Cloud-based storage for small businesses and larger companies have been on the rise recently. Companies use the cloud to cut costs, focus their personnel hiring, and scale both up and down. There are many forms of cloud-based storage, each delivering a slightly different service. These forms will align with specific business goals. Consider your needs before choosing a service.
This post will focus on the qualities of content management systems (CMS) and file storage systems. Keep reading to learn more about what makes these two forms of cloud storage similar and different.
What are Content Management and File Management?
Before we go any further, let’s go over what content management and file management are.
- File Management: Sometimes called file storage, this set up involves storing data in a hierarchy - an organization formate with smaller sections being housed in larger sections. Users can save data in the form of files and folders and then access it later through systems. An easy way to think of file management is putting your files or documents in an off-site location.
- Content Management: The content management side gets more complex. With content management, a business can process data to collect, store, manage, edit, and manipulate it. There are also capabilities to analyze and publish data in multiple formats.
These two situations have some things in common. They both provide an external location to safely and securely store data. However, there are several differences that we’ll go into next.
The Differences Between Content Management and File Management
If you have used a computer before, you have experience with file management. Any time you ask your computer to save or retrieve a file that is file storage. When you create a document, you choose a location on your hard drive to store that document. While using your computer in this way, you have to do everything yourself. This is a basic, labor-intensive, hands-on process.
Content management doesn’t stop at storing your files. Instead, it gathers data from multiple sources, including emails, business software, scanners, and more. Then it stores that data based on predetermined specifications. After that, you can search your database for a term, and the system will deliver all relevant information.
Content Management is good for larger teams that collaborate on one document. Using content management, multiple users can edit the same document without the need to close and open it. Forget about posting each revision as a separate document.
Opportunities for Content Management and File Management
No matter the size or age of your company, cloud-based storage can be hugely beneficial for you. If you need simple file storage, opt for file management. If you have a greater need for complex operations to get done quickly, consider content management. Think of the difference as similar to that of a desk drawer versus an executive assistant.
StowPoint Software has the technology to enable your team to begin or continue using cloud-based storage. We offer packages for Content Management and File Management, depending on your needs.
Give us a call today at (810) 653-5000 to talk through your business’s needs.