7 secure cloud storage services from Germany

We live in a world that becomes increasingly interconnected due to digitalization. Teams collaborate from multiple locations and they can access data from almost anywhere. There is no doubt that this network creates new and great opportunities: Companies are able to look for qualified employees worldwide and employees have more freedom to work remotely. Key to these options is the ability to store data on local servers, in countries with comprehensive legislation creating a secure environment that allows to access data from anywhere and at any time.

Business decision-makers only need to choose the right cloud storage system provider. It may be tempting to use solutions offered by well-known brands, like Microsoft, Amazon or Google. However, we highly recommend considering other alternatives, especially cloud storage systems based in Germany, like Stackfield, Nextcloud, Owncloud, Dracoon, Hornetdrive, Luckycloud or leitzcloud by vBoxx.

• What cloud storage solution does Stackfield provide?
• What is a cloud storage system?
• How to choose the right cloud storage system
• Cloud storage systems "Made in Germany"
• How to connect your tool of choice with Stackfield

How does Stackfield provide a cloud storage solution?

Stackfield is a sophisticated project management software from Germany. The extensive tool set supports teams to securely collaborate, communicate and to carry out projects in compliance with data protection regulations. Of course, this tool set also includes a central file management solution. So yes, you can use Stackfield as a cloud storage service.

Because of its end-to-end encryption, Stackfield supports the sharing, storage and management of files with a size of up to 1 GB. Teams can collaborate on files and link them to other elements such as tasks. All data will be stored exclusively on German servers in order to guarantee compliance with European data protection laws.

In case a file exceeds the size of 1 GB, it can be easily integrated from other file storage services. We will gladly respond to our customers' requests and recommend secure file storage alternatives from Germany, as this is an important aspect to consider when choosing a cloud storage service. But first:

What is a cloud storage system?

A cloud storage system is a service model that allows users to store and synchronize their data easily and safely, to access it online anytime they want and to securely share it with others. Cloud storage is commonly used as a backup or archive in case of damage or theft of the local data drive. When Avere Systems and Gatepoint Research conducted their research about cloud computing, they realized that for most clients disaster recovery is actually the key benefit of using a cloud storage system.

Data is stored on a remote data server (or multiple servers - to increase security and reduce the risk of damage) so clients do not have to invest in owning and maintaining their own infrastructure. Using an external service also allows one to upgrade or downgrade the cloud storage depending on current needs. It is also more environmentally friendly, as cloud computing is efficient and cuts down energy consumption.

No wonder that cloud storage systems have become ubiquitous and equally attractive for both companies and private users. There are solutions coming from both startups and well-known brands, like Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Apple iCloud, Box and many more.

How to choose the right cloud storage system

At first glance, all online storage systems seem to offer similar products and hence consumers tend to choose either the cheapest solution or the one with the most appealing user interface. Although both factors are important, neither of them should be the only argument for making the final choice. A one-fits-all tool does not exist. Every user must first recognize his or her needs and then find the solution that addresses them. Given the multitude of cloud storage solutions on the market, it is not an easy task.

Requirements according to GDPR

The biggest concern when choosing the cloud storage provider should be data security and accessibility. Consumers have a right to be afraid of data breaches, cyber attacks, and not being able to access their data immediately. Security and data protection were on everyone's lips in the first half of 2018. On 25th May, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was applied to all companies that process personal data of European Union citizens. The European Commission intended to strengthen the rights of individuals by applying strict regulations regarding data protection, transparency and breach management procedures. GDPR also affects companies located outside the EU - if they process personal data of even one EU citizen then they have to be GDPR compliant.

Before May 2018, many business decision-makers tended to think that it would be a minor regulation that would not change much. The reality is far from that and for many companies, complying with GDPR is a complex project with many unknowns and risks, including potential corporate reputation damage and high fines for breaches.

Cloud computing is a data processing contract and users have to be sure that their data is safe and processed according to strict regulations. We recommend trusting a European provider because their servers, software and architecture are all EU-located and these companies have to be GDPR-compliant.

The problem that comes with the Cloud Act

The Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data Act (CLOUD Act) is another regulation that should be taken under consideration while choosing the cloud storage system provider. This United States federal law gives the US authorities the right to access data even when stored abroad. At Stackfield, we only work with European suppliers and partners. Thanks to that, and the fact that we host the data exclusively in Germany, we can ensure that the CLOUD Act means no data breach risk for our customers. This also applies to all German cloud service providers mentioned in this article.

Cloud storage systems "Made in Germany"

Below you can find our comparison of 7 German cloud storage systems. As mentioned before, the tools hosted exclusively in German data centers are reliable in terms of both GDPR and the CLOUD act. We took the following factors into consideration: security, GDPR compliance, features, platforms supported, integrations, support, having plans for both companies and individuals, and pricing.

Another German product that is worth mentioning but does not fit in the table above, is Boxcryptor that allows encrypting files stored in Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, and up to 30 more other online storage systems. Boxcryptor is free for non-commercial use.

How to link the selected tool to Stackfield

The selected storage tool can easily be integrated into Stackfield. Clicking on the "Add File" button - either via the file or communication module or in individual tasks - opens a drop-down menu that provides access to already integrated tools and to the local files on your own computer. The "Add a link" option allows further tools to be integrated. After inserting the link, a pop-up opens for a first time login to the respective service. As a result, the desired files can be deployed from the now integrated tool in Stackfield. Integrating these files does not affect the memory capacity available on Stackfield, as the files are merely displayed and contain a reference to the original file of the selected service.

We hope that this guide will help you choose the best cloud storage system. Remember that one perfect solution does not exist and consumers or business decision-makers simply need to choose the product that addresses their needs. There is no room for compromise on only one Point - data security.