What is business cloud storage, what is it for and what determines the cost
Business cloud storage is an online space where a company stores its files and works on them together, from any device. Unlike a personal cloud, the documents belong to the company, which decides who can see what and stays in control even when someone leaves.
What it is for
- Keeping files in one place, instead of on computers, USB sticks and emails.
- Working from anywhere, in the office, on the road or from home.
- Sharing with colleagues and clients without attachments.
- Editing documents together, without swapping different versions.
- Recovering files if someone makes a mistake or deletes a document.
Business cloud or personal cloud?
| Personal cloud | Business cloud | |
|---|---|---|
| Who owns the files | The person | The company |
| Who decides access | Whoever uploaded the file | Administrators, with shared rules |
| If someone leaves | The files may leave with them | The files stay in the company |
| Groups and permissions | Limited | Designed for teams and departments |
| Activity log | Usually missing or limited | Usually available |
What determines the cost
Prices vary from one provider to another, but they usually depend on:
- the number of users who need access;
- the storage space required;
- the features included, such as online editing, automations or artificial intelligence;
- the level of support, including support in your language;
- the initial work, for example transferring your existing files.
When you compare two offers, also check what happens if you exceed the planned space and whether you can take your data back whenever you want.
What to check before choosing
- Where the data is kept: ask in which country the servers are.
- Who can see what: folders, groups and permissions must be easy to manage.
- How you share with outsiders: links with password, expiry and the option to revoke.
- How you work on documents: online editing and previous versions.
- How people sign in: multi-factor access and the ability to block users.
- Who helps you: the language and response times of support.
- How you get there: how easy it is to bring in the files you already have.
The Italian cloud for companies
Files is Kamzan’s Italian cloud: a single place to store, share and co-edit your company’s files, on servers in Europe. You can see how to edit documents online together and how sharing with clients works.
If you are also considering a device in your office, read the NAS vs cloud comparison.
Alex