TWX: AOL to Provide 5 GB of Online Storage (XDrive) for Free to All Web Users

AOL today announced that, starting in early September, it would make 5 GB of online storage available for free to all Web users. The storage offering, powered by AOL's award-winning Xdrive® service, will allow users to back up important files like photos, documents, music, videos, and more. Users will be able to access their files from any PC or mobile device with a Web connection, share them with others by granting file/folder permission, move them via easy drag-and-drop tools, automatically back up important files or folders, and auto-upload any e-mail attachments they receive via major providers. There will be no charges for user to upload or download.

"People are accumulating personal digital assets at a fast pace, especially in areas like digital photos and videos," said John McKinley, president of AOL Digital Services. "Yet our in-home research shows that few people are taking steps to protect their digital memories from accidental loss or destruction. By offering consumers the combination of 5 GB of free secure online storage and Xdrive's powerful automated backup and online sharing tools, AOL is giving people a simple, effective and free way to protect their digital memories and have access to them anywhere they go."

Features of AOL's 5 GB free storage offer include:


* 5 Gigabytes (GB) secure online storage at no cost

* No charges for uploads or downloads

* Ability to store any type of file, including photos, music, video, and documents

* Drag and drop interface between online storage and hard drive

* Access to files through any Web-connected PC or mobile device

* Permission-based file and folder sharing

* Online collaboration via shared files

* Scheduled automatic backups

* Automatic upload of e-mail attachments from providers including AOL Mail, AIM Mail, or any non-AOL POP3 or IMAP-compatible mail providers

* Full-resolution photo storage

* Easy access to AOL Pictures for professional prints and photo gifts


The new free 5 GB storage offering will be available to any users with an AOL or AIM screenname starting in early September. All files stored on the Xdrive service are protected in secure, state-of-the-art data facilities. Users can access their files via the Web at www.xdrive.com or through special Xdrive software.

Users who need more storage can upgrade to a premium service with 50GB of storage -- enough space to store tens of thousands of files or to back up a typical hard drive in its entirety.

More information about Xdrive is available at www.xdrive.com. Video footage of AOL and Xdrive's current offering is available at http://www.thenewsmarket.com/AOL. Xdrive, a leading provider of digital asset management, online storage and backup services, was purchased by AOL in August 2005.