Are you using Dropbox for your business?

Dropbox is among the simplest and most user-friendly cloud storage and file-syncing services. It gives users access to files from nearly anywhere. You can install Dropbox on virtually any computer or mobile device and dozens of other apps support integration with Dropbox, too. Dropbox Business is aimed at the business and professional market. Free version offers up to 16 GB. For larger firms there is also the option to upgrade to Dropbox Enterprise.

Dropbox Business supports real-time collaboration for Office Online users, so you and your colleagues can access and edit the same Dropbox file at the same time while seeing one another's changes appear on the screen as they happen.

It includes useful extras such as remote wipe, unlimited file recovery as well as email and telephone support services. You begin with 1 TB (1,000 GB) of storage, but can request more once you reach that limit.

In terms of collaboration, you can share files and folders with Dropbox users regardless of whether they're part of your Dropbox Business account, but external users are limited by their plan's storage limits.

In addition to a desktop app, Dropbox also provides mobile apps for iOS and Android, all of which sync with your online account. The mobile apps let you create files and folders and share them.

The system is good but it isn’t perfect. You can't edit documents inside Dropbox itself. When you click the open button on a file, you're redirected to Microsoft Office 365 online, where you have to either set up an account or log into an existing one. This isn't ideal but given that most businesses use Microsoft Office, shouldn’t prove to be too much of an issue.

Dropbox Business offers lots of options in terms of security permissions, encryption, etc. and users can prevent other members from adding, editing, or deleting files in a particular folder.  Dropbox business costs from £11 per user per month (based on a minimum of 5 users). You can also choose a free 30 day trial of the service.

Why businesses can benefit from cloud accounting?

Cloud computing has become increasingly pervasive over the last few years and many software developers now provide cloud-based services. But what is the cloud, and how can cloud accounting software benefit your business?

‘The cloud’ is another term for ‘the internet’. Cloud computing refers to the practice of accessing data or programs over the internet, instead of using your hard drive or office server. Cloud accounting software is software that can be accessed online. Traditional small business accounting programs require installation and can present a number of problems:

·    Costs and complications of backing up data and installing upgrades

·    Insecure data storage and protection

·    Limitations on the amount of devices running the software

·    Limitations on the amount of people able to access the software

Cloud accounting software eliminates many of these issues. For example, data backups and software upgrades are carried out automatically, saving your team the laborious job of performing these tasks manually. In addition, data security is enhanced: you no longer have to worry about a laptop or hard drive falling into the wrong hands, as the data is stored remotely and can only be accessed with the correct passwords. This also means that incidents such as fires or floods no longer carry the risk of permanent destruction of client data.

In terms of software access, cloud accounting companies provide a number of options, giving business owners greater opportunity to enhance teamwork and collaboration without compromising control. Many companies provide flexible price plans, allowing businesses to scale their accounting function according to their needs and budget. 

Perhaps the most significant advantage of cloud accounting is that it allows businesses to access their data and software from any device with an internet connection 24/7. Small business owners can therefore stay connected to their data and accountants from almost anywhere, providing greater control and peace of mind. 

Top 3 benefits to your business:

1.         Clear, real-time overview of your current financial situation

2.         No installation necessary and updates are automatic, allowing for more time to be spent on more important work

3.         Everything is backed up automatically, and your data is more secure

Talk to us about getting a demo, we’d be delighted to show you how easy it is to move your accounts to the cloud!