Having a copy of your data stored offsite can make all the difference in a disaster, and your data becomes accessible from anywhere, too, without the hassle of maintaining local storage hardware.
The ability to back up your data and store it in the cloud, then also automatically sync it across multiple devices, has radically changed the way we use computers, mobile phones, and other electronic devices for both personal and business use.
If you don't have a cloud storage service in place, you need one—or maybe more than one.
Many of the best cloud storage solutions do something specific, like backup and make accessible your music library, or help you not only save copies of files, but also collaborate on them. The services you choose should each do the job that needs to be done.
There isn't one magic bullet service in my mind, but that's not a bad thing, as it allows for compartmentalization among your data, which in turn may let you take advantage of the free space allotments that most service providers offer. Separate your music from your photos from your office files, and each set might weigh in under the free account limit with three different services.
Sometimes, however, it's worth paying for a service. Perks often include increased access to file version history, more security, or more features for collaboration and working with teams.
Not every service on this list doubles as a file-syncing service, but many do. File-syncing has become an integral part of online backup. For tips on how to use a file-syncing service and deeper explanation of how some people use them, see Get Organized: File Syncing Services to the Rescue.
While I've included a short chart here (click to open a larger version), it only skims the surface, focusing mainly on price. Different services can offer vastly different features and perks, and many of them are not directly comparable. If you want the utmost in comparisons, take a look at the insane chart of cloud backup services on Wikipedia.
Source PCmag


