Cloud Engines raises $3 million for Pogoplug

The company behind device that connects hard drives to Web wants to expand device internationally

Cloud Engines has just raised $3 million, according to an SEC filing, to continue expansion of the Pogoplug, a device that enables consumers to share data on external hard drives on the Web. This new funding is just shy of equaling the $3.25 million raised by Cloud Engines in May 2009. Among others, existing investor Foundry Group contributed to the current round.

Designed to eliminate the tether between user and home, Cloud Engines' Pogoplug makes all the data on one's USB hard drive available on the Internet so that one can access the files from anywhere or even share the files with others. Promising that upload times are a thing of the past, this San Francisco-based startup has a vision in which user files are constantly available from any computer anywhere in the world.

Conveniently, the Pogoplug just got a big improvement a month ago with the addition of four new USB ports, which allows for the connection of multiple hard drives. On top of that, Cloud Engines makes drives universally searchable via a single account, making things even easier for the consumer.

Pogoplug even comes packaged with an iPhone application that gives users even more fluid access to their home files: via the app, users can back up photos instantly, read documents stored on the drive, and even stream music and movies.

Daniel Putterman, CEO of Cloud Engines, says the new raised funds will be used towards expanding Pogoplug internationally, especially into Europe. Domestic retail operations will also likely see growth.