Globe taps US firm for cloud storage offering

MANILA, Philippines – Globe Telecom Inc. is ramping up efforts to expand digital services for its mobile subscriber base, partnering with New Jersey-based Synchronoss Technologies to launch a new cloud storage platform for its users.

GlobeCloud is the Ayala-backed telco’s new consumer cloud storage platform, initially targeted at Android users, that taps Synchronoss’ artificial intelligence-enabled white-label cloud technology.

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This platform will allow Globe subscribers to back up, synchronize and manage photos, videos and other files through the cloud, as the company seeks to tap rising demand for digital storage among mobile users.

Subscribers can purchase additional storage starting at 50 gigabytes for P39 per month, with an introductory offer of P5 monthly for the first three months. Synchronoss said storage plans would scale up to 2 terabytes.

These can be availed of either as standalone add-ons or bundled offerings for select customer segments.

“It’s all about democratization. So now, customers can conveniently manage their GlobeCloud subscription through the GlobeOne Android app,” said Globe chief commercial officer Darius Delgado, adding that the service would also be rolled out for iOS users later on.

Apart from cloud storage, the platform will also carry “Synchronoss Genius,” a suite of AI-powered photo editing and enhancement tools that includes filters, upscaling and visual effects.

Another feature, called “Space Saver,” allows users to free up storage space on their devices without permanently deleting content.

For Synchronoss, the partnership marks a deeper push into the Asian market.

“This partnership with Globe strengthens our growing presence in Asia and underscores the increasing global demand for operator-led personal cloud solutions,” said Synchronoss CEO Pat Doran.

Globe chief marketing officer Roche Vandenberghe said the cloud offering complements the company’s push into digital lifestyle and data-driven services, particularly as Filipinos increasingly rely on mobile devices to store and manage personal content.

Globe had 67 million mobile subscribers as of end-March.

While the telco has previously offered cloud solutions for enterprise clients, GlobeCloud marks its foray into the mass consumer market. INQ