Paul’s Blog

Create, Upload, Access, Edit, Share, Backup, Protect, Data via “The Cloud”

(Online, Anytime, Anywhere, Just in Time, Free of Charge)

There are (as of Feb. 18th, 2009) currently 4 related free services offered by Microsoft.
I have created a small summary of each below, which may help clarify the differences.
Note that each of these are unique, separate services, and do not interconnect with each other.
Most analysts presume that at least some of these services will merge in the near future.

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Windows Live SkyDrive:

FEATURES:

• 25 GB online storage
• Max size per file 50 MB
• All types of files supported
• No install required, access from any browser, any computer
• Optional tool to drag from explorer
• no sync between computers
• Mac & PC support
• Integrated Live services (eg. Live Photos)

ABOUT: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Live_SkyDrive
ACTUAL SITE: http://skydrive.live.com/

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Windows Live Sync:

FEATURES:

• Mac & PC support
• no online storage, install is required
• sync only, with remote file access
• Up to 20 folders, 20,000 files (each file max 4 GB)
• Integrated Live services (eg. Live Photos)

ABOUT: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Live_Sync
ACTUAL SITE: https://sync.live.com/welcome.aspx
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Windows Live Mesh:

FEATURES:

• 5 GB online storage
• FULL Remote Desktop control (PC only)
• After initial setup, no install required, access from any browser, any computer
• Sync folders between computers/devices to online
• Privately or Publicly share access to folders
• Mac & PC support, plus Cell Phone w/Windows Mobile 6.1 up

ABOUT: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_Mesh
ACTUAL SITE: https://www.mesh.com/Welcome/default.aspx
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Microsoft Office Live:

FEATURES:

• 500 MB online storage, >1,000 “documents”
• Max individual document size 25 MB
• Competitor & similar to Docs.Google.com
• Create & edit Word, Excel, PowerPoint online inside browser
• Private or public sharing
• Mac & PC support
• No install required, access from any browser, any computer
• Optional download integrates with installed Office (open from, save to, online)
• Sync Outlook contacts, tasks, events, etc.
• Many additional functions & uses for fee-service (Small Business)

ABOUT: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Office_Live
ACTUAL SITE: http://workspace.office.live.com
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