With the emergence of contemporary business practices, data management has quickly risen to the top of the priority list for corporate entities. Effective data management necessitates the use of a sophisticated system capable of performing complicated and repeated tasks. Having said that, complex systems are normally reserved for those with the means to afford them. In truth, most firms cannot afford data management systems, particularly those that are dedicated and specialized.
However, there are other alternatives that are less expensive or even free. You might be surprised to learn that some of these alternatives let you use options like a multi-cloud strategy, which are typically only available on premium applications and services. With that said, here are our top picks for some of the most inexpensive data management solutions for small businesses:
Free Cloud Storage Services and Platforms
Backup and cloud storage solutions don’t have to be pricey. There are numerous cloud service providers available today that provide free storage tiers with capacities that are more than sufficient for small business operations. Cloud storage solutions are most frequently used as a backup solution for more efficient data storage and recovery. This is often a preferred setup because cloud storage and backup virtually eliminate the need to acquire and maintain a physical storage unit, which can quickly add up in expenditures for your company. You can also mix the use of many cloud storage platforms.
This method might further streamline your operations by selectively assigning certain data to specific platforms. For instance, you may use one cloud storage site solely for backups and another for routine file access. This is one of the most common strategies when it comes to using multiple cloud servers because it is a straightforward way of increasing efficiency and maximizing storage space.
Spreadsheet Applications
Small firms often deal with less data than large corporations. This means that their transactions can still be completed practically using spreadsheet software. Spreadsheet programs are a fantastic alternative to specialized data management software for recording, processing, and storing all types of information. Furthermore, recent spreadsheet program modifications have made them more powerful and capable than before. This implies they are more than adequate for inventory management, issuing receipts, maintaining customer information, and even computing financial statements.
Another good thing about spreadsheets is that they are extremely versatile and are widely compatible with other software. Essentially, this will allow you to port and transfer existing business data if you ever decide to switch or upgrade your data management system down the line.
Native File Manager Data Encryption
An important consideration in a data management plan is data security. Data encryption, in all of its forms, is regarded as the most direct and effective technique for ensuring that data is only accessible to authorized users. You can encrypt your corporate data despite the lack of premium tools and software. For one thing, there are numerous data encryption options available that provide their services for free or may only charge you through advertisements.
Apart from this, basic data encryption mechanisms are already built into the operating system of your computer. This is particularly relevant to companies who maintain a local copy of their data on their in-house systems. In such a setup, users can encrypt their data by creating alphanumeric codes and passwords to make sure that only a handful of people are given access to the encrypted data. Although this approach is far less safe than biometric security, it is still much better than not encrypting any data at all. In the end, it can assist you in establishing control over data access and processing.
