These days, everyone seems to be talking about cloud printing and storage, but what’s it all about? And do you really keep your documents in clouds, as the name suggests?
Despite the bizarre name, cloud storage is simply an online process by which data is stored on a number of servers that are accessed via the internet, meaning that your documents can be accessed from anywhere. With cloud printing, you can print any of your documents from anywhere at any time, providing you have a Wi-Fi connection, giving you complete control over your printing processes and stopping you being tied down to a single location.
In our humble opinion, cloud storage and printing is the future, so why aren’t you doing it yet?!
What Is Cloud Storage?
According to Wikipedia, Cloud storage is;
“a model of data storage in which the digital data is stored in logical pools, the physical storage spans multiple servers (and often locations), and the physical environment is typically owned and managed by a hosting company. These cloud storage providers are responsible for keeping the data available and accessible, and the physical environment protected and running. People and organizations buy or lease storage capacity from the providers to store user, organization, or application data.
Cloud storage services may be accessed through a co-located cloud computer service, a web service application programming interface (API) or by applications that utilize the API, such as cloud desktop storage, a cloud storage gateway or web-based content management systems.”
Or, to put it another way, it is a means by which your documents are stored remotely on a number of different servers, using a process called virtualisation, instead of being stored on your own laptop or desktop computer. Most usually, they are then accessed through an internet connection via a cloud storage provider.
The Benefits of Cloud Printing
Whilst it’s tempting to think that cloud storage might be an unnecessary technological development – after all, what difference does it make whether you store your documents on a server or on your laptop? – this view couldn’t be further from the truth. In actuality, there are quite a few benefits to cloud storage and printing, all of which could help to make your business more streamlined and efficient.
The biggest benefit of cloud storage is that, as your data is stored in several different locations, there are multiple redundancies in the system, making that data much safer than it would it be if it was simply stored in one location on a single server.
Moreover, you are no longer tied to one location by only being able to print documents from your own computer and printer; instead, you can print a document from any computer with an internet connection to any printer you choose, or to a printer in a different building, in a different location anywhere in the world. By using a cloud storage and printing service, provided you have a Wi-Fi connection and the password for the destination printer you wish to use, you’ll be able to connect to any device through the internet without the use of cables, network connections or USB sticks, meaning you can print from anywhere to anywhere.
Thanks to cloud storage and printing, it means that now, if you turn up at that decisive business meeting without the all-important proposal, you can print out everything you need in a flash, even if that meeting is on the opposite side of the globe!
Cloud Storage and Printing Suppliers
These days you’ll find that most major printing manufacturers offer a cloud printing option, although there are also many independent suppliers who provide easy-to-use software or applications that allow you utilise this technology. Essentially, these programs work by sending an application via an email over the internet, although there are also a number of apps that give the user more control over the printing process.
When choosing which app or software provider you’re going to use, it’s important to make sure you’ll be able to specify what you want to print – i.e. the number of prints required, the paper size, the quality etc. – in the same way you would do if printing from your PC or Mac. Thanks to the explosion of cloud printing providers onto the market in recent years, it’s advisable to seek professional advice prior to purchase, so that you know you’re getting the right service for your needs.
Filestar
Here at North West Digital, we primarily use a system called Filestar, which enables you to make the most of cloud storage and printing via one, easy-to-use piece of software. With Filestar, you can scan documents straight from your device and store them in the cloud, meaning that all your documents are filed securely and logically in one location, instead of cluttering up your office and getting lost or damaged.
Once securely stored, you can use Filestar to print any of your documents from any location whenever you need them, giving you complete control and making all your document management a doddle.
What’s more, this all-in-one document management solution can be installed quickly and easily in any workplace, so your business can;
- Work seamlessly across all your locations and devices
- Convert loose papers into searchable PDF documents
- Name and file all your documents automatically
- Customise your own index fields
- Manage all your documents from one, easy-to-use platform
- Control who is able to edit or read certain documents
- Find and retrieve documents quickly and with ease
- File documents directly from your email or Microsoft Office programs
- And much more.
Ask Us About Cloud Storage and Printing
Fortunately for you, we are North West Digital are rather expert in the field of cloud printing and storage, so whatever business you’re in and however your set-up works, we’ll be able to advise you on the best cloud printing option for you and your business.
So if you’d like to know more about cloud storage and printing then please get in touch with us today and one of our technicians will be happy to arrange a no-obligation assessment with you, absolutely free of charge.
You can contact us in any of the following ways; by phone on 0161 477 8950, by email at info@ or by filling out the contact form on the website for one of our fabulous team to get back to you.