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U.S. President Donald Trump announced on March 2 the first five cryptocurrencies that will form a U.S. strategic crypto reserve: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Solana, and Cardano. Bitcoin and Ethereum are the two largest cryptocurrencies in the world by market value. By establishing a crypto reserve, the U.S. becomes a direct stakeholder in the digital asset market, gaining leverage over global policy, adoption rates, transaction standards, and institutional investment. Trump posted on Truth Social, “I will make sure the U.S. is the Crypto Capital of the World.” SEE: The 6 Best Crypto-Friendly Banks Evaluated for 2025 Crypto prices surge following Trump’s announcement Following Trump’s post, the prices of several cryptocurrencies skyrocketed within hours: Ripple (XRP): +32% Solana (SOL): +23% Cardano (ADA): +63% However, initial confusion erupted as Trump did not mention Bitcoin or Ethereum in his post, causing speculation on social media. Roughly an hour later, he issued a follow-up statement to clarify their inclusion, leading Bitcoin and Ethereum to experience price jumps: Bitcoin (BTC): +11% Ethereum (ETH): +13% The surge was a positive turnaround for the broader crypto market, which had lost $800 billion in total value in recent weeks, according to the Financial Times. More about Innovation Experts questions strategic value of Altcoin inclusion Analysts express skepticism about the inclusion of alternative cryptocurrencies like Ripple, Solana, and Cardano. “Unlike bitcoin…these assets are more akin to tech investments,” said James Butterfill, head of research at asset manager CoinShares, in an interview with Reuters. “The announcement suggests a more patriotic stance toward the broader crypto technology space, with little regard for the fundamental qualities of these assets.” Trump’s crypto reserve vision has been months in the making Trump first introduced the idea of a national crypto reserve during the Bitcoin 2024 conference in Nashville, while he was still on the campaign trail. He pledged to “keep 100% of all the bitcoin the U.S. government currently holds or acquires into the future,” alluding to that seized by law enforcement. According to research firm Arkham Intelligence, the U.S. currently holds about $19 billion worth of Bitcoin alone, with the majority having been seized from criminals. Normally, such assets would be sold to support law enforcement operations and compensate victims rather than form a stockpile. Shortly after taking office, he signed an executive order that would create a working group that would “evaluate the potential creation and maintenance of a national digital asset stockpile…potentially derived from cryptocurrencies lawfully seized by the Federal Government through its law enforcement efforts.” More information about the activities of Trump’s working group is to be revealed at the inaugural Crypto Summit at the White House on Friday. source

TL;DR: Master crypto fundamentals in the 2025 NFT and Blockchain Masterclass Bundle on sale for $34.99. Want to learn the basics of crypto? Trying to figure it out on your own can be expensive, so if you want expert guidance, the 2025 Complete NFT and Blockchain Masterclass Bundle is on sale for $34.99. This bundle covers NFTs, blockchain, smart contracts, decentralized apps, and cryptography. Whether you want to create and sell NFTs, develop on Ethereum, or just understand crypto technology, these courses have you covered. The Complete NFT Course walks you through minting NFTs, setting up a crypto wallet, and navigating marketplaces. If you want to know how digital artists make money with NFTs or how to spot a good investment, this course lays it out step by step. If coding is more your thing, the Ethereum Blockchain DApp using Solidity course teaches you how to build decentralized apps (dApps) and write smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain. It’s a great entry point for blockchain development. For security, the Cryptography course explains encryption methods, digital certificates, and how blockchain networks stay secure. You’ll also get training in Python and data manipulation, useful for analyzing crypto trends or automating trades. It’s only $34.99 to get the 2025 Complete NFT and BlockChain Masterclass, but it won’t stay that way. StackSocial prices subject to change. source

A bank failure occurs when a financial institution becomes insolvent and is closed by regulators because it can no longer meet its obligations. Bank failures can be alarming, especially for small business owners who rely on financial institutions for daily operations. Having worked in the banking industry for many years, I’ve seen firsthand how sudden closures can disrupt businesses, leaving owners scrambling for solutions. Understanding why bank failures happen and how to protect your business can help you navigate financial uncertainty confidently. This guide explains the causes of bank failures, their impact on businesses, and key strategies for safeguarding your company’s financial future. Understanding bank failure and its impact on businesses While bank failures are relatively uncommon, they can create significant financial risks for businesses. The 2023 collapses of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), Signature Bank, and First Republic Bank demonstrated the severe impact of such failures on small businesses, supply chains, and vendor payments. Key indicators of bank instability Declining stock prices or credit ratings Regulatory warnings or investigations Increased withdrawal restrictions or liquidity concerns Negative earnings reports and financial instability These factors, coupled with a bank run — where depositors rush to withdraw funds due to fears of insolvency — can accelerate a bank’s failure. This was a significant contributor to the downfall of SVB, which struggled with liquidity issues and an inability to meet withdrawal demands. Causes of bank failure The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has identified these key factors as those that contribute to bank failures: Economic instability: Recessions and financial crises reduce consumer and business deposits Poor risk management: High-risk investments, excessive loan defaults, and lack of capital reserves Liquidity issues: The inability to meet withdrawal demands due to poor asset management Fraud and mismanagement: Unauthorized transactions, insider abuse, or unsustainable financial practices Role of the OCC and FDIC insurance When a bank fails, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) steps in to initiate the closure of the bank. It hands over the responsibility to the FDIC prior to the closure to ensure depositors have access to their funds. The FDIC has an action plan to cover the balance of each insured account when a bank is seized due to a failure or closure. A temporary bank is set up to handle the funds of the closed bank until other arrangements can be made. This is a quick process and is usually resolved in a matter of days. Once the arrangements have been made, depositors have access to their funds again. Deposit accounts are insured up to $250,000 per ownership category at insured banks. However, investments such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds are not covered. Account type FDIC insurance coverage Business checking accounts Covered up to $250,000 Business savings & money market accounts Covered up to $250,000 Certificates of Deposit (CDs) Covered up to $250,000 Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds Not covered Safe deposit box contents Not covered For businesses holding deposits exceeding $250,000, additional strategies are necessary to ensure full coverage and financial security. Knowing what a bank failure is and preparing in advance can help protect your financial stability. This guide explains the common causes of bank failures, the role of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) during a failure, and practical strategies to safeguard business assets. Major historical bank failures and their business impact Bank failures have historically led to significant disruptions. Since 1934, over 3,200 banks have failed, with nearly $1.9 trillion deposits affected. Event Number of bank failures Amount of deposits affected Post-Great Depression, World War I, and World War II (1934-1945) 398 $510 million Savings & Loan/Real Estate/Oil Busts (1981-1993) 2,328 $538 billion Great Recession/Mortgage Crisis (2007-2017) 527 $495 billion 2023 Bank Failures (SVB, Signature, First Republic) 3 $548.5 billion 2023-2024 Bank Failures (Including Heartland Tri-State Bank & Citizens Bank) 5+ $368.079 billion US bank failures during 2023-2024 Bank Name Location Date of failure Total assets (in millions) Total deposits (in millions) Silicon Valley Bank Santa Clara, CA March 10, 2023 $209,000 $175,400 Signature Bank New York, NY March 12, 2023 $110,360 $88,590 First Republic Bank San Francisco, CA May 1, 2023 $229,100 $103,900 Heartland Tri-State Bank Elkhart, KS July 28, 2023 $139 $130 Citizens Bank Sac City, IA November 3, 2023 $66 $59 Personal Insight on bank failures In my experience, the most devastating bank failures were those that caught customers off guard. I’ve spoken with many who assumed their bank was financially stable — until it wasn’t. A sudden bank closure can halt payroll, disrupt vendor payments, and create unnecessary panic. That’s why I always recommend closely monitoring financial institutions and recognizing the warning signs before it’s too late. Simple steps like diversifying banking relationships and understanding FDIC insurance coverage can make all the difference in protecting your business from financial turmoil. More Banking Coverage How to protect your business from bank failure To minimize risks, businesses should: 1. Diversify banking relationships: Avoid concentrating all deposits in one bank to ensure funds remain accessible if a failure occurs. 2. Maintain liquidity and emergency reserves: Keep at least 30 days’ worth of operational expenses in a liquid, accessible account. 3. Leverage fintech solutions and insured cash sweep accounts: The chart below shows two great options to increase FDIC coverage above $250,000. Fintech option Account name FDIC insurance Notable features Mercury Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Column N.A., and Evolve Bank & Trust, Members FDIC. Mercury Vault Open a Mercury account, Mercury Plus account or a Mercury Pro account and add Mercury Vault at no charge to access up to $5 million in FDIC coverage. Up to $5 million Cash sweeps & partner banks Bluevine Bluevine is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC. Premier Up to $3 million High-yield checking & lending services 4. Monitor bank health using financial tools: Regularly assess financial reports, credit ratings, and regulatory actions on your bank to detect early warning signs. What to

Every business has certain files that are too important to lose. To guard against this possibility, security experts usually recommend keeping an online backup. With Internxt Cloud Storage, you can utilize cloud storage without compromising your security. This decentralized platform uses open-source code, zero-knowledge infrastructure and end-to-end encryption to keep your files completely private. What’s more, you can get a 2TB lifetime subscription for just $103.99 with code STORAGE20 via TechRepublic Academy. This deal ends on March 30. Most cloud storage is centralized, meaning that your data is stored on servers owned by the provider. There are several issues with this setup. Firstly, many cloud storage providers regularly scan the files on their servers. That means your data isn’t actually private. Centralized storage is also more vulnerable to cyberattacks. How Internxt works Internxt takes a different approach from centralized cloud storage providers. Because this platform is decentralized, your files are distributed across multiple storage systems. This means it’s almost impossible to take down the whole network. In addition, Internxt is heavily focused on privacy. The platform runs on open-source code that has been verified by one of Europe’s top auditors, and file uploads are protected by end-to-end encryption. Just as importantly, you get all the features you would expect from a major cloud storage provider — including automatic backups, support for multiple platforms and secure file sharing. Order today to get a 2TB lifetime subscription to Internxt Cloud Storage for just $103.99 with code STORAGE20; it’s normally $999. Don’t miss this limited-time offer, which ends on March 30. Prices and availability are subject to change. source

Apple has officially revealed the 11-generation iPad Air, featuring the powerful M3 chip and enhanced Apple Intelligence capabilities. Available for pre-order today, the new iPad Air starts at $599 for the 11-inch model and $799 for the 13-inch version — the same pricing as its predecessor at launch. The iPad Air line remains a lightweight, affordable alternative to Apple’s premium tablets while incorporating next-gen processing power. M3 chip brings AI-driven features For the first time, Apple has equipped the iPad Air with the M3 chip, boasting an 8-core CPU and 9-core GPU. The upgrade promises faster performance for gaming and creative tasks, including hardware-accelerated mesh shading and ray tracing. Living up to its “Air” moniker, the 11th generation device is just 6.1 mm thick and weighs 1.01 pounds (11-inch version) or 1.36 pounds (13-inch version). Surprisingly, it’s slightly thicker and heavier than the iPad Pro M4, which measures 5.3 mm in depth and weighs under a pound. Apple intelligence expands iPad’s capabilities The 11th-generation iPad Air runs on iPadOS 18 and includes: Support for Apple Intelligence. Advanced cameras. Fast wireless 5G connectivity. Compatibility with Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C). Apple Intelligence introduces new AI-driven tools, such as: Clean Up, which removes background distractions from photos. Image Wand, which generates images from sketches. Writing tools with ChatGPT. An upgraded, more conversational Siri that can now answers questions about the device itself. SEE: Apple Intelligence Cheat Sheet: A Complete Guide “For everyone from college students taking notes with Apple Pencil Pro, to travelers and content creators who need powerful productivity on the go, iPad Air with M3, Apple Intelligence, and the new Magic Keyboard take versatility and value to the next level,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, in the announcement. Must-read Apple coverage Apple announced a new Magic Keyboard and updated standard iPad Apple also introduced the 11-generation standard iPad, powered by the A16 chip. The new model is 30% faster than its predecessor and starts at $349 for the Wi-FI version, with the cellular model priced at $499. Alongside the iPad Air, Apple revealed a redesigned Magic Keyboard, featuring: A built-in trackpad. Function keys for screen brightness and volume control. A machined aluminum hinge. A USB-C connector for charging. The Magic Keyboard is priced at $269 for the 11-inch model and $319 for the 13-inch version. Rumors suggest a new iPhone Air may be on the way Industry analysts continue to speculate about a new iPhone Air model. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says it could be as thin as 5.5 mm. However, it is currently expected to be released with the iPhone 17 lineup, according to Gurman, and new iPhone launches are typically in September. Kuo says the ultra-thin device will arrive in the second half of this year. TechnologyAdvice staff writer Fiona Jackson contributed to this article. source

Image: TheClimateGroup/Creative Commons (2014) Apple is taking legal action against the U.K. government over demands to weaken its strongest cloud security measures, arguing that compliance would jeopardize user privacy and set a dangerous precedence. The Cupertino giant has taken the case to the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, the U.K.’s judicial body responsible for handling complaints regarding the use of surveillance powers by public authorities. It is challenging the legality of the Home Office’s order under the Investigatory Powers Act of 2016. The government has neither confirmed nor denied the existence of its order demanding access to any material uploaded to Apple’s iCloud worldwide, as doing so is a criminal offense. However, Apple’s withdrawal of Advanced Data Protection from the U.K. last month suggests the dispute has escalated. iPhone, iPad, and Mac users in the country can no longer sign up for ADP, and existing users must disable it manually to retain iCloud access. Apple’s stance on encryption and data security When TechRepublic contacted Apple for comment, it referred us to a statement it made last month saying it is “gravely disappointed” that it can no longer offer Advanced Data Protection in the U.K. Data stored under Apple’s Advanced Data Protection offers the highest level of protection the company provides, keeping information hidden even from Apple itself. Users have to sign up for Advanced Data Protection as an extra step on top of Apple’s default security measures. “We have never built a backdoor or master key to any of our products or services and we never will,” an anonymous Apple representative wrote in a statement emailed to TechRepublic last month. The Financial Times first reported Apple’s legal challenge, noting that the tribunal case could be heard in the coming weeks. SEE: Apple Removes Thousands of Apps in EU Due to Digital Services Act Requirements Must-read Apple coverage US scrutiny, potential CLOUD Act violation, and widespread industry concerns The U.K. government’s demand for access to encrypted data has drawn scrutiny from the U.S. and it is examining if the U.K.’s demand violates the CLOUD Act, according to 9to5Mac. The act restricts foreign governments from directly accessing encrypted data stored by U.S. companies. If provided with access, the U.K. government would likely use the data held under Advanced Data Protection to target individuals already linked to crimes like terrorism and child sex abuse instead of wide swaths of the population, according to the BBC. Nevertheless, tech companies like Apple allege a backdoor would be used by criminals or by authoritarian governments against their citizens. In 2016, Apple refused the U.S. government’s request to unlock the ‌iPhone‌ of a shooter in San Bernardino, California, citing concerns over compromising user privacy and setting a dangerous precedent for government access to encrypted devices. source

As a small business owner, choosing the right point-of-sale (POS) system can make or break your daily operations. Whether you run a retail store, café, or service-based business, the right system streamlines checkout, tracks inventory, and keeps your customers happy. Two types of solutions dominate: cloud POS and hybrid POS. While both systems offer advanced features and mobility, they differ in handling connectivity, data storage, and more. A cloud POS option is more convenient as you can access it from any device via the internet. But it also involves full dependence on a third-party company’s data storage capabilities. Meanwhile, a hybrid POS stores some data locally. As a result, you retain control over a portion of your operations, even when the internet goes down. But it involves more maintenance and technical knowledge on your part. Let’s explore these differences to help you decide which option best suits your small business. What is a cloud POS? A cloud POS is a point-of-sale system that operates entirely over the internet. All data, like sales transactions, inventory management, and customer information, is stored in the ‘cloud’. This location-agnostic perk makes it accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. Chain stores with many locations, like franchised restaurants, are great candidates for this approach. That way, you can instantly see real-time data from every branch. This type of POS system is geared toward flexibility, allowing business owners to monitor and manage operations remotely. Popular cloud POS brands include Square, Lightspeed, and Shopify POS, which offer subscription-based pricing models and frequent software updates. Cloud POS systems are championed for their ease of use and lower upfront costs. However, they’re heavily dependent on a stable internet connection. So, if your link to cyberspace goes down, your ability to process transactions also sinks with it. Many systems do boast an offline mode for basic functionality, but that’s typically a far cry from full functionality. See also: Best mobile POS systems What is a hybrid POS? A hybrid POS combines elements of both cloud-based and traditional POS systems. It can operate online and offline, providing business owners with more flexibility. Businesses with sensitive data and operations are great for this setup. For example, entities in highly regulated industries like healthcare and insurance may need this approach’s on-site reliability. This option still employs cloud technology, however it retains a higher percentage of local data storage capabilities. This difference means that during an internet outage, it can still process transactions and sync data once the connection is back online. Hybrid POS systems, like Toast and Revel Systems, offer the best of both worlds: cloud flexibility and offline reliability. But they aren’t perfect as they tend to have higher initial costs compared to cloud-only systems. Still, they’re a better option in environments with inconsistent internet service. Key differences between cloud POS vs. hybrid POS Both cloud-based and hybrid POS systems have key advantages and disadvantages. Let’s break down the marquee differences between the two system types: Cloud POS Hybrid POS Features Real-time updates, remote access from anywhere Offline capability that can withstand internet outages, syncs when online Cost Lower upfront costs, requires monthly subscription fees; potentially increased liability due to dependence on third-party data storage Higher upfront costs and ongoing maintenance fees that may still involve subscription costs; potentially less liability thanks to on-site data storage Internet Dependence Nearly full dependence on internet; some limited, temporary capabilities available offline Operates offline, syncs when online Data Access Only via internet; limited offline access Full access offline and via internet Scalability Easy to scale with business growth Scalable but may require hardware Security Cloud-based security measures Mix of local and cloud security Cloud POS pros and cons Pros: Lower upfront costs as hardware requirements are minimal Convenient, worldwide access from any device connected to the internet Easily scalable with faster access to add-ons and software updates Cons: Full dependence on internet connectivity, which can disrupt transactions during outages Higher subscription costs can accumulate over time compared to a hybrid arrangement Increased data security risks as all information is stored remotely, which mandates vigilant security measures. Hybrid POS pros and cons Pros Reliable offline functionality ensures transactions even during internet outages. Local data storage adds an extra layer of security and reliability. Offers both cloud and local capabilities, making it versatile and adaptable to various environments. Cons Higher initial costs, as hardware setup is more involved Maintenance and software updates can require on-site support, adding to the cost May require manual syncing if offline mode is used frequently SEE: POS Security Guide and Checklist Should your business use a cloud POS or hybrid POS? Neither option is objectively better. Instead, the choice between cloud and hybrid POS depends on your business needs. Here are the main points to help you decide: Choose a Cloud POS if: You have a stable internet connection. You want lower upfront costs and easy scalability. You manage multiple locations and don’t need top-tier offline functionality. Choose a Hybrid POS if: Your internet connection is unreliable, and you need offline functionality. You want a balance of cloud features and local data storage. You operate in high-volume environments like restaurants or busy retail stores. FAQs Why do business owners use hybrid POS systems? Businesses use hybrid point-of-sale (POS) systems to store data both locally and on third-party cloud servers. This arrangement allows greater control over data storage, plus the ability to keep operating even without the internet. Why can cloud-based POS be more advantageous for a business? Cloud POS is more cost-effective and scalable, with real-time updates and remote data access, making it ideal for growing businesses. What is the difference between smart POS and traditional POS? Traditional POS systems focus on the basics, like processing payments and calculating sales. They’re usually lower priced and geared towards simpler operations. Meanwhile, smart POS is a more advanced offering, delivering features like mobile payments, cloud storage, and analytics. source

Image: Wikimedia Commons/TrickHunter Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company has pledged to spend an additional $100 billion building data centres in the U.S., bringing total spend up to $160 billion. The investment will go into building three new fabrication plants in Phoenix, Arizona, as well as two packaging facilities and a research center. TSMC has dubbed it the “largest single foreign direct investment in U.S. history,” and says the build itself will create 40,000 construction jobs at the Fab 21 complex over the next four years. Once up and running, tens of thousands of new “high-paying, high-tech” jobs in chip manufacturing and research will be added while generating over $200 billion in indirect economic output nationwide. TSMC’s history in the U.S. started in 2020, when it committed $12 billion to build its first Arizona factory. It raised this figure to $40 billion in 2022 with the announcement of a second fab, and then $65 billion last April with a third. The long-term benefits may not be felt for a while, though, as the second factory’s opening date is still set for 2027 or 2028. U.S. President Donald Trump said that the new investment will “boost America’s dominance in artificial intelligence and beyond,” and refers to it as a matter of economic and national security. More about Innovation Trump has changed his tune with chip companies like TSMC since taking office Onshoring the entire supply chain for semiconductors that power AI and other technologies has been a priority for the U.S. even prior to the current Trump administration. In 2022, after the brunt of the global chip shortage had passed, then-President Joe Biden passed the CHIPS Act, allocating $52 billion in subsidies and tax incentives to support semiconductor research and manufacturing. This aimed to shield it from the supply chain risks posed by geopolitical tensions. The first major subsidy to be made under the CHIPS Act was to TSMC in November 2024 for $6.6 billion. At the time, Trump’s campaign team deemed this and other last-minute awards by Biden “wasteful.” Trump also accused TSMC of stealing America’s chip businesses on a podcast, threatening to impose tariffs if he were to win the election. Nevertheless, since taking office, he has made a number of moves to strengthen relationships with AI chip companies. This week, it was reported that TSMC and Broadcom are in talks to take over some of Intel’s U.S. chipmaking factories with encouragement from the Trump administration, according to The New York Times. Apple also announced that it will spend $500 billion on manufacturing and research in the U.S. over the next four years. In the press conference for this week’s TSMC investment, the 78-year-old president added that there are still “many (more) that want to announce.” Furthermore, despite prior threats of tariffs, President Trump highlighted at the press conference that TSMC’s choice to diversify in the States puts it “way ahead of the game” as it will be exempt. Last month, he announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on imported semiconductors, which could come in as soon as April. But this welcoming approach to chip companies contrasts with recent Bloomberg reports suggesting that Trump plans to cut two-fifths of the staff at the CHIPS Act Office. source

Cloud storage services are designed to address a variety of data-related needs. Whether it’s accessing files from multiple devices, backing up and restoring your important data, or sharing files across teams for work — utilizing a cloud storage solution is a smart way to go about it. In this rundown, we take a look at some of the best cloud storage providers you and your team should consider in 2025. NinjaOne Employees per Company Size Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+) Small (50-249 Employees), Medium (250-999 Employees), Large (1,000-4,999 Employees), Enterprise (5,000+ Employees) Small, Medium, Large, Enterprise Features Monitoring, Patch Management ManageEngine RecoveryManager Plus Employees per Company Size Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+) Any Company Size Any Company Size Features Active Directory Backup, Attribute-Level Restoration, Azure AD Backup, and more Top cloud storage providers comparison Starting price / storage File size limit Free storage Supported platforms Google Drive $11.99 per year / 100 GB Max of 750 GB copied or uploaded per day 15 GB free Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge Microsoft OneDrive $1.99 per user, per month / 100 GB 250 GB 5 GB free storage Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Edge, Chrome, Firefox, Safari Sync.com $5 per month, billed annually / 200 GB Unlimited 5 GB free Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Edge, Chrome, Firefox, Safari pCloud $49.99 per year / 500 GB Unlimited 10 GB free Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS Google Drive: Best for team collaboration Image: Google Drive If productivity and file sharing is a top priority, Google Drive is my recommendation. As a pillar of Google Workspace, Google Drive, or Drive, is an extremely accessible cloud storage service that’s accessible to anyone with a Google account. As a base, Drive provides free storage for up to 15 GB but that’s upgradeable to up to 200 GB or 5TB — depending on if you invest in a consumer or business plan. With Drive, managing file and folder access is simple with its highly customizable permissions system. This enables file owners to easily edit who can view, comment, or change specific items. In my view, this is beneficial for businesses that frequently share files across teams on a daily basis. Its heavy integration with Google Workspace services such as Docs, Sheets, and Gmail is also a key advantage. I personally like Google Drive’s fairly powerful search capabilities, which can sift through hundreds of shared drives to find the exact file you need. Why I chose Google Drive I have Google Drive on this list for its intuitive folder sharing and permissions customization and easy-to-understand interface. It’s also a no-brainer for employees or businesses that are already heavily investing in Google’s other services. Pricing You can avail Google Drive either as a consumer or as a business user. Here’s a quick overview of its plans: Consumer plans: 15 GB: Free. 100 GB: $11.99 per year for the first year, then $19.99/yr for the years after. 200 GB: $17.99 per year for the first year, then $29.99/yr for the years after. Business plans: Business Starter: $7 per user, per month for 30 GB/user. Business Standard: $14 per user, per month for 2 TB/pooled storage per user: Business Plus: $22 per user, per month for 5 TB/pooled storage per user. Enterprise: Contact sales for pricing for 5 TB/pooled storage per user. Features Customizable permission access and shared drives. Storage shared across all Google services. PDF annotation within the drive itself. AI integration with Gemini. Google Drive’s main dashboard. Image: Luis Milllares Pros and cons Pros Cons Seamless integration with other Google services. Easy folder and file sharing via links, email. Can still access files while offline. Baked into most Android devices. Only a maximum file size of 750 GB uploaded/copied per day. Microsoft OneDrive: Best for Microsoft 365 environments Image: Microsoft OneDrive For people that primarily use Windows programs, OneDrive should be your go-to pick. A key service of Microsoft 365, OneDrive not only provides convenient storage on the cloud but can also act as your system’s primary backup and restore service. Being heavily tied into Microsoft accounts, OneDrive can seamlessly back up and sync your Windows desktop’s folders, documents, photos, and other essential files. OneDrive is also directly accessible within Windows File Explorer through its Files On-Demand feature, foregoing having to download a separate application or navigating to a dedicated website to interact with your files. For business users, OneDrive integrates well with Microsoft Outlook, enabling users to share access OneDrive-saved files as dynamic email attachments. OneDrive for Business also offers up to 1 TB of storage per user — making it a fairly futureproof storage solution for most people in a business environment. Why I chose Microsoft OneDrive I selected Microsoft OneDrive due to its powerful integrations and product bundling as a Microsoft 365 service. This makes it a clear cloud storage choice for both individuals and businesses that are only interested in Microsoft’s suite of apps (Outlook, Teams, Excel) — especially since you can purchase them as an all-in-one package. Pricing OneDrive is available for both individual consumers and businesses. Below is a brief summary for each tier’s plans: Consumer plans: Microsoft 365: Free; 5 GB of cloud storage. Microsoft 365 Basic: $1.99 per user, per month; 100 GB of cloud storage. Microsoft 365 Personal: $9.99 per user, per month; 1 TB of cloud storage. Microsoft 365 Family: $12.99 per user, per month; up to 6 TB of cloud storage (1 TB per person). Business plans:  OneDrive for business (Plan 1): $6 per user, per month; 1 TB of cloud storage. Microsoft 365 Business Basic: $7.20 per user, per month; 1 TB of cloud storage per user for up to 300 users. Microsoft 365 Business Standard: $15 per user, per month; 1 TB of cloud storage per user for up to 300 users. Features Backup, sync, and restore. File restoration and version history of up to 30 days. Customizable access controls, policies, and shareable drive

Image: Gage Skidmore/Flickr/Creative Commons President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs that could reshape the North American tech landscape, adding $50 billion in new costs for Canada and Mexico alone. The tariffs — 25% on all imports from Canada and Mexico, 10% on Chinese goods, and 25% on European Union tech components like semiconductors — are set to disrupt supply chains, increase consumer prices, and push major tech firms toward domestic production. By March 12, imported steel and aluminum will be hit with a 25% tariff, and by April 2, chips and other critical EU tech components will follow. With 80% of U.S. foundry capacity for key semiconductor sizes currently reliant on China and Taiwan, experts predict ripple effects across the entire tech sector — impacting everything from smartphones and cloud services to AI infrastructure. SEE: Trump’s Import Tariffs: How They’ll Shake Prices, Jobs, and Trade How will these tariffs affect big tech and consumers? Higher prices for hardware and cloud services The new tariffs are expected to increase prices across the tech sector, affecting everything from smartphones and laptops to cloud storage and AI computing power. The U.S. relies on China and Taiwan for approximately 80% of its foundry capacity for 20-45nm chips and about 70% for 50-180nm chips, according to industry research. Tech firms may attempt to shift sourcing to tariff-free countries like India and Vietnam, but many will pass the additional costs to consumers instead. Manufacturers of consumer electronics such as laptops and smartphones may also be affected if they import different components from or assemble their products in tariffed countries. Indeed, Apple primarily manufactures its iPhones in China, so the handsets may see a price hike in the U.S. Data centers and AI infrastructure face higher costs The tariffs on aluminium and steel will sting data centre companies, too, as these materials are essential for server racks, cooling systems, and other infrastructure, driving up construction and equipment costs. The additional expenditure and potential supply chain disruption may be reflected in cloud storage prices from the likes of AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure, as well as SaaS and AI companies that utilise large-scale data processing. It could also delay plans to build new data centers that companies have earmarked to meet the growing demand for AI. SEE: Microsoft to Invest $80 Billion in AI Data Centers in Fiscal 2025 Nevertheless, the intention is to reduce dependence on foreign adversaries, and while this may result in higher prices for consumers in the short term, it also drives investment in domestic industries and boosts supply chain resilience. What’s hot at TechRepublic North America’s supply chain at risk “(The U.S. is) a big producer, it’s a big consumer,” Christine McDaniel, senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center, told Bloomberg. “We have products going back and forth across the border, you know, several times before it ends in a finished product.” McDaniel added that Mexico and Canada will pay over $50 billion in tariffs for importing tech and chips into the U.S., “and that’s gonna come out of the North American economy.” Canada mines essential raw materials like nickel and cobalt, while Mexico handles component assembly, testing, and packaging for major manufacturers such as Foxconn. “That will all really hurt the pricing power of the U.S.,” McDaniel said. “It’ll either eat into their profit margins or they’ll pass it on to U.S. consumers.” Gil Luria, head of technology research at D.A. Davidson, told Bloomberg that part of the reason Trump has implemented tariffs on goods from the E.U. is in retaliation for the region “making a habit” of fining major U.S. companies, such as Apple, Google, and Meta, for “whatever behavior they choose to penalize.” He added that the EU may become “combative” in response, and the level to which it does will determine the scale of the tariffs’ impact on the big tech players. SEE: Meta to Take EU Regulation Concerns Directly to Trump, Says Global Affairs Chief Tech companies ramp up U.S. manufacturing Even prior to the tariffs, many companies have been announcing plans to build new facilities within the U.S., which is a trend likely to continue. This week, TSMC pledged to expand its spend on building data centres in the U.S. to $160 billion, which it deems the “largest single foreign direct investment in U.S. history.” Last month, Apple announced it will spend $500 billion on manufacturing and research in the U.S. over the next four years. In January, the Stargate project was launched, which saw the likes of SoftBank, OpenAI, and Oracle dedicate $500 billion to generative AI infrastructure in the U.S., including data centres. In the press conference for this week’s TSMC investment, U.S. President Trump added that there are still “many (more companies) that want to announce” construction projects stateside. Such companies could absorb the business of foreign competitors in the chip, cloud, and other hardware markets. Why is Trump imposing tariffs? Tariff increases, even against top U.S. trade partners, were a key feature of President Trump’s 2024 election campaign. After he won and assumed the presidency, he made good on his word and announced his plan to impose 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico as early as February 1st. The next day, he announced a 10% tariff on goods from China. Historically, the U.S. has always been on a trade deficit, importing more goods than it exports. However, the deficit has been steadily increasing since 2001, and in 2023, the U.S. trade deficit in goods was the world’s largest at over $1 trillion. Tariffs help close the deficit by increasing prices on imported goods to encourage Americans to purchase domestic or local alternatives. It can also incentivize manufacturers to move their operations to the U.S. source