14% of Smaller Businesses Exploring Transfer Services, Such as Google Drive and Dropbox

More than one in ten (14%) of smaller businesses are exploring using data transfer services, such as Google Drive and Dropbox, to transfer sensitive company information.

According to a survey conducted by Virgin Media Business Ltd., cost (86%) is the main reason companies are overlooking the possibility of using secure Virtual Private Data Centres (VPDCs) in favour of these consumer services.

Despite interest in these products, the majority of businesses (71%) revealed connectivity and security concerns when sending important documents over unsecure public networks was the main reason holding them back.

Tony Grace, COO, Virgin Media Business said: "These consumer services are great for sharing content and files with friends and colleagues online. But if its data security and enterprise SLA’s you’re after, these simply won’t cut the mustard.

"Enterprise cloud services are rigorously tested to ensure they offer the maximum level of security possible and come with their own service level agreements. The other key point is that cloud services are provided on a ‘pay as you go’ model meaning businesses don’t have to pay the earth to make their move into the cloud.

"Businesses need to look carefully at the choices they make as they risk long term financial and reputational damage should data go missing."

Sales representatives from hardware retailers including eBuyer, Dell, PC World, Comet and Dixons contributed to the research.