Ready to bring a new type of network-attach storage (NAS) device to the market, California-based Sher.ly has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter for Sherlybox. It is a private and shareable cloud that sits right on the user’s desk.
According to the campaign’s website, the Sherlybox is a storage device powered by Sher.ly NAS software. It delivers a new way for users to share private files or folders with people they trust, anywhere they are. Files are instantly visible without syncing, no bulk uploads and no data size limits. The best part about Sherlybox: no monthly fees!
Sherlybox creates a private, invite-only network where the user can share movies, music, documents without any storage or size limitations. This device offers a fast and secure service without any cloud storage costs.
Like a regular NAS, Sherlybox is equipped with an internal storage, network connectivity, etc. but that’s where the similarities stop. Sherlybox is an easy to use device and doesn’t require a lot of time and a thick user guide. All the user needs to do is to click three times on the Sher.ly logo button that’s in front of the device to set up a wireless connection between it and the computer. It will then automatically register your Sher.ly account to that computer.
During an interview with Gigaom, Sherlybox’s co-founder Marek Ciesla encouraged everyone to still use alternative public clouds like Dropbox, despite the lack of security. “We don’t fight with Dropbox. We say no, use your Dropbox but add extra security and control over it and extra chat collaboration but you use whatever you like. [Other devices] do revolutionary; we do evolutionary.”
The website also noted, “Sherlybox uses Raspberry Pi, which means a variety of plugins are available to make the device useful in different contexts. For example, Sher.ly wants to make media files stored on the device play nicely through streaming tools including Plex.tv and XMBC, turning Sherlybox into a media hub.”
The campaign hit its initial goal of $69,000 earlier this week and has raised $86,652 from 497 backers. Its set to close on July 4th.
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