Microsoft enters the cloud

Microsoft has announced that it is embracing the 'cloud computing' concept with its new Live Mesh service. Live Mesh is available to PCs running Windows XP and Windows Vista and will be rolled out for Macs in the near future. However, at the moment, Microsoft is only offering a limited number of accounts and there is a waiting list to get signed up. The service will be able to create a network of all your devices, synchronising and storing all your files and making them accessible to you wherever you are and whatever device you use. "I don’t know about you, but I’ve got two work laptops, a home PC, a SmartPhone, a Media Center, and a growing list of new devices. Unfortunately, at least initially, every new device I add makes my life a little harder not easier," said Microsoft's Amit Mital. "The platform enables PCs and other devices to 'come alive' by making them aware of each other through the internet. Our goal is to provide a 'just works' experience by making it much easier to access the information, applications, people, and devices you care about," he continued. Cloud computing, examined in Web User Issue 182, is a concept that involves all data and services such as software being hosted online rather than an individual PC. It will let you access and edit your work from any online terminal, without the need for you to have any specific software installed on your PC other than a web browser. Google is one of the main exponents of cloud computing currently, with its Google Docs application its main offering. www.livemesh.com