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The Domestic External Enterprise Storage System Market Forecast Report (2022-2026) expected that the Korean Internet Data Center will be worth KRW 840.2 billion won by 2026.
As the business environment is going digital, cloud storage is prevalent not only in large companies but also in startups, using it to save files and share them. It became a key factor in many businesses.
In the past, data management and sharing were only available through the local server, thereby causing physical challenges. However, cloud storage resolved such geographical constraints, allowing remote cooperative work. With an increase in telework during the Pandemic, more and more people would work from home, which led to the growth of the cloud storage market.
Cloudike exclusively develops corporate cloud solutions, and the company’s partners are NEXON Korea, CJ, MBC, GongCha, and Kofic Korean Film Council, including 700 different customers. Notably, as an innovative startup, the company provides the service under the CloudSME of the TELKOMSIGMA brand in Indonesia.
Our team met the CEO Sun Ung Lee at the Cloudike office in the 2nd Pangyo Global Business Center.
Cloudike: Pioneering Corporate Cloud Solutions
Q. We want to know more about what made you start a business because in 2023, when the company was established, the cloud storage service was not common.
Back then, I was working for LG Electronics as a cloud team leader. The LG Cloud was successfully launched, but the circumstances in the company hindered further progress and development.
So, I started my own business with that business item, targeting mobile carriers.
The very first company I started became a parent company of Cloudike, and over time, our company targeted enterprises and companies, not mobile carriers. And the company began a new journey as a subsidiary of Cloudike, which develops cloud storage.
Q. How come you started a business as a subsidiary?
The subsidiary first started out as a one-man business in Guro, Seoul. The co-founders of Cloudike were foreigners, so they would work in their homelands, and I was working in Korea.
During that time, I was in the accelerator nurturing center until the number of employees in the company reached 20. At that time, I heard about the opportunity to move to the Pangyo enterprise growth center and decided to apply for the space allocation.
As the team continued to expand, we also applied for a space allocation at the Global Biz Center.
Meeting the criteria for allocation, including being a 4th industrial revolution-driven company and an export-oriented company, we successfully moved in.
Introducing Cloudike’s Latest Features: ‘Web Office’ for Real-Time Collaboration and Speed Optimization
Q. Tell us more about the new Cloudike service that was recently launched. What is it about?
The new Cloudike is a cloud file-sharing service with the goal of innovating the way users manage and store data. It took 2 years and 6 months before the launch of this service. At first, we had estimated it to take only 6 months, but it ended up taking much longer.
As a result, we introduced the “web office” function that allows simultaneous editing. For example, we added office functionality that enables collaboration, much like Google Docs, where multiple users can edit at the same time.
We also addressed speed issues. Many of our customers were experiencing speed problems because they were using the service very intensively. Some were uploading tens of thousands of files in a single folder, causing load issues when sharing and syncing files. To resolve this, we developed patented technology to handle this load and ensure smoother performance.
Notably, we added custom features. Everything, including logos, domains, and invitation links, is customized with the customer’s name, making it feel like a cloud service that the customers themselves created. Our differentiating point from existing solutions is in our user-centered approach, providing customers with a seamless and intuitive experience. Prioritizing speed and security, we store and share data quickly and securely.
Q. You also have customers in a global market, and there must be functions they require and feedback. Are there any cases where you addressed any of them?
From a technical standpoint, the feedback we receive, both domestically and internationally, is quite similar. When we initially introduced our service, it was often compared to Dropbox and Google Drive.
Cloudike allows for UI customization, much like those companies. You can customize the logo and URL to reflect your company’s information.
We also place great importance on Customer Support (CS). We believe that when using subscription-based services, customers should have full confidence in our technology and use it without hesitation.
Tailoring Cloudike for the Global Market
Q. Cloud storage, used by individuals and businesses alike, is experiencing rapid growth in demand. There should be numerous opportunities in the global market, please tell us about your unique strategy to advance into the global market.
As digital content continues to increase exponentially, cloud storage has become an essential tool for both individuals and businesses, becoming a mega-trend. While there may be competition for market share, I believe it’s challenging for any single company to completely dominate.
Cloudike, as a leading cloud storage company in Korea, plans to focus on the targeted expansion into three countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. Additionally, Cloudike operates a global R&D center, which will actively support meeting the demands of global customers.
Q. What interesting features can users expect from the new Cloudike in the near future?
We currently have a Cloudike app, and we plan to enhance it further.
Additionally, among Cloudike’s key customers are broadcasting companies. They have expressed concerns regarding SD card management. For example, during the shooting of variety shows, multiple cameras are used, and it can be cumbersome to take the SD cards, upload them to the cloud, and organize folders afterward. It may also require finding a laptop on-site for updates.
Currently, we are collaborating with a partner to develop a dedicated upload device. This device allows for quick backup to Cloudike storage by simply inserting an SD card. It offers the advantage of portability and the ability to upload directly on-site.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs from Lee Sun Ung
Q. You are in the 2nd Pangyo Techno Valley, a home to startups. As a senior entrepreneur, please give some advice for would-be entrepreneurs.
Startup can be honestly tough, and the burden of failure can be significant, so I’d like to discourage it whenever possible.
However, if you are determined about starting a business, I recommend going into the startup world for practical experience. It’s essential to see the realities of entrepreneurship on the ground and confirm if it’s the right path for you.
You also need to build resilience. Engage in activities that help you develop patience and perseverance. Personally, I’ve been consistently doing weight training. When things get tough, it’s easy for your morale to crumble, but by training your body, you can withstand the challenges and maintain your condition over time.
Q. What is the Cloudike’s ultimate goal?
I think a sense of duty and responsibility has developed over time. I’ve been in this business for a long time, and now I want to create a service that more people appreciate and acknowledge.
We aim to continue providing specialized cloud services that meet data management and security needs while maximizing the potential of cloud technology. Additionally, we strive to have a future-oriented vision and assist in enhancing customer competitiveness through innovative technology and services. We also aim to play a leading role in the global market and drive innovation in the field of cloud computing.