BT opens virtual deposit box service

Internet users who are storing an increasing amount of data on their computers - from digital photos to music files - are being given the chance to back up their files online with BT.

The Digital Vault service can provide users with an additional layer of protection against losing valuable data by storing it online. Movies, address books, documents and presentations can also be placed into the virtual deposit box.

Users will be required to register and sign in to upload and access content, and will be able to securely share their content with anyone they choose.

Research from Forrester found that 63 per cent of PC owners store photos on their computers. In the event of a computer dying, or being seriously damaged, this kind of data could be lost forever - or could at least be very expensive to retrieve.

The standard service offers 20GB of storage space with an automated back-up facility. Users signing up before 8 January 2007 will get two months for free, after that it will cost £4.99 per month.

Alternatively, Digital Vault Basic provides a free service, offering 2GB of storage space without automated back-up.

The service has been available to BT Broadband customers since the beginning of October but from today it will be open to anyone.