There are many options that allow you to enjoy cloud storage for free and while they can be very convenient, it is important to keep in mind that they come with some limitations. For instance, you only get a small amount of space and it is likely that files like videos are not supported. However, you can have multiple cloud storage accounts to get more space to protect your data. The downside is that managing multiple accounts can be a hassle since you would need to log in to each of them individually. Things get even more complicated if you have to move a file between services. In that case, you will have to download the data to your computer again and then re-upload it to the cloud.
If you need to transfer a large number of files, you will need to allow a few hours, which can be very frustrating when you are on a rush. The good news is that there is a solution available to manage multiple cloud storage accounts effectively. With a cloud manager, you will be able to access all your accounts from a single location. This will allow you to manage your files easier. Once you set up a cloud manager account, you will be able to add all the storage accounts that you use. Just make sure that you check that the cloud manager supports the cloud providers that you are using. Popular services like Dropbox, Google Drive and OneDrive are usually supported but if you have accounts with companies that are not well known, the cloud manager may not let you add the account.
After you have added all your accounts and the services are synced, you will be able to use the manager as the only portal that you need to log in to, in order to access and manage all your files. In general, cloud managers are very easy to use and the service is very efficient. However, the selection of features available may vary so to help you choose the best option for your needs, we have gathered a selection of cloud management solutions that you can try.
JoliCloud
JoliCloud stands out for its simplicity and apart from allowing you to manage several cloud storage accounts, it gives you the chance of accessing your Facebook and Google + profiles from the same location. JoliCloud displays social feeds in an area known as Home, while the cloud accounts can be accessed in the Drive section. One of the advantages of JoliCloud is that you can edit documents within the app, without having to access each cloud storage services individually. This is a practical feature that can improve your productivity as you can work on your files from a single location. It is even possible to open PDF files and watch videos while you are using JoliCloud.
The main downside is that it is not easy to move files from one service to another one. Those who use the free version of JoliCloud will find the task particularly challenging since there is not a straightforward process available. However, paid customers will be able to drag and drop files without major hassle. Apart from that, JoliCloud is a solid option that also lets you monitor the amount of storage that is being used and how much space is left in each cloud account. The security of the service is also very good and the performance is generally very good. Since JoliCloud uses 0Auth when you log in to the service, you won’t have to enter your login details for each account. The cloud manager doesn’t have access to your data and it doesn’t keep any logs.
The free service allows online access to your cloud accounts and there paid accounts start from €5 per month, although you can reduce the monthly cost by paying for a full year in advance. The paid accounts feature drag and drop option that lets you transfer files from one service to another one easily. While the free account only allows one account per provider, the Pro account gives you the possibility of adding multiple accounts from the same provider. JoliCloud supports a large amount of providers but it doesn’t offer backup space.
Unifyle
Unifyle is an efficient solution that allows you to manage data on your iOS or Android device, as well as on your Windows computer, using the web browser interface. You can get access to all your cloud storage accounts and keep track of any file changes that may have taken place in the last 24 hours. The dashboard displays options like photos, documents and emails. You can use Unifyle to manage emails from different sources so you only need to check one place to see all your messages. The dashboard also shows recent email activity and there are notifications to let you know which accounts have been modified.
As a comprehensive and practical solution, Unifyle also lets you control your social media accounts in a centralized way.It is possible to check photos and activities from different accounts. There is a free account available that will be ideal for users who only have a few cloud storage services to manage. The free service allows you to add up to 10 accounts and the additional backup storage space offered is only 1GB, but it may be a good solution for users with a limited amount of data. If you need more space, you can opt for a paid plan starting at $5 per month. Free and premium customers can enjoy the ease of use that Unifyle offers.
You just need to drag the files from one location and drop them into another services without hassle. You can forget about downloading and re-uploading the data in order to transfer it to a different cloud storage service. Another advantage of using Unifyle is that it offers an advanced search option that lets you find specific data easily. The data can be searched by name, content or the date when it was created or saved. To protect the files that are backed up and accessed Unifyle uses 256-HTTP encryption, which provides a high level of protection. There are over 30 providers of cloud, email and social media services supported.
Additional Cloud Storage Managers
JoliCloud and UniFyle are recommended options that offer a good selection of features and functionality. There are other cloud managers available including the below.
CloudHQ – Apart from supporting a large number of cloud storage services, CloudHQ works with Evernote and Gmail.
Otixo – It supports over 20 providers and gives you the possibility of dragging and dropping the files to move them from one service to another. There is a free trial available, but once it expires you will need to get a paid membership.
OwnCloud – If you are an advanced user, you can get OwnCloud, an open source solution that lets you access all your cloud accounts. The set up is not simple so it is not an option recommended for beginners.
Cloudii – This is another good option to manage and sync your cloud accounts and it lets you add multiple accounts from the same provider. Cloudii is free and it will also save you time when you need to access files from your cloud storage accounts.
How to choose a cloud manager
It is important to check that the cloud manager solution that you select offers the features that you require. Not all providers offer the option to drag and drop your files and the list of cloud storage services supported varies. If you don’t want to spend money on a cloud manager, you can opt for a free service. Just keep in mind that the features, compatibility and functionality are limited. Another aspect that is important is security and in general, it is advisable to go for a cloud manager that supports 0Auth. Also check the level of encryption used and the way in which your login information is handled.
