Google is preparing to launch a cloud-storage service, called Drive, which will allow people to store photos, documents and videos on Google's servers and still be accessible from any Internet-connected device, including smartphones and tablets, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Although Google declined to comment on the report, the WSJ said that Google's service is expected to launch in the coming weeks or months and will be free for most people. The company will, however, charge businesses and consumers that want to store large quantities of files.

Google's Drive will likely compete with startup Dropbox, a 2011 Fierce 15 award winner, which also offers cloud-based storage.  As of October, Dropbox had more than 45 million members who saved one billion files every few days. In addition, the service will likely rival Apple's iCloud, which lets people store information online but can only be accessed through Apple devices.

Many telecom operators are also getting into the cloud businesses. AT&T, CenturyLink, NTT, Telstra, Verizon and Windstream all launched or invested in cloud businesses in 2011.