Abstract: A portable storage device is connected to a first computer and the email data is synchronized between the first computer and the device. The portable storage device can then be connected to a second computer that has an email program that is incompatible with the first computer's email program. The second computer is personalized with the email data retrieved from the portable device. The user is allowed to use the second computer to send or receive emails and otherwise alter the email data. Upon logging out of the second computer, any changes made thereon can be recorded to the portable storage device. The device can then be re-connected to the first computer and the data can once again be re-synchronized. The universal format database enables bidirectional synchronization and conversion of email data between multiple incompatible format email programs.