Private portal designed for everything important
Private Cloud drives are a storage tool. Not a sharing solution.
- Syncing files across devices
- Collaborating on documents in real time
- Storing photos, videos, and working files
- Integrating with email, calendars, and productivity tools
Cloud storage is excellent at this. We don't try to replace it.
- Storing documents that carry personal or legal weight
- Sharing with consent - both parties agree, either can revoke
- Surfacing documents when they matter, not just when you search
- Keeping a traceable, watermarked record of every share
A different job. One that cloud storage wasn't designed for.
Two different jobs. One doesn't replace the other.
Here's where they differ on document sharing and security.
| For important documents... | ALPS | Cloud storageCloud |
|---|---|---|
| Consent-based sharing (both parties agree) | ||
| 1-to-1 sharing only, no group access | ||
| Dynamic watermark on view and download | Enterprise tiers only | |
| Recall document from everyone's cloud storage | Can remove permissions | |
| Incoming shares don't use recipient's storage | ||
| Documents surface proactively (expiry, renewal dates) | ||
| Restrict resharing or downloading by document type | Some permission controls | |
| Client-side OCR for date recognition | Server-side, broader scope | |
| UK-only data residency by default | Region options vary |
This comparison reflects general capabilities of cloud storage as a document-sharing category. Individual providers offer varying levels of security and permissions - some features listed as "limited" may be available on specific enterprise plans. ALPS makes no claim about the specific functionality of any third-party product. Last reviewed: August 2026.
Some of these features exist in enterprise plans.
They're designed for IT teams managing hundreds of users. ALPS bundles them for individuals, at a fraction of the cost.
| Feature | Enterprise cloud plansEnterprise | ALPS - from £4.99/mo |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic watermarking | Typically £20-£80/user/mo on enterprise plans, configured by IT | Included at £4.99/mo, automatic on every share |
| Data residency controls | Available as add-ons or on higher-tier plans, varies by provider | UK-hosted by default, no configuration needed |
| Granular access revocation | Available through admin consoles and permission management | One-tap recall, removes from cloud storage across the sharing chain |
| Consent-based sharing | Not available at any tier | Built into every share by design |
Built for a different job
Cloud storage organises your files. ALPS protects the ones that matter most.
Cloud storage lets you share. We make sharing mutual.
Cloud storage sharing works on a sender-controls model - you set permissions, share a link or invite, and the recipient gets access on your terms. It's effective for workplace collaboration. But for personal documents - a will shared with a solicitor, medical records sent to a new GP - the relationship should be mutual. Both parties connect before anything is shared. Either party can revoke access at any time. It's how you'd hand someone a document in person - with a conversation, not a broadcast.
Enterprise security. Without the enterprise price tag.
Some cloud storage providers offer dynamic watermarking - on enterprise plans that cost £20 to £80 per user per month, configured by IT administrators. Here it's included at £4.99/mo, applied automatically to every shared document on view and download. No setup, no IT department, no enterprise contract. The same accountability, built for individuals.
What others share with you shouldn't cost you space.
Cloud storage typically counts shared files against the recipient's storage quota. If five people share documents with you, your available space shrinks - even though you didn't upload anything. Here, incoming shares live in the sender's storage, not yours. You only pay for what you upload. That's our fair promise.
No region selectors. No add-ons. Just UK.
Some cloud providers offer data residency options - as configurable settings, regional add-ons, or on higher-tier plans. Here there is no choice because there doesn't need to be. Every document is stored on UK-based infrastructure, under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act. For personal documents with legal or financial weight, knowing where your data lives shouldn't require an IT decision.
Cloud storage isn't the only way people share documents.
See how ALPS compares to other common methods.
Built differently. On purpose.
What makes ALPS different
Documents find you
Important documents surface when they matter - before you even realise you need them.
Sharing is safe here
Every share is consensual, watermarked, and revocable. You choose who sees what.
UK-hosted & certified
Your data stays on UK infrastructure. GDPR compliant, ICO registered, Cyber Essentials certified.