Internet users can already choose from a variety of affordable cloud-based storage and backup solutions, but some people may be more interested in creating their own clouds in order to better manage costs, storage and data privacy. Unless they can actually build their own cloud networks, Sherlybox, a device currently seeking funding on Kickstarter project, could be a great option.

Sherlybox is a tiny device that looks like an external hard drive connects to the Internet, but it does a lot more than just storing files, thanks to the accompanying Sher.ly app.

“It’s like a supercharged Dropbox, OneDrive, Box or Google Drive running privately from your own drives securely behind your firewall,” the company writes. “Any folder you’ve got can be shared with the people you invite; they can contribute their own files to groups as well.”

With Sherlybox, users can share stored data with friends and family, and access the data from anywhere in the world without carrying around extra hard drives. The company also says the device uses technology that will enable fast transfer speeds.

The device is supposed to work with Windows, Mac and Linux devices, and comes with team-oriented features including a chat option. Furthermore, Sherlybox is supposed to work with mobile devices as well, and should support video streaming via Plex.tv and XMBC.

Interestingly, each Sherlybox can be connected to up to 127 external USB devices, to further boost the available storage – there’s only space for a single 2.5-inch hard drive inside Sherlybox.

The project needs $69,000 to be funded, and has already raised almost $24,000 in a single day. Interested buyers can submit pledges anywhere from $1 to $5,000, but they’ll have to pay at least $149 to get a Sherlybox (without drive) and a lifetime Sher.ly app license. A single lifetime license for the Sher.ly app costs $29, with the company planning to sell business licenses for $360 per year once the Kickstarter campaign is official.

A video further explaining Sher.ly follows below.