AOL has launched the Open Xdrive, a public API that allows developers to create rich media management to share with their Web site users.

“AOL Launches Xdrive”

As part of the company’s shift to an audience-supported model, AOL will offer all Internet users 5GB of free online storage through the Xdrive service it purchased in August 2005.

America Online said they purchased the online storage firm Xdrive for an undisclosed sum. The move was made to help meet the expanding needs of consumer who’s need for information storage continues to grow with the addition of photos, music and lots of other files, a number of which take up a fair amount of space.

The Internet service provider and portal company has acquired online storage and backup company Xdrive.