RIM announces BlackBerry Protect security app

RIM has unveiled BlackBerry Protect, a service that provides what the firm claims is a quick and convenient method of backing up, restoring and locating devices via the internet.

BlackBerry Protect backs up data on its first use and can be set to automatically perform the task at daily, weekly or monthly intervals. The app can back up contacts, calendars, memos/tasks, browser bookmarks and text messages.

Other key features include the ability to locate a lost device on a map using GPS, and activate a loud ringer if it is close by.

Users can also log-in to the portal and lock the phone or change the password, and remotely display a 'lost and found' message, allowing people to return the handset.

BlackBerry Protect can wipe all content on the handset remotely if the device cannot be found, including any content on the micro-SD card.

The service allows a smooth transition between an old or lost BlackBerry and a new device as data can be restored in a few steps, according to Alan Brenner, vice president of the BlackBerry platform at RIM.

"BlackBerry Protect is compatible with BlackBerry Enterprise Server, but it runs independently and a maximum of five phones can be associated with a BlackBerry Protect account," he said.

"The service will be free and will be available in a multiple languages," he said, pointing to a release in the third calendar quarter.