Computer networks for brokering the transmission of data between remote computers for purposes of redundancy or collaboration. A service brokers the transfer of data between an initiating computer and a destination device, thereby establishing a peer-to-peer architecture by which data of the initiating computer can be stored remotely on the destination device. The process begins as the initiating computer issues a request for permission to store the data remotely on an identified destination device. The permission is granted if the initiating computer properly identifies the destination device using information, such as a network address or a password, that is privately communicated between the users of the destination device and the initiating computer. Accordingly, substantially any computer user having access to the Internet can achieve remote backup of data and remote collaboration of data with the assistance of a trusted third party who also is registered with the service.