HiDrive Next has been available as cloud storage for SMEs since August 2026. The IONOS solution is based on Nextcloud, stores data exclusively in German data centres according to the provider, and starts at 2 euros per month. It is particularly suitable for small teams that want to store files centrally, access them while away from the office and share them in a controlled way.

How much does cloud storage for SMEs cost?

HiDrive Next is available in three plans with 100 GB, 500 GB and 1 TB of storage. According to IONOS, the standard prices range from 2 to 7 euros per month.

The Starter plan includes 100 GB of storage for one user and costs 2 euros per month on an ongoing basis. According to the IONOS plan overview, the Standard plan provides 500 GB for up to three users at a monthly price of 5 euros.

The Plus plan includes 1 TB of storage for up to five users. Its standard price is 7 euros per month. An introductory price of 1 euro per month applies for the first twelve months. Before signing up, check which price will be charged after any promotional period.

For a trade business with three employees, the Standard plan may be sufficient if it is mainly used to store quotations, construction site photos and work records. However, 500 GB can quickly become insufficient if there are many videos or high-resolution photos. The key factors are therefore not only the price, but also the number of users, volume of files and annual growth.

What tasks can HiDrive Next handle in a business?

HiDrive Next brings files together in one central location and makes them available on computers and mobile devices. This reduces the need to exchange business documents via private messaging services, USB sticks or large email attachments.

A site manager can assign photos directly to a project folder. Office staff can see the same files without having to request them by message. A facilities services company can collect work records, while an agency can share drafts with clients using a time-limited link.

The mobile apps include a document scanner with text recognition. Text recognition, often called OCR, reads printed content from a photograph. This allows photographed delivery notes or timesheets to be saved as searchable PDF files.

This is a useful starting point if you want to replace paper and scattered file storage gradually. More extensive processes may require the digitalisation of workflows with clear responsibilities and less reliance on paper or Excel.

How are files protected and restored?

According to IONOS, the data is stored exclusively in data centres in Germany that are certified to ISO 27001. File versions, a digital recycle bin and protected sharing links also help with common mistakes in day-to-day work.

ISO 27001 is an international standard for information security management. According to the IONOS announcement of 13 August 2026, HiDrive Next is based on the open-source Nextcloud software and is operated exclusively in the provider’s German data centres.

File versioning can keep earlier versions available. The digital recycle bin helps recover files deleted by mistake. Before using the service, check the current contractual documents to find out how long versions and deleted files are retained.

Sharing links can be protected with a password and an expiry date. This is more secure than a permanently accessible link. However, storing data in Germany alone does not automatically make its use compliant with data protection requirements. You still need suitable access rights, a data processing agreement and internal rules for personal data.

How can HiDrive Next be integrated into existing workflows?

HiDrive Next can be used through apps, web access and WebDAV. WebDAV is a technical standard that allows online storage to be accessed like a drive or integrated into suitable backup systems.

This means employees do not have to open files exclusively in a browser. Depending on the operating system and software used, the storage may appear as a network drive. Before rolling it out more widely, test whether opening, saving and synchronising files works reliably with your existing software.

File versioning and the recycle bin are not a substitute for a complete backup. If malware encrypts files or a user deletes large numbers of folders, a separate backup may be important. You should therefore check whether you need a backup with its own retention period and whether your backup software supports the WebDAV interface.

IONOS has also announced that HiDrive Next is intended to replace the existing HiDrive service in the longer term. Existing customers should therefore not assume that plans, features or migration options will be identical. The current terms and conditions and information in the customer account are definitive.

Which businesses is the solution suitable for?

HiDrive Next is particularly suitable for small teams that need straightforward file storage with mobile access. It is less suitable if a business requires complex approval processes, audit-compliant records or automated document workflows.

Cloud storage primarily manages files and folders. A document management system, or DMS, often adds defined review processes, retention rules, automatic classification and more advanced search functions. These requirements are particularly relevant for invoices, personnel files and processes subject to documentation requirements.

Three practical questions can help before making a decision:

If the answers are not yet clear, it may be useful to run a trial within a defined area. For example, begin with construction site photos or general project documents, but not personnel files.

How can small businesses introduce cloud storage effectively?

Start with a defined folder structure, clear access rights and a small pilot team. Existing file storage should only be transferred in full after a practical trial.

Decide who creates folders, manages users and creates sharing links. You should also define a consistent structure, such as customer, project, year and document type. Without rules like these, even a new cloud storage system will soon become disorganised.

Plan specific tasks for the trial. One employee uploads a construction site photo, another scans a delivery note, and office staff provide a file through a protected link. Afterwards, check whether files are easy to find, mobile connections are sufficient and responsibilities have been understood.

ibx company supports small and medium-sized businesses in Hannover and the surrounding region with selecting and introducing suitable tools. Digitalisation consultancy for Hannover and the surrounding region can establish whether straightforward cloud storage is sufficient or whether other processes need to be considered.

If you would like to review your file storage systematically, you can arrange an initial, no-obligation consultation about digitalising your business. This provides an opportunity to establish, without pressure to make a decision, which solution suits your team size, data and working methods.