Compared to traditional servers, cloud storage solutions like Google Drive are still the new kid on the block. But these kids have some sweet kicks. Here's nine reasons why as a small organization and nonprofit, you should consider Google Drive. View full version of this topic on my blog here: http://goodhelpings.blogspot.com/2013/08/9-reasons-why-google-drive-is.html

1. 9 Reasons Why Google Drive is a
Nonprofit’s Best Friend

2. H
I’m a systems and strategic thinker.
Who likes to make things look pretty.
ello, I'm Raechel. And I write tips, tricks, and guides.
Not preparing for inventible growing pains and
nutritional requirements can lead to stretch marks.
Stretch marks within an organization can look like staff
member burnout; lapses in quality
or quantity of services.
This series highlights
topics that can help an
organization decrease
their risk of stretch
marks as they grow.

3. As you grow, you need a place for stuff.
And let’s face it…
go digital or
go home.

4. Compared to traditional servers, cloud storage
solutions are still the new kid on the block.
But these kids have some sweet kicks.

5. 1
Doesn’t need extra juice.
Google Drive doesn’t need any extra electricity from you.
Aside from what the computers you’re already using use of course.
Servers, on the other hand, are thirsty machines.

6. 2
Doesn’t need extra hardware.
Google Drive uses Google’s hardware, not yours. Like this data farm.
When something breaks, it’s their problem. Just like any other machine
with moving parts, it's not a matter of if, but when a part will fail.
When something breaks in your on-site server, it’s your problem.

7. 3
No extra software.
Google Drive does not require any software, it’s all about the cloud.
You just need internet and a computer and you can it anywhere, anytime.
Servers most definitely do need software.

8. 4
Doesn’t need extra space.
Because Google Drive is cloud based, it doesn’t
need a physical location in your building.
It’s everywhere in terms of accessibility, and nowhere,
in terms of you being able to touch it, at the same time.
Servers require their own dedicated space.

9. 5
It’s inherently accessible.
It’s easy to access and share files on Google Drive.
As long as you have internet, you’re in.
Software exists that provides external access to servers,
but it’s going to take expertise to set up and maintain.

10. 6
It’s inherently accessible.
Rights/permissions are easy with Google Drive.
If you don’t share something , it’s for your eyes only.
With servers, rights/permissions are again, something
that will take expertise to set and maintain.

11. 7
Backing up data is easy.
Backing up Google Drive is simple.
There are several options out there,
but my favorite is Backupify. And
not just because their name is cool.
For $3/month they’ll back up all
your Google Drive data every day.
Backing up a server takes expertise
to set up and possibly to maintain.
You’ll also need to
identify/coordinate an off-site
storage solution, which will likely
cost much more than $3/month to
maintain.
But this kid has some sweet

12. 8
Expansion is easy.
Google Drive storage is cheap.
To expand the amount of storage, you simply log
into the account and select a bigger plan.
Wha-la. Instant, with no installation.
Increasing server capacity is expensive.
Although hard drives are getting cheaper all the
time, server hard drives (data hard drives) are not
the same as regular hard drives for your PC.
In general, they are more expensive by volume:
pay more dollars, for less space.
Also, when you add hard drives to a server to
increase capacity, it's not a plug-it-in, ready-to-go
situation. The server will need to recalibrate and
integrate the new space. And one more time, you’ll
need to pay someone with expertise to install it if
someone on your staff does not know how.

13. 9
It’s just so damn easy.
Setting up and maintaining Google Drive is totally super easy.
User friendly and intuitive. And plenty of forums if you get stuck.
Setting up/maintaining a server requires technical skill and knowledge.
I mentioned this point in many of the other slides, but it deserves a point of its own as
well. To successfully operate a server, your organization will need to commit to spending
money on a technician on a regular basis. Or (much less likely) have someone on staff that
has the skills and knowledge.

14. No extra juice.
No extra hardware.
No extra software.
No extra space.
Easy to share.
Easy to restrict.
Easy to back up.
Easy to expand.
Just damn easy.

15. This was just a taste.
For the full post on this topic, select:

16. Read about other spoonfuls here:
goodhelpings.blogspot.com