Small Business iCloud Users Report Most Issues Compared to Other Popular Cloud Storage Providers

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Small business IT decision-makers using iCloud report the most issues among popular cloud storage providers, according to a new survey from Clutch, a B2B research firm.

In the past 12 months, only 17% of iCloud users reported no issues, such as downtown or limited access to their data, compared to 42% of Dropbox users. Almost one-third (30%) of small businesses overall reported no issues with their cloud storage provider in the past 12 months.

The survey of 300 IT decision-makers at U.S. small businesses also found that over one-third (35%) primarily are influenced by features and capabilities, such as remote access, automatic syncing, and flexible storage space, when deciding to commit to a cloud storage provider. Marketing tactics, such as free trials or online ratings and reviews, are less influential to IT decision makers when they are selecting a cloud storage provider.

The data indicates that small businesses view cloud storage as a more comprehensive tool to enhance their data, rather than just to store it.

"Cloud adopters some years ago only used the cloud to provide increased availability to the information or as a backup mechanism when their data center failed," said Sebastian Velez Ruiz, Director of Engineering at PSL, a software development company. "Now, cloud storage is beginning to focus on capabilities."

More Small Businesses Pay for Cloud Storage

Over 80% of small businesses now pay for their cloud storage provider, an increase of 10% since Clutch conducted its 2016 cloud storage survey.

Experts point out that small businesses can save money by separating data based on how frequently it needs to be accessed. Data that is infrequently or rarely accessed can be placed in "cold" cloud storage options, such as Amazon Glacier or Google Coldline. These services offer significantly lower prices than traditional collaboration-oriented cloud storage.

"For the mortgage industry, or any industry with regulations requiring you to keep copies of contracts for 60 years or 30 years – [Amazon] Glacier is a great option," said Ghazanfar Ghori, CTO of 10Pearls, a software and mobile app development agency.

To read the full report and source the survey data, visit: https://clutch.co/cloud/storage/resources/what-cloud-storage-offers-small-businesses.

For the raw data, a comment on the findings, or an introduction to the experts interviewed for this report, contact Riley Panko at [email protected].

About Clutch

A B2B research, ratings, and reviews firm in the heart of Washington, DC, Clutch connects small and medium businesses with the best-fit agencies, software, or consultants they need to tackle business challenges together and with confidence. Clutch's methodology compares business service providers and software in a specific market based on verified client reviews, services offered, work quality, and market presence.

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Riley Panko

[email protected]

(202) 899-2779

SOURCE Clutch

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