Preserving, Sharing Files and Memories Made Easier With Verizon Online Backup and Sharing Service

New Drag-and-Drop Feature Makes Service Faster, Simpler for Broadband Consumers, Businesses

NEW YORK, Jan. 8 -- Consumers and businesses have a new-and-improved, easy-to-use tool for preserving vital data files or irreplaceable family photos and videos. The Verizon Online Backup and Sharing service now has a drag-and-drop sharing feature right from the user's computer, as well as an easier, automated storage mechanism to help prevent loss of crucial data and photo files.

The new capabilities of Verizon Online Backup and Sharing help broadband users to quickly set up online storage, easily store files from their personal computers, and conveniently share documents or photos with friends, family or business associates.

"If you've watched your PC hard drive crash, been exposed to a file-eating virus or accidentally deleted that one-of-a-kind document or photo, then you're familiar with that cold knot that's left in the pit of your stomach," said Peter Castleton, Verizon executive director for corporate marketing. "The Verizon Online Backup and Sharing tool helps to inoculate broadband users against this lost-file affliction."

In addition to providing easy access to stored files from any PC with a broadband Internet connection, Verizon Online Backup and Sharing allows users to set up customized lists of people who can access folders, and even tracks who has access to the folder. Standard online sharing features include "read only" access or, for collaborating, "read and upload" privileges.

The service also now includes thumbnail views of stored files so that users can quickly review photo files and find the photo they are searching for without having to open each file.

While the drag-and-drop feature makes for easy "right click" and sharing of files, the backup tool allows for manual or automatic "scheduled" backups of computer files to help ensure that precious documents or photos are saved.

(Note: Screenshots of the Verizon Online Backup and Sharing Website are available at http://verizon.mediaseed.tv/.)

"Security experts advise individuals and businesses to make multiple copies of vital files," Castleton said, "with one of those copies stored off-site in the event of a fire or some other disaster. Online Backup and Sharing provides off-site storage for these files.

"But, if you wait until the unthinkable happens and you've lost those irreplaceable files, all the warnings and advice aren't going to be much help," he said.

The Verizon Online service offers several online storage sizes up to 50 GB (gigabytes). A single monthly subscription charge, which varies based on storage size, covers all the computers in a household or business. Consumers can save by bundling Verizon Online Backup and Sharing with the Verizon Internet Security Suite.

Consumers should call 1-800-567-6789 for more information or to order Verizon Online Backup and Sharing, while business customers should call 1-888-649-9500.

To demonstrate the ease of Verizon Online Backup and Sharing, a free 250 MB (megabyte) account is available to Verizon Online Broadband customers. The demonstration account and additional information about the full-featured subscription service are available at www.verizon.com/backupandshare. Consumers who have broadband providers other than Verizon can still subscribe to the service by going to www.verizon.com/backupandshare and setting up an account with a credit card.

"If you find backing up files a daunting task," Castleton said, "Verizon can ease those concerns with a simple tool that can automatically back up designated computer files. It provides peace of mind without the burden."

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) , headquartered in New York, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving nearly 71 million customers nationwide. Verizon's Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world, and Verizon Telecom, which brings customers the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 228,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of $93.5 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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