Best cloud based storage for Mac users

Question

Best cloud based storage for Mac users

Hi All,

We are a trust in Kent and usually use Windows based machines, we have a few Mac suites in our schools but until now have never needed to use cloud based storage. With the opportunities looking forward with cloud and going to it with Microsoft i am after knowing the best cloud based storage for Mac? We have had an issue with one of our Mac users storing their files on a portable HDD, within 1 year this will be the third time they have failed (not the most careful user). In the ideal world, the user will not have a HDD to carry, and they will be able to access the files on-site or at home. It will also back-up to another file server/cloud based server

I do not want a synchronisation (OneDrive/DropBox) facility as i am wanting to use this (alternative) as the only storage (eliminate local storage for the user) I have seen iCloud is available but cannot find enough information on it, and i do not know if it works the same as OneDrive/DropBox.

We have considered using something like WD MyCloud and then backing this up, but unsure if Mac's talk to this well or if there are connection problems if you are at home.

Any suggestions or help with this is very much appreciated.

Many Thanks,

Oliver.

MacBook Pro, macOS Sierra (10.12.2)

Posted on Jan 5, 2017 6:20 AM

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Answer 1

Jan 5, 2017 7:21 AM in response to cornwallisacademy

In my opinion any business (Trust) or data owner/creator should have multiple off-site backup solutions as well as local backups implemented. I do not consider consumer-level cloud storage such as Drop Box, One Drive, iCloud, Google Drive, Amazon AWS Cloud Storage, etc. as acceptable professional solutions for several reasons including:

1. It is not a good idea to trust sensitive data to some unknown online entity

2. No control over data/system reliability

3. Your data is under the control of some unknown entity

4. No control over security and recovery processes/procedures

5. No disaster recovery plan

6. It is not a good idea to piece meal a data management approach

7. etc.

You need a professional IT consultant to assess your business information technology and data requirements and then to create a solution tailored to your unique business requirements. An integrated plan should be developed that takes into consideration all your IT needs not just a cloud quick fix. Your tailored solution may include a self managed Cloud storage solution.

And to come back to your original question, iCloud is no different that the other consumer-level cloud storage offerings.

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