Low-Cost Way to Share Files on the Web in a Small Business

Question from a Manager

I was looking to store some company files (powerpoint presentations, excel workbooks, etc) in the cloud securely and inexpensively.  That way my other managers and partners can access them and upload updates.  Sort of like a Microsoft Share-point without the overhead.  Any suggestions?  ....keep reading for the answer!

Answer

One of our favorite Small and Midsize Business (SMB) File Sharing, Storing & Backup Solutions is Dropbox.com.  They have a single user and a business version of their product.  "Dropbox.com for Business" is ideal for a Small and Midsize Businesses.  The service is secure, very easy to setup and use.  You download a small app to your Windows, Mac, Linux,  iPhone, iPad, Android Smartphone or Tablet and you're ready to start sharing files. You can share a folder or a file with your team members.

Dropbox.com works in 175+ countries and is available in English, French, Japanese, German and Spanish.

Dropbox for Business is affordable, and at a discount compared to buying personal Dropbox accounts individually.

List of Top 8 File Sharing and Storing Files on the Web

Here is a list of  the top solutions for sharing & storing files on the web for a Small Business:

1. Dropbox - Our favorite easy-to-use way of  sharing & Storing  files these days. 2GB free/user. Also a team version (see above).
2. Box - Leading product you can use to share files
3. Google Drive- File Sharing and Storage and Office Apps with 8GB per person free or 25GB per person for $50 /yr/per person
4. Microsoft OneDrive - Great if you prefer Microsoft Solutions $6-$27 per user /month
5. Salesforce.com - Salesforce allows you to store files on your system 1GB maximum.  You can buy more space as needed.
6. Amazon S3 (Simple Storage Service)- More complex to implement & use.  You will need IT Help. Check for prices
7. Google+  - Business Version Launched in 2011 - very good for photo sharing and storage
8. Apple iCloud - If you prefer Apple Solutions, iCloud may be a good solution - 5GB of Free Storage with Apple IOS - Launched in Fall 2011

Please share any other suggestions, experiences or tips for low-cost sharing, storing and backing up files in a Small Business.  Thanks!

photo credit: freedigitalimages.net by nokhoog buchachon

Should I Buy iPad Tablets for my Small Business?

 

Question: Should I buy iPad Tablets for my Small Business? ...or another manufacturer's Tablets?

Answer: This is an easy answer - YES!.  For now, you should buy an iPad Tablet!  In 2011, 85-90% of all Tablets sold are Apple iPads. They own the market.

However, there are a few exceptions that you should check out:

1. If you just hate Apple and Apple products, buy the Samsung Android 10" Tablet. Do not buy the Motorola Tablets...yet.
2. If you love RIM (Blackberry Smartphones), you should look at the RIM Tablet... and wait until next year for the new model.
3. If you love HP (or the old Palm),  sorry... as of 8/18/2011 HP cancelled the product line. Look at the Samsung Android Tablets.
4. If you love Google (Android), you should buy the Samsung 10" Tablet. It is the best product next to the Apple iPad.
5. If you are Tech Nerd or Geek, you should buy the Samsung 10" Tablet.... but first look at the Apple iPad. You maybe very surprised.
6. If you love the Amazon (Kindle eBook Reader),  you could buy the new Amazon Kindle 7" Fire Tablet...or you may want to wait until Q2 2012 to see if Amazon comes out with a new 10" Tablet. The 10" Tablet is expected to be a much better product than the 1st 7" Tablet announced in September 2011.

That's about it!

Top 5 reasons for buying the iPad  (over other Tablets) for your Small Business:

1. The Easy of Use & User Interface is so much better than all the other Tablets - Greatly Reduces Your Training and Support Costs
2. There are significantly more  applications that can make your people much more productive when working.
3. Boost Employee Morale (and Productivity) - This is one of the few products that greatly improves productivity and employee morale at the same time.
4. Better Security - The iPad App Store is a closed system that greatly reduces the potential for applications with viruses.
5. In our experience, the Apple Store is a great place for FREE help. The AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and Best Buy Stores are not much help.

We purchased the Apple iPad to test in May 2011. The bottom line is that it's one of the most useful business products we have ever used.

In 2012, there will be another round of new Tablet products that should dramatically expand the alternatives for Small Business tablets.  However, for now, the new iPad  is the superior product according to almost all top analysts.

Please contact us if you have any questions, need more info... or just reply with a comment below.

What is Google Wave? ...and How will it Effect my Business?

We attended Google's IO Developer Conference in San Francisco in May 2009.  During the first day Keynote, Google announced and Demo'd Google Wave.  It took me 15-20 minutes before I "got" what they were introducing.  The Wave Software has the potential to change the way we communicate and significantly change the software we use in business today. It will be a few years before we know if Google Wave is going to take off.  However, it is very helpful to understand how the web could change when planning  your business IT Infrastructure.

Introduction to Google Wave

This is a very short easy to understand YouTube video introducing you to Google Wave.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDu2A3WzQpo]

Google Developer Conference - Google Wave Keynote Announcement

This is a very long (1 hour and 20 minutes) YouTube video introducing Google Wave during the May 2008 Google Developer Conference in San Francisco.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_UyVmITiYQ]

Google 411 Service is FREE - Watch the Fun Video Introducing the Service

Dial 1-800-goog-411  (800-4664-411)   Go to the website for more information: google.com/goog411

Give it a try now and see how simple it is to find and connect with local businesses for free.  Tip: We add the Goog411 number in our mobile address book and marked it as a favorite.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cN0q8SvlQAk&feature=player_embedded]

Don't Pay the Phone Companies for a FREE Service.