Web security firm MessageLabs has launched a message archiving service to complement its existing web and email filtering services. The MessageLabs Archiving Service will offer backups of both instant message and email traffic as a hosted service designed to help firms meet growing compliance and corporate governance requirements.

The service, which firms can configure, is being marketed as easier to implement than inhouse alternatives. Hosted files are encrypted for security and a search facility allows authorised users to retrieve emails as needed.

The service will cost between $11 to $22 (£6 to £12) per user, per month. ®