ROCHESTER, New York, July 29 /PRNewswire/ --

- With Photo

- Company Officially Unveils the SentrySafe FIRE-SAFE/Waterproof Hard Drive, Now Available in the United Kingdom -

SentrySafe, the world leader in residential and small office security-storage containers, is pleased to announce its new Data and Document Security product line, including the world's first and only affordable 250GB FIRE-SAFE/Waterproof Hard Drive that protects data from fire and water disasters and computer crashes -- now available in the United Kingdom. SentrySafe partnered with Maxtor(R) Storage Solutions to develop the innovative, award-winning 250GB Hard Drive just released in the UK.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080729/NYTU031 )

SentrySafe initially launched its new Data and Document Security product line in the United States at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2008, in Las Vegas, Nevada, the largest technology trade show in the world. While at CES, SentrySafe unveiled the 160GB Hard Drive to rave reviews and International awards. After launching the 160GB Hard Drive in the U.S. in January, SentrySafe partnered with Maxtor Storage Solutions again to develop the next generation 250GB FIRE-SAFE/Waterproof Hard Drive that enables back-up of critical data, protecting valuable information from flood and fire.

"We were able to take our knowledge, which we've gained from being in the security storage industry for more than 75 years, and partner again with Maxtor to provide consumers with a highly desirable concept -- helping them connect, back-up and protect their digital information, while at the same time safeguarding their electronic data from fire and water," said Sondra McFarlane, director of customer development for SentrySafe.

"We received such a positive response from consumers when we launched the 160GB Hard Drive in the states last winter and we are thrilled to bring the UK our next generation 250GB Hard Drive along with our entire Data and Document Security product line," McFarlane continued.

The SentrySafe FIRE-SAFE/Waterproof Hard Drive 160GB (MSRP 260 Pounds sterling) and the SentrySafe FIRE-SAFE/Waterproof Hard Drive 250GB (MSRP 300 pounds) contain the award-winning Maxtor OneTouch(R) 4 Mini(TM) hard drive -- the first mobile storage solution that includes a full suite of software protection tools, such as data encryption and Maxtor's SafetyDrill(TM) software, a bare metal system restore. The hard drive is encased in a SentrySafe FIRE-SAFE/Waterproof enclosure, protecting data from fire and water. It is also ETL-verified for fire protection for 30 minutes up to 843 degrees C and ETL-verified waterproof -- meaning it is fully submersible in water for up to 24 hours.

While at the International CES, SentrySafe additionally launched four other Data & Document Security products -- now all available in the UK. SentrySafe has taken its proprietary fire and water protection to the next level by introducing a suite of digital media security targeted to small office and home office consumers, including:

-- A multipurpose SentrySafe FIRE-SAFE/Waterproof Data Storage Chest that provides connected peril protection for data storage devices, CDs and DVDs -- all in one

-- The world's first and only multipurpose USB connected SentrySafe FIRE-SAFE/Water-Resistant Safe (1.2 cu. ft. and 2.0 cu. ft. sizes)

-- SentrySafe FIRE-SAFE/Waterproof CD/DVD File

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) named the SentrySafe FIRE-SAFE/Waterproof Hard Drive 160GB the Best of CES Innovations 2008 in the "Computer Peripheral" category and the Sentry(R)Safe FIRE-SAFE/Water-Resistant Safe (2.0 cu. ft. size) was named the overall Best of CES Innovations 2008 in the "Furniture" product category.

Digital data is extremely valuable to both small businesses and home offices. CDs, DVDs and external hard drives are the primary means for backing up information. According to measurement firm IDC, an estimated more than 49 million external hard drives were in use by businesses around the world last year to keep up with the increasing need to back up important data and files. Unfortunately, businesses are finding that when a fire or flood happens, they are ill-prepared to protect their data from loss.

Data & Document Security Products

The Data & Document Security solutions portfolio is specifically designed for data and media protection from fire and water, as well as computer crash The new products are all FIRE-SAFE branded and are independently tested for fire protection and water resistance -- keeping data secure and dry.

The SentrySafe FIRE-SAFE/Waterproof Data Storage Chest (MSRP 150 pounds) is a fire-resistant and waterproof multipurpose chest that allows users to back-up data using their own storage devices (21/2" USB bus-powered hard drives, flash drives and MP3 players) and also protect CDs and DVDs from fire and water damage, computer crash and identity theft.

The chest protects up to 60 CDs and DVDs (in 30 double-sided sleeves) and allows users to connect their laptop or desktop computer via the internal USB port. The chest is ETL-verified half-hour fire protection for CDs, DVDs, USB drives and memory sticks up to 843 degrees C and ETL-verified waterproof for full 24-hour submersion.

At the International CES 2008, SentrySafe also debuted the world's first multipurpose USB-connected SentrySafe FIRE-SAFE/Water-Resistant Safe in two sizes (1.2 cu. ft., MSRP 380 pounds and 2.0 cu. ft., 530 pounds). The fire-resistant and water-resistant safes provide USB-powered connectivity for users' data stored on their own 21/2" hard drive, and can be securely stored in the safe's convenient door pocket, which connects to the internal USB port.

Users can also connect to their laptop or desktop via the external USB port. The safes store up to 120 CDs / DVDs in jewel cases and also protect standard, A-4 size papers, folders, passports, birth certificates, and valuable items such as jewelry, digital cameras, iPods, etc.

The safes are ETL-verified for 2-hour fire protection of CDs, DVDs, USB drives and memory sticks up to 1010 degrees C and are ETL-verified for water resistance in up to 8 inches, for up to 24 hours. Both are also UL Classified 2-hour proven fire protection with impact and UL Classified 9 meter drop test. The safes include an advanced LCD electronic lock system with backlit keypad, programmable pin access and tubular key lock.

For consumers who prefer to store their data on CDs and DVDs, the SentrySafe FIRE-SAFE/Waterproof CD/DVD File (MSRP 75 pounds) perfectly protects and organizes up to 100 CDs and DVDs in hanging sleeves in a removable tray. The file is ETL-verified half-hour fire protection for CDs/DVDs, memory sticks and USB drives up to 843 degrees C and ETL-verified waterproof for full 24-hour submersion.

About SentrySafe

Founded in 1930, SentrySafe is the world leader in offering fire-resistant and security storage solutions for important documents and valuables. A global presence, SentrySafe today produces more fire-resistant chests, files, safes, security storage containers and gun safes than any other company in the world. The company's manufacturing headquarters in Rochester, N.Y., and its factory operation in Shanghai, China produces affordable security storage containers distributed through retailers all over the world. SentrySafe's distinctive Made in the U.S.A. seal is on all American-made products. To purchase the new SentrySafe Data & Document Security products or for more information on the products, contact SentrySafe UK, Bedford Heights Manton Lane, Bedford, UK, MK41 7PH. Tel: +01234-353-444/ FAX: +01234-214-848, ca.eu@sentrysafe.com.

Note to Editors:

A picture accompanying this release is available through the PA Photowire. It can be downloaded from http://www.pa-mediapoint.press.net or viewed at http://www.mediapoint.press.net or http://www.prnewswire.co.uk.

Julianna Monacelli, Public Relations Manager of Dixon Schwabl, +1-585-383-0380, julianna_monacelli@dixonschwabl.com, for SentrySafe ; Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080729/NYTU031, PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com