OneDrive vs Google Drive: Can You Make the Right Choice?

The era of cloud computing has just begun and people(both individuals and business owners) from all across the world are found adopting it at a breathtaking pace. For those who are clueless about cloud storage, it is an emerging technology used to download your crucial files on the server so that they can be accessed from any device and at any point in time. 

Earlier businesses found it pretty tedious to store and manage data. In fact, they were compelled to create highly secured data centres where tons of data and information was stored. More or less, these data centres featured hard drives, computing devices and other components which were supposed to be managed and maintained from time to time.

Not to mention one of the major disadvantages was businesses were supposed to spend a huge chunk of money and hire IT professionals just for the sake of maintaining these data centres. Later, cloud computing technologies came to our rescue. 

What is cloud computing? As the name suggests, it is a technology used to store, manage, and analyse tons and tons of data over the internet. Yes, you read it right here one doesn’t require any computing hardware. Instead Google Drive, Apple iCloud, Amazon Cloud Drive, OneDrive, Sharepoint technologies are enough. 

Why Businesses find themselves delving into these Cloud Computing Technologies?

In today’s fast-pacing era, seizing technology is the key to success. And cloud computing nowadays is considered a top C-suite agenda worldwide. It is a safe bet to say that the COVID-19 pandemic has fueled the fire into a more holistic and intimidating digital transformation. Early adopters are supposed to gain a lot of traction due to such rising disruptive technology and those who are falling behind have a lot to lose. 

So again, why have businesses started preferring OneDrive or Google Drives over hardware devices? 

#1 Increased Productivity 

One of the obvious reasons for the increase in cloud computing technology is that it promotes flexibility and efficiency. For instance, by incorporating such technology, businesses are no longer supposed to hire IT professionals or spend a hefty amount on gathering data or managing it. 

With the help of cloud technology, companies can easily store all the data and information virtually and manage it from anywhere and at any point in time. 

Apart from flexibility, cloud computing also results in increased productivity. Yes, since the tech can be accessed from anywhere, employees can work even while staying at their respective homes. So yes, flexible tech does result in increased productivity. 

#2 Cost Efficient  

Another benefit offered by cloud computing technology is that it turns out to be a cost-effective solution in comparison to the conventional approaches. Yes, since the traditional approaches focused on storing and managing data on hard devices, businesses often found it hard to set up data centres and keep tabs on them regularly. 

By using OneDrive or Google Drive or any other cloud computing technology, businesses have freed themselves from such burdens. Yes, the service providers are held responsible for managing the data in return for annual subscription fees. 

#3 Security 

Who says cloud computing is not secured enough? Many of you have this misconception that cloud computing can be a risky move. Yes, security breaches are indeed happening every now and then but it certainly doesn’t mean cloud computing technologies are prone to such breaches easily. By choosing Google Drive or Apple Drive or OneDrive, nobody in the world can gain unauthorized access to your data. 

At present, more and more cloud computing service providers are seen heavily investing in security, data recovery and backup. So you don’t have to worry much about it. As a user, you have to make sure that you follow all the instructions given by the service provider to safeguard your data from unnecessary breaches and attacks.  

So, basically, cloud computing is lit! And to be precise Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive are the two most prominent cloud storage services one must opt for to survive in today’s competitive world. Now you must be wondering, what’s the big deal here? Choose any of the two and your business is sorted, right? Wrong! 

Though these two contenders were created keeping the same objective in mind they are poles apart. You see Google Drive offers a consumer-first focus approach whereas OneDrive solely focuses on assisting enterprises. Google prefers the cloud-only model but Microsoft prefers both clouds as well as a desktop model. 

Further below I would like to shed some light on the two most promising cloud computing technologies and see how the two are radically different? 

Meet Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive

#1 Microsoft OneDrive

Microsoft OneDrive is an online cloud computing service offered by the tech giant itself. Featuring Windows 10  as the default layout, Onedrive offers its end users five gigabytes of free storage space and for further use, they are asked to upgrade their plan. 

Anything right from different files, documents, photos, videos, etc can be saved and managed among different computing devices. If you want easy access to cloud space and share your existing files with others, OneDrive is the perfect option to consider. 

Not just Onedrive but Microsoft offers numerous unique and robust solutions such as Sharepoint, Microsoft Office 365 and so forth. Each one of a kind! Coming back to OneDrive, further below I would like to mention certain benefits of using OneDrive. 

• Synchronized workspace
• Accessing unlimited files and folders from any device
• Free up your device storage
• Content can be created and shared without any hassle
• Supports a wide range of multimedia options
• Collaborate with other Microsoft Products 
• Easy and precise reporting 
• Directory synchronization / SSO / ADFS
• Real-time collaboration
• Security on Microsoft Servers
• Get the latest updates and information regularly
• No additional charges 

Pros are many but unfortunately Microsoft OneDrive shares a fair range of controversies as well. For example, there is no scope for third-party app integration. Microsoft doesn’t intend to work with other especially non-Microsoft products such as calendars, messaging apps, project management platforms and so on. 

Apart from these, Microsoft cannot protect your data, especially against any power outage or disaster, failure of hardware or software, etc. 

#2 Google Drive

Our next promising cloud computing service provider is Google Drive. It is cloud-based storage enabling one to save files online and get instant access to them from any point of time and place using their respective computing device.

Of course, with the rise in DropBoz and Apple’s iCloud, Google Drive might feel pressured but to be honest, such an intimidating collaborating tool featuring numerous built-in integrations and an amazing Google suite of products and services, this one won’t be slowing down anytime soon. 

So is Google Drive just about the extra storage? Of course not! Here you will find

• Docs, Google’s Word Processor 
• Sheets, Google’s updated version of Excel
• Slides, and Google’s very own Powerpoint 

Further below I would like to mention certain benefits offered by Google Drive. 

• One of the obvious benefits of Google Drive is that it can be used right away without paying any price. Here you get 15GB for free. 
• All your precious documents, photos, videos, and data can be backed up without much hassle. 
• Share large files to anyone 
• Use the Google Drive App 
• Effective Built-in Search Engine
• Open and edit different kinds of documents
• Compatible with any and every device 
• Quick Files Search 
• Several people can work together on the same document 
• Unique and astounding user interface 
• Affordable and increased productivity 
• Better Organization and Management   
• SSL encryption 

Much like OneDrive, even Google Drive shares a fair share of controversies as well. For example, hackers can easily get their hands on your crucial data and remove it. All they have to do is install malicious hardware.

Another disadvantage is that Google Drive cannot be accessed if there is no internet connection. Though you can still edit offline the changes will only be visible once you go online. 

Certain third-party integration apps work effortlessly with Google Drive, However, some integrations require payment to unlock their features.  

Microsoft OneDrive vs Google Drive

Which Storage Cloud to choose?

The sure-shot answer is – it depends! Depends on your needs, and requirements. For example, if most of your teammates are using Google, without a shadow of a doubt, choose Google Drive and the same thought process works for OneDrive. 

After all, both these technologies carry an equal share of advantages and disadvantages but you must have your own reason to choose either of them to try. So that’s all for now in case, if you still have any doubts or queries, feel free to mention that in the comment section below. 

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