OneDrive Pros and Cons

Tagged with: Databases & Architecture, Software Development, Technical Tips & FAQs

What comes to mind when you hear the word “cloud?” Something up in the sky lurking around? Maybe the Goodyear blimp circling endlessly? No, not exactly. When you hear a reference of a cloud-based application usage that pertains to your files and applications (the same ones that have lived on your local computer thus far but now are being hosted on the Internet). In simpler terms, your files and applications are now stored virtually on a machine.

Usage of cloud-based business applications has boomed. Why? Simply put, it’s all about accessibility, efficiency, and, obviously, controlled cost. Many businesses are finding the cloud to be an excellent companion to day-to-day business endeavors. Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, though, let’s not forget to mention mobility. That’s right! The majority of cloud-based applications today are accessible via mobile devices from virtually anywhere, including OneDrive.

Many businesses are finding the cloud to be an excellent companion to day-to-day business endeavors. Click to Tweet

What is OneDrive?

OneDrive is a Microsoft cloud-based file hosting service that allows public or private sharing and syncing of individual files. It is available for both desktop and mobile users regardless of the operating system used. As long as you have a web browser or a mobile device handy, you can take full advantage of OneDrive capabilities. One of the most notable perks that OneDrive offers entails file sharing with other users without the requirement of a Microsoft account.

You may already be familiar with OneDrive without even knowing it. The project gained strong market visibility around August 2007, when it opened to a broader audience. It was available for testing purposes only to users in the United Kingdom and India. Previous references of OneDrive entailed SkyDrive, Windows Live SkyDrive, and Windows Live Folders.

OneDrive is a Microsoft cloud-based file hosting service that allows for public or private sharing and syncing individual files. Click to Tweet

Why OneDrive?

There are many different reasons and benefits to using OneDrive daily, regardless of your needs or wherever you might be located.

Some common benefits of OneDrive:

• Do more wherever you go. Whether it’s for personal, school, or work-related reasons. Get more accomplished with the assistance of OneDrive.
• Access files from virtually anywhere and on any device, anytime. No, seriously! PC, Mac, Android, or iOS.
• Share and work with virtually anyone in a collaborative environment. Harness the power of Office 365, including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft OneNote, and Microsoft Outlook as part of OneDrive.
• OneDrive for Business amplifies employee potential by allowing employees to store and access work files on demand. Your IT department can also rest assured data is heavily protected behind an SSL protocol and secured environment.
• Stay organized with OneDrive on the go by using its powerful features to store and access your data. Your photos and documents will rest safely and securely available for access across any device or platform.

The benefits of OneDrive or OneDrive for Business usage vary. All contingent upon your specific needs and use. Real-time collaboration is perhaps one of the most intricate benefits of this cloud-based application. OneDrive is pre-installed on Windows 10, allowing for easy access and syncing of files and applications.

How do you get started with OneDrive?

The process of getting acquainted with OneDrive is actually quite simple. Before going any further, you need to first determine personal or business usage. Once identified the purpose behind OneDrive, then you can proceed further.

OneDrive for Personal Usage:
How about unloading all of those photos and storing them in the cloud? Absolutely, right? Who doesn’t want to free up space on their mobile phone? Are you looking for a more thorough step-by-step guide? Explore this holistic breakdown for a more guided approach.

OneDrive for Business Usage:
This is where the fun really begins. Typically, OneDrive for Business will be integrated within the Office 365 suite. Therefore, you may be eligible for 1 TB of storage given that your organization has everything correctly set up. Check with your administrator if necessary for further assistance on that front.

Pros & Cons of OneDrive

Every cloud-based solution offers specific pros and cons. It all depends on your outlook towards each and the value proposition you are seeking. OneDrive, like other solutions, offers particular pros and cons. Peruse the available plans to identify one for your specific needs.

Another critical advantage of OneDrive is the fact that it is broken down into two plan types. OneDrive storage plans and OneDrive + Office 365 plans. Simple, right?

OneDrive Storage Plans
This particular plan is ideal for individuals. Anyone interested in storing personal files or photos.

• Get 5 GB of storage for free
• Get 100 GB of storage for $1.99 per month

This is a personal plan. It is ideal for anyone just starting out with cloud storage.

OneDrive + Office 365 Plans
If you or your company are interested in more flexibility, functionality, and storage, this is ideal for you. Small, medium-sized, or even corporations can benefit from the OneDrive for Business option.

• Get 1 TB of storage for $6.00 per month/user. Primarily geared for personal and/or small business purposes.
• Get 1 TB of storage for $15.00 per month/user for up to 300 users. This plan is ideal for home-based businesses.

OneDrive vs. Google Drive
OneDrive is competitively priced and as versatile. If you are a Microsoft user, such as Windows, then this is an ideal companion. Another instance of OneDrive usage might be a consolidation of online files from Google Drive. One of the critical ingredients of Office 365 and OneDrive is the seamless integration with widespread applications. Some include Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, and more.

Have you tried OneDrive or OneDrive for Business yet?