Cloud storage for business is mostly a decision about where your files live, who can reach them and what happens when someone deletes the wrong folder. The cheapest plan is rarely the one that gives the right answers.
Google Cloud, Google Workspace and the rest
People searching for google cloud business are often looking for Google Workspace, which includes Drive for everyday file storage and sharing. Google Cloud is a separate platform for hosting applications and infrastructure. Other well-known options when looking for the best cloud storage for business include Microsoft 365 with OneDrive and SharePoint, Dropbox Business and Box. If your team already uses an office suite, its built-in storage is usually the simplest place to start.
What to compare
| Factor | What to check |
|---|---|
| Storage and users | Whether storage is pooled across the team or fixed per user |
| Sharing | Permissions by folder, link expiry and external guest access |
| Version history | How far back you can restore, and how long deleted files are kept |
| Sync | Desktop and mobile apps, and offline access |
| Admin | User management, single sign-on and audit logs |
| Data location | Whether you can choose a UK or European data location |
| Cost | Cloud storage for business pricing is usually per user per month, so check what changes at larger storage tiers |
Cloud storage for business UK: data protection points
Cloud storage for business UK firms use means holding personal data under UK GDPR. Check where files are stored, what protects them if the provider transfers data outside the UK, and whether you get a data processing agreement. Use multi-factor authentication on every account, and remove access promptly when someone leaves.
Online storage for business is not backup
Sync tools mirror changes, including deletions and ransomware encryption, so a shared drive on its own isn't a backup. Version history helps, but a separate backup with a restore you have tested protects you if an account is compromised or deleted. See our guide to cloud backup software for small business, and our overview of business security solutions for the wider picture.
Cloud for small business: a simple way to choose
- List who needs access, including contractors, and what they need to share.
- Check data location and admin controls on the plans you would really buy.
- Price the plan for your team now and at double the size.
- Test a restore: delete a file and recover it from version history.