Microsoft launches storage site

Microsoft has officially launched an online storage service that lets you securely upload and share documents, photos and music on the web for free.

Windows Live Skydrive comes out of beta format in 38 countries today and contains a significant increase in storage size from 1GB to 5GB.

Files can be easily accessed anywhere at any time on the web. Users can share files via email whether the recipient has a Windows Live ID or not.

The 4GB increase in storage capacity lets you upload around 1,000 songs, 30,000 Office documents of average size or 30,000 digital photos at a resolution of 1200x1200.

Skydrive has three options for storing and sharing files, ranging from keeping all files personal, sharing them with people you select or making them public to anyone on the internet.

Furthermore, with the permission settings users can limit the actions of others when accessing files in the shared area by letting them add and change files or only to read files.

The 5GB limit puts Skydrive on par with AOL's Xdrive service and surpasses Box.net's and Sky's new Store and Share service of 1GB free online storage.

Jonathan Hulse, Group Director of Windows Live, said: "We’re really excited about this launch. Starting today, you’ll be able to access all your personal files, whether they’re family photos or work documents wherever you are and share them effortlessly with family, friends and colleagues."

http://skydrive.live.com