Choosing A Web Based Photo Storage Service
by Kadence Buchanan

As digital cameras replace film, more and more users are
turning to web based photo storage services to manage their
photo archives. There are a dizzying array of sites, all
offering different services at different prices. Choosing a
storage service can be a confusing process, particularly when
you are choosing a company to entrust with your precious family
photos. Here are some things to look for when you're choosing a
photo storage service.

First, take a look at the interface. How easy or difficult is
it to upload photos to the site? Most of the major photo
storage sites offer the ability to download software that will
let you upload batches of photos, but some sites still rely on
web interfaces that are slower and more clumsy.

Once you've checked out the interface, investigate the pricing
structure of the site. Compare costs carefully using a standard
print size, such as 4x6 for comparison. The difference in
printing costs can vary wildly from one site to another, from
as little as 12 cents at one site to as much as 29 cents at
another. Don't forget to consider traditional sources of
photo-processing like drug stores. These companies are making
it easier to place photo orders over the web by offering
storage and customization of photos and frequently cost less
than dedicated photo storage services.

Continue to investigate pricing. For example, is there a cap on
the number of photos you can upload for free? How much does it
cost beyond that? Compare priced for specialty items like
calendars, greeting cards and enlargements. Finally, compare
shipping and handling costs, which are often a hidden source of
profit for many companies.

Of less importance than cost, but still an important
consideration, is whether a photo storage service allows you to
create custom items. Almost all sites allow the user to
customize items like greeting cards, but some offer a wider
array of products than others. If this is important to you,
compare the number of products offered and the interface used
to create custom items.

Finally, be sure you completely understand how long a photo
storage service will host your photos. Some have a set time
limit, tied to the last time a user logged in to their system.
Never completely rely on an online photo storage system to
store your photos. Always keep a backup copy of your photos on
external media in case of problems.

About The Author: Kadence Buchanan writes articles for
http://1st-computers.net/ - In addition, Kadence also writes
articles for http://fortheloveofscience.com/ and
http://4educationinformation.com/