The following is a verbatim press release from AOL regarding its new free online storage service.

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 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 here. Video footage of AOL and Xdrive’s current offering is available here. Xdrive, a leading provider of digital asset management, online storage, and backup services, was purchased by AOL in August 2005.

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