WO2002091224A1

WO2002091224A1 - Personal organiser system

Info

Publication number: WO2002091224A1
Application number: PCT/AU2002/000578
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Barry; Mark Lindfield
Original assignee: See Red Incorporated
Priority date: 2001-05-10
Filing date: 2002-05-10
Publication date: 2002-11-14
Also published as: WO2002091224A9; AUPR490001A0

Abstract

The present invention relates to a personal data organiser system. The data organiser system is provided by a remote server computing system arranged to store a plurality of data organiser for a plurality of users. The users can access the data organiser via any communications networks, using their remote devices. For example, they may access via a mobile telephone, PDA, PC.Data stored in the server computing system in the user data organiser may be encrypted. An encryption key may be utilised by a user to encrypt transmission to and from the server computing system.A number of novel functions are provided. These include the ability to store personal document, such as birth certificate, at the personal organiser.

Description

PERSONAL ORGANISER SYSTEM

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a system and method for data organisation and storage, and particularly, but not exclusively, to a system and method for storing and organising "personal" data.

Background of the Invention Computing system data storage devices which operate as "personal organisers" are well known. They include PC and laptop based systems (e.g. MICROSOFT^® OUTLOOK^®). They also include more mobile devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs) , usually implemented as palm-sized computing devices.

These prior art personal organisers are limited in a number of respects. Importantly, prior-art organisers are usually device specific. For example, they may be either resident on a users PC or laptop, or on the portable device. If the user does not have access to the device where the personal organiser application is resident, they do not have access to their stored personal details . Although some PDA based personal organisers synchronise with corresponding personal organiser software stored on a non-portable device such as a PC, so that a user has at least two devices available to them where they can access their personal information, information is still not available from multiple locations and if the user is without their PDA or PC they still will not be able to access their information.

Further, presently available personal organisers are not comprehensive in the extent of information that they can store and functions that they can perform. The majority only include a diary/calendar, perhaps a "memo" function which enables the user to write memos, an address book function and other peripheral functions such as a "to do" list function. Some PC and laptop based systems may also include an electronic mail facility.

Another problem with prior art organisers is that the information stored on the organisers is usually not secure. The maximum protection available to prevent access by unauthorised users is usually password based. It is a fairly simple matter for unauthorised persons to obtain passwords or obtain access by avoiding passwords.

Some systems, such as VISTO™ and FUSI0N1™ enable a multiplicity of devices to be synchronised to an organisation's enterprise systems so that a user can remotely access address and email information, for example. These systems are somewhat limited, however, as it is necessary to designate a device as the "device of record" . This device is considered to be the device storing the up to date information. If this device loses the information, any specific information that was stored on the device of record that has not been replicated by one of the devices the user is able to synchronise to will be lost. The DOR is a single point of failure. Further, these systems have similar problems of lack of security and limited functionality as other prior art devices. One major problem facing telecommunications and network service providers is that of customer "churn" . The issue of customer retention is of great importance. Customer acquisition costs are quite substantial, so it is important that as many customers as possible are retained. This has lead to a number of incentives by various telecommunications and network service providers to keep customers, e.g. service cost discounts. It would be desirable to provide a personal organiser data storage system which could be accessed by a user from any location and which includes a more comprehensive range of functions than is provided by presently available systems . It is also desirable to provide a further incentive enabling telecommunications, network and other service providers to retain customers . Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a personal data organiser system, including a server computing system including a user data organiser repository arranged to store user data and provide user organiser functionality, the server computing system being accessible over a communications network via remote user devices to enable user access to the data organiser repository, whereby the user may download data to user devices and upload data from user devices to the data organiser repository, and wherein the data organiser repository is the device of record for their use. By "data organiser" we mean an arrangement which provides a user with the information and functionality that is typically associated with a personal organiser. This includes at least an address book, and calendar diary function. The server system is preferably owned by a third party and the user is preferably a subscriber to a user organiser service provided by the third party by way of the personal data organiser system.

The user data organiser repository preferably includes memory locations for storing user data and also software for providing the user organiser functionality.

The communications network may be any communications network, whether hard wired or wireless, computer network or other telecommunications network. The remote user device may be any user device with a communications facility, such as a mobile telephone, palm- type computer which can be connected to a communications network, PC or any other computing device.

The user may therefore access their data organiser at the server computing system and carry out personal organiser functions, such as updating dates in the calendar-diary and updating, obtaining or downloading addresses from the address book, or carry out any other available data organiser function. Because the server computing system can be accessed over a communications network, it can preferably be accessed from any location. Preferably, the user requires security access means to be able to access the user data organiser. Security access means may be a simple password or may be a more complex security arrangement . The user is preferably able to access data organisers from any device which may at that time be a user device. For example, they may be able to access via someone else's PC. The data organiser is therefore preferably available from any location.

Preferably, one or more user devices may be able to synchronise with the data organiser so that they can update information stored on the user devices from the data organiser repository. All or selected parts of the data organiser information may therefore be available to the user on their user devices whenever they wish.

Because the data organiser repository is the device of record for the user, if the user loses data from a user device it can always be updated with the latest data from the device of record. The user is unable to select the device of record. It remains the server computing system. Preferably, the integrity of the data on the server computing system is protected by appropriate technology. Preferably the server computing system includes a RAID (random array of independent discs) system to ensure that data is not inadvertently lost from the data organiser repository. Preferably, encryption means are provided for encrypting data stored in the data organiser repository. The encryption means are also preferably arranged to encrypt data communicated over the communications network between remote user devices and the server computing system.

Preferably key means are provided for use by the user to facilitate the encryption process. The key means may comprise a code (e.g. password or PIN) but preferably provides a physical key including encryption data. The key may be a smart card or key which interacts with the user devices to facilitate the encryption. The concept of encrypting data within a personal organiser device is a novel concept and has the advantage that the user can be assured that no-one can obtain unauthorised access to their data. Further, encrypting the data for communication over the communication network retains security even while data is being transferred.

In a preferred embodiment, the administrator/owner of the server computing system does not have access to any encryption key. Instead, the encryption key is preferably retained by the user and a copy of the encryption key may be held by a governing body who is separate from the owner of the server computing system. Should the encryption key be lost, therefore, the user can have it reproduced by the governing body. The owner of the server computing system does not have access to the encrypted data. Preferably, the server computing system supports a plurality of data organiser repositories so that user data organiser services may be provided to a plurality and preferably many persons .

The data organiser repository is preferably arranged to provide extended functionality compared to typical personal organisers and includes a number of novel functions for a personal organiser.

Preferably, the data organiser includes a user file storage facility, where the user can store their own files and documents. For example, a user may scan in and store copies of important personal documents, such as birth certificates, so that they are available for access at any time.

Preferably, the user data organiser also includes browser means for importing data to the data organiser from over a communications network. Preferably, the browser means may be pre-set by the user to import predetermined data from e.g. the Internet. Preferably, a plurality of computer network browsers (e.g. Internet browsers) are provided by the user data organiser. The user can thus preferably set a browser to import, information from a favourite daily news publication, for example. No user control other than the pre-setting is required for the browser means to carry out the operation, so the browser means in fact acts as a "agent" obtaining information which is required by the user, which the user can access from any location at any time they require.

Preferably, the user data organiser repository also provides a finance application which enables a user to obtain accurate and up-to-date overview of financial position. As discussed above, the data organiser also includes a diary/calendar and address book. Preferably, it also includes an electronic mail facility.

The data organiser repository also preferably includes message means arranged to automatically send messages to other persons or entities from the user data organiser.

The message means may enable a user to send messages to predetermined persons. For example, if the user updates their address, the message means may automatically send a message to designated other persons to advise them of the address change.

Further, the message means may be arranged to send a message to a remote user device such as a mobile telephone to remind the user of an appointment in the calendar/diary.

Further, the message means may be arranged to send messages to directed persons designated in the address book. All the user need input is the message and it is automatically sent to the address in the address book. The personal data organiser system of the present invention, therefore, preferably enables a user to store all data, personal records or otherwise, calendar/diary appointments, addresses etc that they essentially need to go about, _'their day to day business . Synchronisation with remote user devices enable selected portions of the information to be carried with the user. The data organiser can preferably be accessed from many remote locations .

As discussed in the preamble, one of the major problems that in particular telecommunications service providers (but also generally any other service providers) have is the issue of customer "churn" . It is very important for all service providers to be able to retain their clients .

The server computing system may be run as a service by a service provider, such as a telecommunications or network service provider, for subscribing users, for example. Once a user has built up their data in the data organiser, there is a natural inertia to move to another service provider. They would have to recreate all their personal data if the other service provider offered a similar personal data organiser system. Of course, the other service provider may not offer such a personal data organiser system.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of providing data organiser functionality to a plurality of users, comprising the steps of providing a personal data organiser system including a server computing system having a user data organiser repository arranged to store user data and provide user organiser functionality, the server computing system being operated by a third party service provider unrelated to the users .

Preferably the personal data organiser system is a personal data organiser system in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention discussed above. Preferably, the personal data organiser system of the first aspect of the present invention includes a communications means enabling an administrator of the server computing system to communicate with the users. The icommunication means may include a page which a user accesses on accessing their data organiser and includes any information the administrator may wish to provide. The communication means may also or alternatively include means for inputting data into the data organiser repository, in pages available for the administrator, for example. In this way, the administrator may communicate with the user and may provide important messages, advertisements, etc.

The administrator may allow other parties to input information via the communication means e.g. advertisers, companies selling products, etc.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of providing information to a user of a personal data organiser system, comprising the steps of providing a communication means which enables a third party to input information into a user data organiser. Preferably, the user data organiser is a user data organiser provided by a personal data organiser system in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention discussed above.

Preferably, in the first aspect of the invention discussed above, the user file storage facility may include a home contents depository, where a user may include files describing home contents, or include images of home contents. Such a home contents depository may be used to ensure that in the event of total loss of a users home contents, insurance companies simply need to refer to the home contents depository in order to settle the claim.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of keeping records of home contents, comprising the steps of storing descriptions of photographs or both of home contents in a user data organiser facility at a remote site.

Preferably, the user data organiser facility is a data organiser operated of a personal data organiser system in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program arranged, when run on a server computing system to provide a user data organiser repository arranged to store user data and provide user organiser functionality, whereby the user may download data to user devices and upload data from user devices to the data organiser repository, and wherein the data organiser repository is the device of record for the user.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a computer readable medium storing a computer program in accordance with the fifth aspect of the invention discussed above.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a personal data organiser system, including a server computing system including a user data organiser repository arranged to store user data and provide user organiser functionality, the server computing system being accessible over a communications network via remote user devices to enable user access to the data organiser repository, whereby the user may download data to user devices and upload data from user devices to the data organiser repository, and further including encryption means for encrypting data stored in the data organiser repository. ■.

Preferably, key means are provided for use by the user to facilitate the encryption process. The key means may comprise a code (e.g. password or PIN), but preferably comprises a physical key including encryption data. The key may be a smart card or other key which interacts with user devices to facilitate the encryption. Preferably, the encryption means is also arranged to encrypt data communicated over a communications network between remote user devices and the server computing system .

Preferably, the key means is a physical key which can be used with a plurality of devices. In .one preferred embodiment, a physical key may be used which can interact with a port of any PC.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a personal data organiser system, including a server computing system including a user data organiser repository arranged to store user data and provide user organiser functionality, the server computing system being accessible over a communications network via remote user devices to enable user access to the data organiser repository, whereby the user may download data to user devices and upload data from user devices to the data organiser repository, the data organiser repository further including a user file storage facility, where the user can store their own files and documents .

In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a personal data organiser system, including a server computing system including a user data organiser repository arranged to store user data and provide user organiser functionality, the server computing system being accessible over a communications network via remote user devices to enable user access to the data organiser repository, whereby the user may download data to user devices and upload data, from user devices to the data organiser repository, and wherein the data organiser repository further includes browser means for importing data to the data organiser over a communications network.

Preferably a plurality of browser means are included. Preferably, the browser means may be pre-set by the user to import required information. In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a personal data organiser system, including a server computing system including a user data organiser repository arranged to store user data and provide user organiser functionality, the server computing system being accessible over a communications network via remote user devices to enable user access to the data organiser repository, whereby the user may download data to user devices and upload data from user devices to the data organiser repository, and wherein the data organiser repository further includes message means arranged to automatically send messages to other persons or entities from the user data organiser.

The message means may include a facility for sending messages via short message service (SMS) to a mobile network.

Brief description of drawings

Features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment thereof, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a personal data organiser system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention shown interacting with various remote user devices;

Figure 1A is a view of a security key for facilitating encryption of user data, and

Figures 2 through 8 are various views of screens illustrating operation of a personal data organiser system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description of preferred embodiment

Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a personal data organiser system in accordance with the present invention, generally designated by reference numeral 1.

The personal data organiser system comprises hardware in the form of computer servers 2.

The servers 2 support a plurality of user data organiser repositories which are arranged to store user data and provide user organiser functionality. It will be appreciated that the data organisers are implemented by appropriate software and hardware, the operation of which will become clear from the following description. Any type of computing system may be utilised to provide the servers 2, as long as the computing system is sufficient to provide the functionality discussed in the following.

In this embodiment, an appropriate communications interface 3 is also provided for enabling communication between the servers 2 and remote user devices, generally designated by reference numeral 4, via communications networks 5. The communications networks 5 may comprise one or more of any type of communications network, including the Internet, telephone, mobile telephone, wireless and any other network. The communications interface 3 includes appropriate hardware and/or software for enabling interface between the servers 2 and the communications networks 5. The user data organiser depository provides a store for user data and also user organiser functionality. In this embodiment, this includes a calendar/diary, an address book, access to electronic mail and other functions as will be described later on. Multiple different types of user devices 4 may be used to access the data organiser at the servers 2. The :user may access their data organiser from any location connected to a communication network 5 connected to the interface 3. The user devices include PCs 6, which may be situated at any location, e.g. office or home. The PC 6 need not be the users own PC as the user is able to access the data organiser from devices that are not their own personal devices . Entry to the data organiser repository is by appropriate security, which may include a password, and may also include a data encryption facility (see later) . The access to the data organiser is therefore personal and restricted only to the user, no matter which device they are accessing it from.

User devices may also include laptop computers 7 , palm- ype computing devices 8, 9, pagers 10 (which may receive information sent from the servers 2) , mobile telephones 11, and basically any other device which has a communications facility, whether it be wireless, WAP, or hard wired into a communications network.

The servers 2 are the "device of record" for data stored in the user data organiser repositories . Data may be downloaded to user devices 4 so that the user devices can be carried with the user including data that the user wants to access at the time, but changes to that data will not be uploaded to the servers 2 unless the user is online with the servers 2 and wishes to upload a change.

Although the servers 2 remain the device of record, data may be synchronised to user devices. Whenever there is a connection to the device, the device will perform the specific function requested of it, using the servers 2 as the database of record.^' While the operation is taking place, in the background an update means implements an update process. This will synchronise the devices with the data on the server so the devices are up to date.

The servers 2 are protected by a RAID system, so it is highly unlikely that a users data may be lost or corrupted from the device of record.

Figure 1A illustrates an encryption .key which is intended to .be held by a user of the personal data organiser system. They key 14 includes a USB connector 15 for connecting with the USB port of a PC or laptop (or any other computing device with a USB port) . Internally (not shown) the key 14 includes circuitry (in this embodiment in the form of an integrated circuit) for providing encryption and decryption functionality. Utilising this key, a user is able to select areas of the user data organiser repository for encrypted information. These areas cannot be viewed unless the encryption key 14 is inserted in a user device 4. Further, the user can select the communications to and from user devices 4 and the servers 2 to be encrypted when the user key 14 is inserted. The provision of the encryption key 14 therefore, enables a user to ensure that their personal information remains secure at all times, whether in transit between a user device 4 and the server computers 2 or actually in the user data organiser repository. Even if an unauthorised person could obtain access to the user data organiser repository, without the encryption key 14, they would not be able to view data that the user had designated as being protected.

In this embodiment the servers 2 are maintained by a service organisation 15, who is a separate third party entity. The service organisation 15 offers a personal data organiser as a service for users. The service organisation may be any organisation, but it would be very useful for a communications service provider to be a service organisation 15. A communications service provider could offer user data organiser repositories to subscribing users of their communications networks . In doing so, retention of the users as customers is incented, as a user would not wish to move to another communications service provider when they have gone to the trouble of building up their personal data in the user data organiser repository of the particular communications service provider . <

The service organisation 15 does not have access to the encryption keys 14. The service organisation 15 cannot, therefore, access the users protected data.

Copies of the encryption keys 14 may be kept by a separate governing body. If the user misplaces or loses an encryption key, therefore, they can seek a replacement key from the governing body. Various operations of the user data organiser in accordance with this embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the "screen shots" illustrated in figures 2 through 8 of the drawings. Figure '2:- is a screen shot of a calendar/diary included in the user data organiser. There are three separate "windows" giving views of the day, views of the month and week, and "appointment" views. Note that the term "SMARQ" is a proposed brand name and has no technical significance .

One of the features of the user data organiser is the ability to automatically send messages, utilising a message means. In this embodiment, the message means utilised is short message service (SMS) integrated with communications interface 3. The "appointment" screen in figure 2 shows one use of the SMS service. The user can set a "time before" an appointment (in this screen 5 minutes has been set) for an SMS reminder message to be sent to a user device, such as a mobile telephone. Five minutes before the due appointment, therefore, the user will receive an SMS message on their phone to remind them of the appointment, sent from the user data repository. Figure 3 shows a screen shot of the user data organiser address book. As can be seen, names, addresses and other . information of contacts can be located in the address book. There are a number of special features of the address book which are not found in address books in standard personal organisers.

Messages may automatically be sent to contacts where the contacts are also users of the personal data organiser system or associated personal data organiser systems. For example, should the user change his address, details of the address change are automatically sent to predetermined contacts and the user address details on the contacts address books are automatically updated. Further, an SMS message is made to these contacts to let them know that their address book has been changed. Another feature is that images (e.g. photographs) associated with contacts may be stored in the address book. The storage page for this is not shown. Further, an SMS message can be automatically sent to any contact simply by typing the message into the text box provided (not shown) and the SMS message will automatically sent. The screen shot of figure 4 illustrates a screen for the electronic mail function of the user data organiser. A user can consolidate multiple email accounts into the user data organiser email system. Further, the SMS message means may be arranged to automatically send an alert to a user mobile device when nominated senders or message subjects are received by the user in the email box.

Figure 5 is a screen shot showing an example of use of the user file storage facility. Note that in this particular example the user file storage facility is given the name "Vault" . Any personal files or documents can be stored in the Vault. The example screen shot of figure 5 shows the Birth Certificate of the user stored under the "documents" file. All important personal documents may be stored in the Vault. The user can then provide copies of these documents to any authorities that may require them. There is a significant advantage in being able to store a users important documentation all in one place.

Further, the user may be able to store their health records in the Vault. They can be easily downloaded to Doctors or hospitals that may require the health records when the user is in attendance at a medical facility.

It will be appreciated that there are many other applications of the user file storage facility. With the Vault, the customer is able to create his own on-line file directories. There are full upload and download facilities with user devices. Further, the contents of the Vault can be encrypted and when communications are occurring to and from the Vault they can be encrypted using the encryption key described above. One application is to photograph and/or describe valuable home contents to ensure that in the event of a total loss the essential information about what you own is stored off site. The insurance company simply needs to refer to the Vault in order to settle your claim.

Each user data organiser repository also includes a plurality of browsers which are pre-settable by the user to download desired information. Some of the browsers may be pre-set by the service organisation to provide a specified content. The browsers can also be used by the user to access sites that they wish to access and do not have to be pre-set. Figure 6 is a screen shot showing a browser with a web page downloaded for viewing by the user. It can be seen that the browsers can be pre-set and labelled. The browser in figure 6 has been pre-set to download information on boxing and it has been labelled "Boxing". Others shown in this example include "Wedding", "Wine", "Health", "News".

A further application provided by the user data storage repository is a personal "Finance" application. The screen shot shown in figure 7 shows an example display for the personal finance application. The financial application consolidates a users various credit card transactions and asset sources, and can examine these over time. A user can, for example, view transactions from multiple credit card accounts in a single place, graph transaction history of multiple credit cards, the ability to seek further details of any graph changes simply by clicking on graph points. It can also display the latest stock quotes and graph stock history:. It may also graph wage and multiple account activities, including multiple bank accounts, mutual fund and investment accounts, loan histories, etc. Financial tools such as calculators and spread sheets may be customised to the users financial requirements and aggregation and loyalty programs such as frequent flier points, credit card points, can be provided.

Figure 8 illustrates operation of the encryption security described above, in relation to the finance screen example of figure 7. When the encryption key 14 is not inserted in the user device, the screen shot of figure 8 appears . All information that has been selected by the user for encryption is encrypted and cannot be seen without use of the encryption key 14.

Another use of the message facility is that a user may request to receive an SMS message about a particular buy or sell point for any stock, or upon breaching a particular balance on any one of nominated accounts . Transfer of data between user devices 4 and the servers 2 is facilitated by the communications platform utilised in this embodiment, which is a platform provided by BULLANT^®. This is a much quicker platform than typically provided for network communications, particularly Internet communications. A BULLANT^® platform reduces the time required for data communications .

It will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to utilising the BULLANT^® communications platform, that may employ any available platform. The encryption key is not limited to the form described above in relation to the preferred embodiment of the invention. Other types of encryption key may be provided. For example, a smart card may be provided as the encryption key for use with devices with an appropriate card reader.

The personal organiser functions are not- limited to • the presentation which is described in relation to the above preferred embodiment and the drawings . The organiser functions may be presented in many different convenience ways.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A personal data organiser system, including a server computing system including a user data organiser repository arranged to store user data and provide user organiser functionality, the server computing system being accessible over a communications network via remote user devices to enable user access to the data organiser repository, whereby the user may download data to user devices and upload data from user devices to the data organiser repository, and wherein the data organiser repository is the device of record for their use.

2. A personal data organiser system in accordance with claim 1, further comprising encryption means for enabling encryption of data stored in the data organiser repository.

3. A personal data organiser system in accordance with claim 2, wherein the encryption means is also preferably arranged to enable encryption of data communicated over the communications network between remote user devices and the server computing system.

4. A personal data organiser system in accordance with claim 2 or claim 3 , further comprising a user encryption key, arranged to be used by the user to facilitate encryption.

5. A personal data organiser system in accordance with claim 4, where the user encryption key is a physical key carried by the user.

6. A personal data organiser system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, including a plurality of user data organiser repositories.

7. A personal data organiser system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the data organiser repository includes a user file storage facility, whereby a user may store their own files and documents .

8. A personal data organiser system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, the user data organiser repository further including browser means for importing data to the data organiser from over a communications networ .

9. A personal data organiser system in accordance with claim 8, wherein the browser means are arranged to enable pre-setting by the user to import pre-determined data.

10. A personal data organiser system in accordance with claim 8 or claim 9 , wherein the browser means are pre- settable by a service organisation administrating the server computing system.

11. A personal data organiser system in accordance with any one of claims 8, 9 or 10, wherein the user data organiser repository includes a plurality of browsers.

12. A personal data organiser system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user data organiser repository also includes message means arranged to automatically send messages to other persons or entities from the user data organiser.

13. A method of providing data organiser functionality to a plurality of users, comprising the steps of providing a personal data organiser system including a server computing system having a user data organiser repository arranged to store user data and provide user organiser functionality, the server computing system being operated by a third party service provider unrelated to the users . i

14. A method in accordance with claim 13 , wherein the personal data organiser system is a personal data organiser system in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. A method of providing information to a user of a personal data organiser system, comprising the steps of providing a communication means which enables a third party to input information into a user data organiser.

16. A method in accordance with claim 15, wherein the personal data organiser system is a personal data organiser system in accordance with any one of claims 1 to

12 .

17. A method of keeping records of home contents, comprising the steps of storing descriptions of photographs or both of home contents in a user data organiser facility at a remote site.

18. A computer program arranged, when run on a server computing system to provide a user data organiser repository arranged to store user data and provide user organiser functionality, whereby the user may download data to user devices and upload data from user devices to the data organiser repository, and wherein the data organiser repository is the device of record for the user.

1 . A computer readable medium storing a computer program in accordance with claim 18.

20. A personal data organiser system, including a server computing system including a user data organiser repository arranged to store user data and provide user organiser functionality, the server computing system being accessible over a communications network via remote user devices to enable user access to the data organiser repository, whereby the user may download data to user devices and upload data from user devices to the data organiser repository, and further including encryption means for encrypting data stored in the data organiser repository.

21. A personal data organiser system, including a server computing system including a user- data organiser repository arranged to store user data and provide user organiser functionality, the server computing system being accessible over a communications network via remote user devices to enable user access to the data organiser repository, whereby the user may download data to user devices and upload data from user devices to the data organiser repository, the data organiser repository further including a user file storage facility, where the user can store their own files and documents .

22. A personal data organiser system, including a server computing system including a user data organiser repository arranged to-' store user data and provide user organiser functionality,; the server computing system being accessible over a communications network via remote user devices to enable user access to the data organiser • repository, whereby the user may download data to user devices and upload data from user devices to the data organiser repository, and wherein the data organiser repository further includes browser means for importing data to the data organiser over a communications network.

23. A personal data organiser system, including a server computing system including a user data organiser repository arranged to store user data and provide user organiser functionality, the server computing system being accessible over a communications network, via remote user devices to enable user access to the data organiser repository, whereby the user may download data to user devices and upload data from user devices to the data organiser repository, and wherein the data organiser repository further includes message means arranged to automatically send messages to other persons or entities from the user data organiser.

24. A personal data organiser system in accordance with claim 12, wherein the message means is arranged to automatically update predetermined contacts with changes in user data, such as address details.