Store your files in “the cloud” with Windows Live SkyDrive

Posted by:
Brandon LeBlanc
12:56 PM Thursday
Aug 09, 2007
34 Comments

Today Microsoft is announcing the final product name for what was previously known as Windows Live Folders. Windows Live SkyDrive gets not only its final product name but also a few new features and enhanced UI reflecting changes coming across many of the Windows Live services including Windows Live Spaces.

So what's Windows Live SkyDrive? Windows Live SkyDrive is a brand new Windows Live service that gives users 500MB of web space for the storing and sharing of files. Think of it as a personal "harddrive" on the internet - or "the cloud". By default, you get several protected directories which you can store your files in. These directories are completed protected from the public. Only you can view them. However, Windows Live SkyDrive allows you create or choose specific folders to share with everyone (Public folders) or specific people on your Windows Live Contacts list. You can set specific permissions for those viewing your folders as well - such as someone who can contribute (add and remove files) or someone who is simply just a reader. Your Public folder allows ONLY reader permissions for the public in viewing files within the folder. No need to worry about people maxing out your account with files.

I put together a small demo outlining Windows Live SkyDrive and several of today's beta improvements with a few new features. Check it out:

Video: Demo: Windows Live SkyDrive

For those who've been using the beta of Windows Live SkyDrive, today's changes and updates include the new Windows Live UI (header), improved file upload, thumbnails in folder views, and a section for visited SkyDrive folders from other people.

Nick and I use Windows Live SkyDrive quite a bit in sharing files. With me being outside Portland and him of course in Redmond - Windows Live SkyDrive has enabled us to quickly access and share files while working on projects. It has been a tremendous help overcoming the distance.

Give Windows Live SkyDrive a spin and let me know what you think. I'll be setting up a Public folder for you all to check out with some photos while visiting Redmond.

Screenshots:

Comments

Nish Vamadevan

Posted on: August 10, 2007 at 12:16PM
They should integrate all the Live Subscription service into one, including Hotmail Plus cos $45 is a bit too much for an average user...
Brandon LeBlanc

Posted on: August 10, 2007 at 1:20PM
Nish, I'm affraid I don't follow you with what you're saying. I pay $19.95 for Hotmail Plus - where are you getting the $45? And how does it relate to SkyDrive?

- Brandon
Albert

Posted on: August 10, 2007 at 6:15PM
I agree with Tino, the use of the icon that represents a hard drive with Vista installed can greate minor confusion.

But anyways, is there any news on PhotoStory for Windows Vista? Or is there already a version compatible with Vista?
The MAZZTer

Posted on: August 11, 2007 at 12:32AM
*looks at photos* That's not too bad for a Hotmail ad campaign. I wouldn't mind having a mailbox like that, and I've never used Hotmail (I'm a GMail guy myself).
Dragomir Tenev

Posted on: August 11, 2007 at 6:33AM
SkyDrive is something great. I find it very useful.
nicholasr347

Posted on: August 11, 2007 at 6:38AM
HI Brandon,

When will this be available for non-us residents? (eg Australia)

Nick
Coola

Posted on: August 11, 2007 at 9:42AM
I'm liking the SkyDrive, great work team! Any plans on allowing hotlinking? :)
johnhood

Posted on: August 11, 2007 at 12:29PM
Hi Brandon,

Thanks for the positive feedback regarding my suggestion! :-)

Best,

John
Brandon LeBlanc

Posted on: August 11, 2007 at 7:05PM
nicholasr347, the SkyDrive team is aware of the desire for use of SkyDrive in many different markets including Australia and is working to do so in the future. I don't have a timeline though. I know SkyDrive is available in the UK and India markets with the latest release. A workaround is to change your Windows Live ID to say you're in one of the supported markets.

Coola, what do you mean by "hotlinking"? I know it currently supports linking to specific files.

- Brandon
Coola

Posted on: August 13, 2007 at 12:46PM
Hey Brandon,

By hotlinking, I mean like allowing users to post images in Message Boards, or use the Online Storage to use in their Forum Signatures/Avatars.

I know it has an html embed code, but what about enabling the image to be put in between UBB code such as: [img]skydrive url here [/img] so that users can post the images directly into their messages on Message Boards.

Kinda like Image Shack or Photobucket, which they allow a limit of bandwith to be posted on blogs/profiles etc.

Trackbacks

Posted by: SSIS Junkie on August 09, 2007 at 2:00PM
I've spoken about Live Folders quite alot on here lately and some big news from that product team
Posted by: Josh's Windows Weblog on August 09, 2007 at 2:32PM
Today Microsoft announced the final naming for its "cloud" storage will be SkyDrive. I personally liked
Posted by: Metagg on August 09, 2007 at 5:44PM
Find out what Social News Sites are discussing this post over at metagg.com
Posted by: Dare Obasanjo aka Carnage4Life on August 09, 2007 at 7:10PM
Posted by: Read/WriteWeb on August 09, 2007 at 8:54PM
Today Microsoft announced Windows Live SkyDrive, the final product name for its online storage solution - previously known as Windows Live Folders. Windows Live SkyDrive has a few new features and enhanced UI, in line with upcoming changes across other..
Posted by: bkchung's WebLog on August 10, 2007 at 2:23AM
Windows Live SkyDrive Team Blog: Introducing Windows Live SkyDrive! 이전에 Windows Live Folders이었던 이름을 (아직
Posted by: OpsanBlog on August 10, 2007 at 6:27PM
Posted by: Blog do Anderson Thiago (aka Anderson T) on August 12, 2007 at 11:13AM
Mais um dos serviços que a Windows Live irá colocar no ar esta sendo testado. O Windows Live SkyDrive