As cell phone technology advances, so do the capabilities of cloud computing, and these two technologies complement each other. Cloud storage gives your smartphone a way to stay connected with your personal files wherever you are. Through sharing, the cloud lets you use your cell phone to create a nearly infinite virtual network.
Within their stores and kiosks, a provider such as
T-Mobile carries cell phone accessories including additional storage. You can increase your phone's capacity with a microSD card, if supported, but there is a finite amount of storage you can add. The cloud gives you the ability to keep adding storage to meet your needs.
Information Week states the primary use of the cloud for smartphone users is for backup. The cloud is an easy way to store all types of files for safekeeping. The security of cloud computing is improving as people use it for more sensitive information.
Being able to keep your information in sync between multiple devices makes the cloud a useful hub in which to manage your files. Besides the cloud, PC World discusses different ways to make sure individual files are in
sync between devices: for example, making sure whatever device you are using will have access to all your current Google Contacts. If you're looking to go the cloud storage route, here are some providers to consider:
Box
This service is noteworthy because it supports many large companies, such as MTV, T-Mobile and Dell. There are case studies on the Box site you can review for some of their large clients, stated on Techsling.com.
You can create a free account with 5GB of storage or pay monthly for more. Box has apps for Apple, Android, Blackberry, Mac and Windows, so you can sync all of your devices with this service.
Dropbox
The editors at PCMag rate Dropbox as
one of the best cloud services available. It has been around for about 5 years and continues to add features. It works with all operating systems and smartphones. It started out as solely a backup service but has evolved into much more, with collaborative features for sharing files.
A free account will get you 2GB of storage, but there are various ways to increase that before you start paying. After you sign up, you'll have a number of options to increase your storage, such as connecting with your Facebook account. There are even specials offered to new smartphone owners to get more storage just for signing up with them.
SkyDrive
This cloud service is brought to you by Microsoft. Like the other products, it allows you to store and share files while keeping synced with all of your devices. A free account will give you 7GB to start. A CNET review says that Microsoft product users benefit from SkyDrive because of its integration with those tools. If you use Microsoft Office, it can be set up to default to SkyDrive for saving all files.
Google Drive
Drive is Google's offering in the cloud space. It is integrated with all of the Google Docs functionality, so you can work with those tools in the cloud and store your data on Drive. Google is serious about working with all platforms, notes a CNET review. The recent release of an improved Android app for Drive will tap into those new smartphone users. Because of its integration with its own office tools, Drive is a good choice for people needing collaboration space.
What is your favorite cloud storage option for your smartphone? Share yours in the comments.