Blackberry Protect is out as an open beta for UK users

RESEARCH IN MOTION has announced that its security and back-up application, Blackberry Protect is available, and so there is an open beta for UK users to download.

Blackberry Protect is a free application for Blackberry Internet Service customers that allows users to wirelessly backup, restore and locate a misplaced handset.

If lost, Protect can remotely wipe the device, lock it, its location can be shown on a map and the handset can be remotely activated with a loud ringer. Good for when the phone is down the back of the Sofa.

RIM says, "Your contacts, text messages, calendar and bookmarks can be backed up wirelessly. It's done automatically, and as often as you choose (daily, weekly or monthly)."

The back up can be done in full initially but after that it has to be incremental, daily, weekly or monthly. Once backed up a new handset replacing a lost one can be loaded with the personal data.

A Blackberry Protect account does not need to be for one phone. Users can manage up to five BlackBerry devices from their Protect account.

In 2010 RIM was running Blackberry Protect in private beta and it rolled it out to a limited invitation public beta in mid-July. µ