VANCOUVER, Wash., June 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CRU DataPort(TM), developer of rugged data security and storage devices since 1986, announces the DataPort 3, a new low-cost, but very high-quality removable hard drive enclosure enabling computer users at home, work and school to easily secure, transport, backup, hot-swap and archive massive amounts of digital information.

"We've been providing superior quality DataPorts to Government agencies, the military, universities and the private sector for over 15 years," said Jon Johnson, executive director of marketing for CRU-DataPort. "Based on the growing need to manage and protect sensitive data in the workplace, our homes, medical facilities and in our schools, we wanted to make this level of security, ruggedness and dependability available to all consumers and that's exactly what they'll find in the new DataPort 3. CRU-DataPort was the first to market removable hard drive enclosure technology and we're proud to now make this extremely useful feature affordable to everyone."

With an average street price of less than $20, now even extremely budget-conscious users can receive the many benefits of removable drive enclosure technology. The benefits range from schools wanting to share limited computers among several students, business owners needing to back-up and archive data for security and disaster recovery, families wanting to share home computers while still protecting their personal files, professionals using media hungry applications like audio/video editing and even "overclockers" wanting to keep high speed drives cool.

The DataPort 3, compatible with both PC and Macintosh systems, makes 3.5" IDE/ATA and Serial ATA hard drives quickly removable and is easily installed in a computers drive bay. Backed by a best-in-class three-year warranty and lifetime toll-free support, the DataPort 3 features a smaller design for newer computers, gold-plated connectors rated for 25,000 insertions, a cooling fan, a powered key lock to prevent unauthorized access or accidental removal during operation and even a hinged dust cover.

"We are thrilled to be able to offer our system builder/OEM partners an affordable, high quality removable drive enclosure from the category leader, CRU-DataPort," said George Krouskos, marketing manager, components, for Tech Data Corp., a leading global provider of IT products, logistics management and other value-added services. "CRU has a great reputation and significant brand equity in Government markets. Now our partners can offer their customers a high quality removable solution while still maintaining their necessary price points and margin objectives."

The DataPort 3 is available immediately through major distributors such as Tech Data Corp., OEMs, VARs and a host of resellers and systems integrators throughout the United States and abroad.

About CRU-DataPort(TM)

Founded in 1986 and based in Vancouver, Wash., CRU-DataPort(TM) develops and markets computer data security and storage devices. The company's DataPort(TM) brand of removable hard drive enclosures has become the de facto standard for physical data security and drive removal in government, education and corporate information technology departments. CRU-DataPort products are available through major distributors, OEMs, VARs and a host of resellers and systems integrators throughout the United States and abroad. For more information, please visit http://www.cru-dataport.com/.

CONTACT: Jon Johnson of CRU-DataPort, 800-260-9800, ext. 1740, or
jjohnson@cru-dataport.com; or Sarah Stephan for CRU-DataPort, +1-503-295-4493,
or sarah@sd-pr.com

Web site: http://www.cru-dataport.com/