever to work from home and on the go.
You may be familiar with cloud storage if you upload photographs to Dropbox, share a Google Doc with a coworker, or back up your phone using iCloud. Cloud storage has become increasingly prevalent, offering easy access to data regardless of your location or device. Instead of storing data on physical hard drives, cloud storage enables data to be stored on a linked system of servers. This data can then be accessed anywhere in the world. Some of the many benefits of cloud storage include increased flexibility, remote access, safe storage, and collaborative capabilities.
Benefits of Cloud Storage for Remote Workers and Freelancers
Cloud storage gives gig workers and remote employees the technological capabilities and flexibility they need to do work from anywhere in the world, without the confines of an office building.
Remote Access
Cloud-storage makes it easier to access your information online at different locations. Rather than all of your important information being tied to your work computer (or even a laptop), cloud storage ensures that you can access the information you need anytime you have access to the cloud. This means that you can work from a home office, a local coffee shop, or halfway around the world without losing access to any of your files.
Collaborative Capabilities
Cloud computing can also make it simpler to collaborate on a project. Contractors, clients, and employees can all share access to the same files, make changes and edits, and work collaboratively to ensure the success of the final product. In many cases, cloud storage helps facilitate immediate information exchange as individuals can edit and comment upon the same document in real-time. Cloud storage also enhances collaboration by making the transfer of information and documents easy and painless. Remote access can also be employed to provide IT services, leveraging RMM software to keep telecommuting staff and remote systems connected and operational regardless of location.
Disaster Recovery
If you did work on computers before the advent of cloud storage, you may be familiar with the sinking feeling of losing a document or spreadsheet when your computer crashes. In many cases, these files are difficult to retrieve and may necessitate starting over from scratch. Cloud storage avoids this problem by providing safe, permanent backup storage in the cloud. Even if your computer dies, your information will still be safe and digitally stored, able to be accessed at any time.
Benefits of Cloud Storage for Businesses
In addition to the many benefits for freelancers and remote employees, cloud storage also offers many benefits for businesses. Businesses that employ part-time or remote workers may be especially well-positioned to reap the many benefits of cloud storage.
File Sharing
Cloud storage makes it easier than ever to share files between employees. This can increase clear communication, reduce technical difficulties, and improve efficiency. If you employ remote workers, other employees will be able to access shared files even if an employee isn’t currently in the office.
Scalability
The cloud provides flexibility for your changing storage needs. If you’re a small business that doesn’t yet need a huge amount of digital storage space, you may even be able to take advantage of free storage options. As you grow and expand, you can increase the amount of cloud storage you purchase. In this way, cloud storage is flexible and can meet the needs of your business. You don’t need to buy any physical products or storage space for your data when you store it in the cloud — instead, you can simply update your settings whenever you need more space.
Security
Contrary to popular belief, cloud storage can actually improve security in some cases. Data stored in the cloud is encrypted, which can reduce the likelihood of bad actors breaking in and accessing the data. However, human error and lax passwords can still result in a data breach, and upholding security still requires vigilance from all users and stakeholders. Businesses can also employ MSPs to help with cybersecurity and backup management. If you’re concerned about cybersecurity risks as a small business, there are a few cybersecurity best practices you should be sure to follow, including practicing proper password management and routinely backing up data.
Cost Benefits of Cloud Storage
Cloud storage can often end up being more cost-effective than traditional methods of data storage since you’ll only be paying for as much data as you need and since you can always upgrade in the future if you run out of the room. In addition, if your computer or hard drive is lost or stops working, your data will still be safe in the cloud, potentially saving you additional money in terms of repairs and data retrieval. Ultimately, cloud storage can often end up being more affordable and flexible than other data storage methods.
