Check out this OneDrive review and see if this cloud storage provider is the right one for you.
At a time when almost everything happens online, storage space is very important. Pictures, videos, movies, and even phone and computer applications have become more sophisticated and complex, thereby demanding bigger storage.
In the past, people used flash drives and external drives to store their data. However, with everything migrating online, even file storage methods have changed.
This online storage of data is enabled by Cloud Computing. Cloud Computing is the delivery of on-demand access to services via the internet. Cloud Computing technology allows remote access to data stored in servers and databases. The sharing of these data, on the other hand, is done through networking. One of the famous storage services using cloud technology is OneDrive.
What Is OneDrive?
OneDrive is a personal storage service developed by Microsoft. It was first launched in August 2007 with the name Windows Live Folders. The service allows users to store information and share data with others. Aside from that, OneDrive users can save their files and sync them across several devices. Users are given the option to access data and work on it simultaneously.
How It Works
As discussed earlier in the article, OneDrive makes use of Cloud Computing Technology. The data of users are stored on servers and databases, which can be accessed remotely via the internet.
One of the main problems OneDrive addresses is the need to carry around a physical storage device. Physical storage devices like flash drives and hard drives have the tendency to get lost and misplaced at times. And in case they do, all the data stored in those drives are gone with it. With OneDrive, data is safely stored in the cloud, which can be accessed without the need for a physical storage device.
Another problem One Drive addresses is the remote access to these files. With OneDrive, your data can be accessed anywhere, anytime, as long as one is connected to the internet.
What Makes OneDrive Different from Other Cloud Storage Services?
The primary distinction of OneDrive from other storage services is that it is developed and offered by Microsoft. OneDrive is a preinstalled application in Microsoft Devices. It is also the pre-set storage device for Microsoft Office applications.
Who Is the Target Market?
The target market for OneDrive is students and employees who need extra storage space for their work. Those who require collaborative work would also benefit from OneDrive.
What Apps Can Be Integrated with OneDrive?
OneDrive can be integrated with Microsoft Office. Users can fully access Microsoft Office applications like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel through OneDrive. As earlier mentioned, it is already pre-installed in devices that make use of Windows 10 and up.
Aside from Microsoft Office, OneDrive can also be integrated with Facebook and Facebook Messenger. To connect Facebook with OneDrive, simply authenticate OneDrive on Facebook and authorize the integration of the applications.
Additionally, the online storage solution also offers automatic backup of camera roll and emailing of slide shows. Users can scan physical documents and photos using the OneDrive app and use the same as storage.
Are you finding this OneDrive review informative so far? Keep on reading…
What Are the Pros and Cons of OneDrive?
The primary advantage of OneDrive is the security it offers. OneDrive has features that allow users to limit access to the data stored. This minimizes the risks of data breaches without compromising the shareability of the data.
In addition to this, OneDrive has a special feature called Personal Vault. This feature adds another layer of protection in storing important and sensitive files. Users are given the choice to add an authentication method that can either be a PIN, fingerprint, face, code sent via email or text, or code from the Microsoft authenticator app.
Another advantage of OneDrive is its accessibility. It can be accessed anywhere, anytime on any device. As all data are stored on the cloud, the files are kept safe, no matter what happens to your device.
Another notable feature of OneDrive is its ability to store even previous drafts of documents. Most versions of OneDrive have a history feature that saves the previous drafts of documents that can be restored.
OneDrive also offers a free plan. As repeatedly stated throughout the article, it typically comes pre-installed on Microsoft devices. Users get 5GB worth of storage in this basic plan.
Business owners would also be pleased to know that Microsoft has OneDrive for Business. OneDrive for Business is a product separate from Office 365. OneDrive for Business has built-in compliance standards and auditing and reporting capabilities. Moreover, the data of your business is ensured to be secure as it has multifactor authentication.
Although OneDrive is developed and offered by Microsoft, the online storage solution is available and compatible with Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS. OneDrive can be downloaded as an application in any of the aforementioned operating systems. Furthermore, it is also accessible via a browser.
Pricing
As aforementioned, OneDrive offers a free basic plan of 5 GB storage. Home or individual plans are priced at $1.99 a month for the 100 GB plan. Microsoft also offers a bundle of Microsoft 365 personal plans inclusive of 1 TB of storage space for $69.99. It also offers a family plan worth $99.99 that includes Microsoft 365 with 1 TB for six users, which translates to 6 TB in total.
As mentioned, Microsoft also offers OneDrive for Business. For 1 TB of OneDrive Storage, it’s pegged at $5 per user per month. For unlimited storage, it’s priced at $10 per user per month. If you wish to also include a Microsoft 365 Business Basic and 1 TB of storage, it’s available at $5 per user per month. Lastly, Microsoft 365 Business Standard, which includes 1 TB of storage, is priced at $12. 50 per user per month.
Summary
OneDrive is an excellent online storage solution catered for everyone. It provides for the safe and secure storage of data. It is extremely beneficial for those always on to go as data can be accessed anytime, anywhere, and on any device. It offers a wide range of plans suitable for every need.
We hope you found this OneDrive review helpful.
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