Window’s Cloud Storage System for consumers is called Windows SkyDrive. The original release date was August 2007. SkyDrive was updated and made competitive earlier this year, 2011. SkyDrive is where documents and photos are stored in the cloud but there are many other portions to Window’s Consumer Cloud Services.
Microsoft Cloud Services Include:
• Windows Live*
• Windows Live SkyDrive*
• Windows Live Photo Gallery*
• Windows Live Movie Maker*
• Windows Live Hotmail*
• Windows Live Messenger*
• Bing
• Zune
• MSN
• Xbox Live
SkyDrive, Microsoft’s Cloud for consumers, was referred to as a “big hard drive in the sky” but with the updates, it is well made and works seamlessly with both Windows based PCs and Mac Computers. Recently Windows changed the way SkyDrive works. Currently it runs using HTML5 which is supported on most browsers. Synching of information is almost instantaneous with this new platform. Creating an account is simple. Log into Windows Live ID and your SkyDrive is ready. If you don’t have a Windows Live ID or Hotmail account it takes only minutes to create one.
Microsoft Cloud Computing has many different faces. While SkyDrive is the consumer version of cloud computing, Microsoft Commercial Cloud Services include:
• 
Office Web Apps
• Microsoft Lync Online
• Microsoft Exchange Online
• Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online
• Windows Live ID
• Windows Server Active Directory
• SQL Azure
• Windows Azure Platform Appliance
• Windows Azure
• SharePoint Online
• Office Live Meeting
• Windows Intune
The Cloud is useful to businesses and developers because the same tools are available at greatly reduced cost due to the fact that businesses are using storage space rather than having to purchase its own servers and other equipment.
Cloud computing is essentially having your all the information you create, use and need available from any online device. For businesses, it means having all the information necessary to run the business available to all the employees who need that information to do their jobs and provide excellent service to customers and suppliers alike.
For consumers, Cloud computing means being able to sync documents, photos and videos, to have access to information deemed important even when you are not at your computer. It is also an excellent back up method for documents and photos you don’t want to lose. It is supported by some smart phones. The newest version of Microsoft's Cloud allows users to create, edit and collaborate on documents. Both businesses and consumers benefit from Office Web Apps, which works like Office documents but the browser is used to view, edit and save documents even if the computer or mobile phone you are using does not have Office. You are able to save and access your Web Apps documents from the Cloud.
SkyDrive also allows you to share your information with groups, individuals or no one at all. There are simple settings to adjust and then you can send documents or a link to the collaborators. It is possible to send either one document or picture or an entire folder. Folders in SkyDrive work like regular Windows folders and even have the drag and drop feature. In addition there is a feature which allows social network sharing of any information in SkyDrive.
Windows offers 25 GB of storage free for individuals. There is no price structure in place to purchase extra storage at this time but as more people use the SkyDrive and fill up the storage space available it is likely that Microsoft will offer additional storage space.
Another plus for SkyDrive is that advertisements have been taken off the program and instead an area dedicated to information about your files fills that space.
Mobile phones which support Office Web Apps in Windows Live are Internet Explorer 7 on Windows Mobile and Safari4 on iPhone 3G or 3GS. To use Office Web Apps on your phone’s browser, simply point your browser to the address of your cloud and choose whatever document you’d like to work on.
The photo portion of SkyDrive has been upgraded significantly. Easy use and quality of the pictures has improved, as well as the addition of advanced editing features. Pictures can take up to the entire browser area which makes the program feel more integrated.
SkyDrive is not able to stream music at this time. This is a big money making portion of Cloud Storage Systems, but Microsoft has not chosen to enter this arena of competition at this time. Check out the Microsoft Cloud. You won’t be disappointed.
