1 TB of storage sounds like a lot for most small businesses. Indeed, when Microsoft made the decision to increase OneDrive Cloud storage for Office 365 business accounts from 20 GB to 1 TB in April, Microsoft considered this virtually "unlimited." Now, Microsoft has also increased storage for free OneDrive accounts from 7 GB to 15 GB.

Most smartphone users can relate to the recent evolution of data limits on cell phone plans - with many users now opting for truly unlimited data plans, avoiding the nightmare "surprise bills" of the past. Are we heading for truly unlimited data availability? How will these changes impact small and medium businesses' ROI and efficiency?

Microsoft Small Business Cloud Options Still Top Google

Following in the wake of Microsoft this past week, Google has responded to pressure by increasing new unlimited data options for Google Drive for Work. Although the service has a similar suite of services to Office365, it's still marketed primarily towards medium to large businesses, as the price tag per user ($10/user) is double the current cost of the Office 365 Small Business Plan ($5/user).

Beyond the accessibility options with Office 365, cloud storage through OneDrive is designed to provide enough data to businesses without being excessive. Microsoft recently remarked that, according to their data, three out of four people actually store less than 15 GB of files on their PC. But businesses use much more data and require a great deal more cloud storage. Businesses that already use Office 365 or begin using it after April 2014 receive 1 TB of storage per user.

How Small Businesses Can Use Increased Cloud Storage

A full TB of data storage per user as part of the Office 365 Small Business plan opens up more potential for key advantages of cloud storage for small business. Higher storage allows small businesses to:

• Consider moving all physical file storage (typically costly) to cloud storage or use a data backup feature to protect from disasters. Physical files can be damaged and destroyed.
• Work from a mobile office without losing access to any files, software, or data. Using more mobile workers cuts an enormous amount from office budgets, allowing small businesses to grow rapidly.
• Scale quickly and cheaply. Small businesses can grow much faster when data is stored primarily on the cloud, as there's no significant up-front investment and data can always be increased.

While Microsoft still doesn't offer truly unlimited cloud storage, the increases as part of this year's Microsoft announcements bring their cloud storage options to that much more storage isn't yet necessary.