The founder of Ascendo dropped me a note a while back asking if I'd be interested in checking out their DataVault product. I told him I would check it out.

"How much better can it actually be than the Password Keeper program that comes with the device?" I thought to myself.

It turns out that DataVault is quite a bit more convenient in a number of ways than Password Keeper. If you have complex passwords to keep track of (who doesn't nowadays), you owe it to yourself to at least see how DataVault works - you might be surprised how it can simplify your life.

The Basics

First off, DataVault comes with a program that runs on your BlackBerry and a program that runs on your PC. The nice thing about DataVault is that it's a breeze to keep data synchronized between the two. This makes an ideal setup - you enter those complex passwords (that are potentially a pain to enter on your device) on your PC's full keyboard and then have them sync to your BlackBerry where you'll have access to them wherever you are.

Security

Isn't this the virtual equivalent of writing my passwords on sticky notes? Not at all. You set up a password to get into the DataVault program on your PC as well as your BlackBerry. Also, DataVault will time out after a period of inactivity and prompt for the password again. This means your safe if you step away from your desk and leave DataVault up and running.

Encryption

The database where your passwords are actually stored is a highly encrypted file that uses AES encryption which is currently approved for use by the United States Government. This basically means that it would take several milleniums for someone to crack the encryption in your password file. It's a safe bet that you'll have changed your passwords by then. ;-)

Categories

You can assign categories to each confidential item in DataVault. This makes sorting and finding the password you're looking for a breeze. You can add new categories in addition to the ones that come with the program. Again, all this information is synced between your PC and your BlackBerry.

Information Templates

I should point out that passwords are an obvious choice for storing in DataVault, but you can store any type of information in it. It comes with dozens of templates for commonly used information (like driver's license info, credit card numbers, etc.) For example, do you have your car's Vehicle Identification Number memorized? (If so, that's pretty strange!)

Finding that Info Fast

The "find as you type" feature in the program (both on the PC and the BlackBerry) make searching for that bit of information lightning fast. This along with filtering by a category will help you pare down even the largest list of passwords.

Just click a button to copy a password (or other piece of info) to the clipboard.

Tons of Features

There's a ton of other features that you'll notice when you use the app - backup/restore, import from other applications and formats - even a built-in password generator to create a secure password when you need one.

Constant Improvements

The thing that sets apart certain software companies from others is their ability and motivation to make regular improvements to their products. Ascendo is no slouch when it comes to improvements. Just in the time since Ascendo contacted me about DataVault, they've released at least 3 new versions with new features.

If there's something you don't like about DataVault, just let Ascendo know - you might just see a feature that addresses your concern in a newer version very soon!