Phoenix extends BeInSync to mobile phones

Phoenix Technologies' BeInSync Mobile backs up content from a phone to the web

Phoenix Technologies is to extend its BeInSync online synchronisation service to enable users to back up information from their mobile phone.

BeInSync Mobile is currently in beta, but will be demonstrated at the Mobile World Congress show in Barcelona next week and is expected to be available later this year.

The existing BeInSync service allows users to synchronise documents and other content across one or more computers via the firm's web site. It also provides secure online backup. Phoenix acquired BeInSync in 2008.

Phoenix said that it is extending the service with open source technology from Funambol to enable information from a user's mobile phone to be synchronised in the same way.

Surendra Arora, vice president of business development at Phoenix, explained that BeInSync Mobile is about letting users keep their digital life in sync.

"If I take a picture on my phone, how do I get it off the handset? This isn't always easy," he said, adding that BeInSync Mobile allows the pictures to be synchronised to the web and accessed via a browser.

The service will allow users to synchronise and back up photos, contacts, calendar, and music tracks, which Phoenix has identified as the most popular content.

The company has yet to disclose pricing for BeInSync Mobile, but it is likely to involve an additional fee to the current $59.95 (£42) for an annual subscription.