Cloud Engine's Pogoplug service has always marketed itself as a "private cloud," but until recently, its sole purpose has been to provide users with remote access to their computers' local files. Earlier this week, the company moved into Dropbox territory by adding a cloud storage option that allots customers 5GB of free storage (for a limited time, you can get 10GB by signing up through CNET). Paid options include $10 a month for 50GB or $20 for 100GB. There are also apps for Android and iOS that give users access to their files and have the option to automatically upload photos and video taken with your mobile device.

On the remote access side, the free version of Pogoplug's software limits sharing and streaming of media from Mac or PC to a customer's home network, while the premium option allows remote access for a one-time fee of $29. Of course, users are required to keep their computers powered on unless they purchase a special device that can transform an external drive into NAS. All this functionality is somewhat of a niche market, as remote access has been primarily used in business. Pogoplug's addition of cloud storage could help it move into the mainstream — but there's already plenty of competition from the likes of Dropbox, SugarSync, and Box.net.