LogMeIn has officially launched Cubby, a cloud-based storage service that lets users synchronise content across PCs and mobile devices, as well as share files with friends and colleagues securely.

Available now, Cubby is being slated as an alternative to Dropbox and as a potential solution for businesses seeking a secure solution for employees using smartphones and tablets to view company documents, as part of the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) trend.

Like other online storage services, Cubby has a free edition – called Basic – that provides 5GB of cloud storage, but a perk is that consumers can earn up to 20GB more if they get others to sign up for the service.

Meanwhile, a paid-for Cubby Pro version includes 100GB storage per user and additionally offers a feature called DirectSync that enables users to synchronise an unlimited amount of data between devices and computers, without it being stored online.

Cubby also allows users to set any folder or folders as shared, rather than having to drop files into a specific folder as with Dropbox, according to LogMeIn.

“Cloud file sharing services too often force people to make choices between personal or business use, simplicity or flexibility, accessibility or security – compromises that don’t reflect the realities of how technology is increasingly adopted and used in today’s mobile workplace,” said LogMeIn chief executive Michael Simon.

“Cubby is designed to deliver the elegance and ease of use individuals enjoy with the security and flexibility businesses demand.”

The service builds on experience LogMeIn has gleaned from its remote access service, and uses 256-bit AES encryption to secure all communications.

Any files added to Cubby through the desktop application are automatically protected using client-side encryption. Meanwhile Cubby Locks, a feature of the Cubby Pro version, lets account owners require a password for access to shared folders and activate another level of protection by encrypting the access keys with their password.

Cubby requires a desktop app for Windows PCs or Macs, with mobile client support for phones or tablets running Android as well as Apple’s iPhone and iPad devices.

The Cubby Pro paid-for version is available on subscription pricing from £4.46 per user per month, or can prepaid at £53.56 per user per year.

LogMeIn offers a range of cloud-based services, including remote access and IT helpdesk tools.