File Storage Sites: How to Pick Them and When to Pay

Using an online file storage site can have a lot of advantages in the business world. First and foremost, it allows you the ultimate in flexibility no matter where you (or the people who needs to access your files) are. You can also get them instantly, provided you have access to a computer and the internet.

You're probably wondering how using a file storage site would be better than simply emailing the files. Well, file storage sites:

• Allow you to send (or receive) files that are too large for your email to handle.
• Allow multiple people to make changes and restore their documents without creating confusing email chains.
• It negates the need to know the email address of the person who needs the files.You won't lose all your work if your PC/Network goes down.

So how do I pick a file storage site?

That's simple! You just have to answer a few questions.

1. What will I be sending, how much will I be sending and how large are those files likely to be?

If you're needs will encompass sending a lot of files, or files of exceptional size (usually video or high resolution audio) then how much storage you get on the account will be a primary concern.

2. How sensitive is the data that you will be sending?

If the information you will be sending includes client information, financial data or trade secrets, you'll need to use a service that encrypts (or otherwise protects) your data.

3. How long will files sit on the site or will turnover be quick?

Some file storage sites will set limits on how often you can upload or access a file in a month so if you're going to be turning over a lot of documents you'll want to avoid those services.

4. What file types will I be sending?

Some sites will limit your access to upload certain file types. Not a big deal when you're sending a word document, trickier if you have to send an mp3.

Most file services are free, you'll just have to put up with some ads, but some sites have paid accounts.

There can be some advantages to using a paid site but not everyone needs to shell out between 5 and 50 dollars a month for the storage. There are some situations when a paid service could be the way to go:

1. When the data is highly sensitive and you need to be 100% certain that no one else sees it.

2. When you plan to, on a regular basis, store or share files well above the free sites limits.

3. When virtual storage is going to act as a digital archive for all of your data.

That being said, I'm going to assume that most businesses are going to start off with a no-cost option so we'll compare a few of those.

File Factory

This site lets you upload up to 25 files at a time with the options to send them to an email. Maximum file size 300mb each.

Media Fire

This site claims unlimited disk space up to 100mb per file and the ability to password lock your files.

Mega Upload

This site is popular, allows you to send without registering but limits your files to 300mb and offers no security measures.