Personal computers have come quite a long way since the days of WordPerfect and Lotus 1-2-3 on the original IBM PC™.  Back in the early 1980’s, 5.25” Floppy Disks were the primary means for storing and sharing our data.

Today, over 30 years later, we take “Networks” for granted, especially the largest “Network” of all – the Internet.  Our ability to connect, store, and share information has evolved and many options now exist to accomplish what was nearly impossible back then.  The “Cloud”, has become synonymous with “an unknown virtual place where we go to get the information we seek”.  Over the years, I have learned that:

“It’s all about the data. It doesn’t matter what platform, device, program, version, none of that really matters. It’s the Availability, Security, Speed, Ease and Utility. The ubiquitous access to information is what we are seeking. And the ones who provide it – to the ones that need it – well they will be the winners of the prize!”   –Avie Uniglicht

The Cloud storage landscape has many “players” and more arrive on the scene regularly- as demand for reliable, functional, secure and reasonably priced solutions is growing.  Free offerings for personal/home consumers exist in services provided by  Google with “Drive”, Microsoft with “OneDrive”, and Apple with “iCloud”.  Others include “DropBox™”, “BitCasa™”, “Cubby™”, “PogoPlug™”, and “Box™”. Each of these provide FREE limited storage accounts for consumers and PAID versions with more capacity and features. Google and Microsoft also empower their users with applications that allow users to not only store and retrieve their data, but create and edit it as well – all while in the “Cloud”.

For those of us who may have a business and are considering moving  existing in-house file sharing to the Cloud, virtual products are growing to address this need too. Many small and midsize businesses are looking for a business class cloud storage solution that enables fast, secure access from anywhere, any device; the ability to share documents and collaborate with clients, and even replace their aging File Server with a supported cloud environment designed with redundancy and regulatory compliance in mind. Commercial versions of Google Docs and Microsoft Office 365 are examples. One company that I recommend to my clients is Egnyte.  Egnyte not only offers secure cloud storage, they have a unique “hybrid” approach wherein a company can store their data locally for fast access while in the confines of their private local network, yet their data is also securely “mirrored” to the Egnyte Cloud offering employees and collaborators remote “cloud” access to their data from any Internet connected device.  Affordable pricing plans depending upon the number of users and storage requirements are available.  Please contact me for access to a free trial and more information about Egnyte or any of the Cloud solutions mentioned today.

This is sixth in a series of aSKaVIE articles devoted to your productivity, digital privacy and protection. In future articles, you can look forward to tips and tricks that you can use to make sense out of your digital investments as well as reviews of new and exciting things that will likely provide value to your home and business. I invite you to write me with your questions and feedback. We’ll also be helping and inspiring others by answering your questions and that’s what makes my job so much fun! So stay tuned. Please send your questions to TheRosyReport@askavie.com.

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About Avie Uniglicht: For over 30-years, Avie Uniglicht – “Your Tech Concierge™” has provided technology support and solutions to entrepreneurs who don’t have time to worry about the details. Specializing in “White-Glove Remote Room-Service,” Avie’s concept of giving you, his client, virtual “house calls” is cited regularly as invaluable and many of Avie’s clients say they couldn’t live without him on speed dial. Avie graduated Summa Cum Laude from Temple University with a BS in Business Administration. A former auditor for Price Waterhouse and past President of Ace Computer Center Inc., he is also the author of the e-Book, “Your Personal Computer Driver’s License.” Avie’s extensive business background and strong experience in accounting enhances his natural talent for helping his clients see the bigger picture regarding their business. “Your Tech Concierge” helps clients evaluate strategy so that together, they create an action plan with the end in mind. For more information or to “Ask Avie,” please call him at (888)-374-3712, and visit www.askavie.com.