iPhone users will be able to view but not edit documents, workspaces using Soonr's application
Think of Soonr as Mozy (online backup) and Box.net (collaboration) combined.
First, you install Soonr software on a PC or Mac and start backing up your files on the Campbell, Calif.-startup cloud. Then you start sharing and collaborating, using an iPhone or almost any device (mobile or not) equipped with a Web browser.
“We refer it internally as A-B-C: access, backup and collaboration. Online backup is an enabler for the collaboration piece. Because, it’s just too hard to make money with just online backup,” confided Martin Frid-Nielsen, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Soonr.
Soonr will now charge for its service
Today’s release improves the collaboration piece with online workspaces, called Projects, that lets users organize and securely share files, print or fax (through a partnership with eFax) directly from their devices.
Version 3.0 also adds Universal search which can find documents with full text search across all computers and project folders. And the video playback functionality now supports most major video formats.
Despite keeping a free offering now called Soonr Lite which is limited to 5 online project workspaces and 2GB of combined storage space, Soonr will begin charging for its service, with its Soonr Premium and Pro accounts starting at $7.95 a month for more workspaces, users and storage.
“Advertising does not work with business users. But we are looking at other ways to generate revenue, like selling directly to enterprises and bundling the technology with hardware devices,” adds Frid-Nielsen.
The 5-year old and 25 employees startup which so far made its money in selling its service “white label” to operators worldwide is finally approaching profitability. Soonr has so far raised $20 million from Intel, Cisco and Clearstone. “Being in the cloud computing space right now, feels really good,” the executive jokes.
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