14 DAY TRIAL // With the Wave 3 versions of Windows Live applications and services, Microsoft delivers a new level of integration between its instant messaging client and its Cloud storage solution. The intimate relationship between Windows Live Messenger 9.0 (2009) and Windows Live SkyDrive Wave 3 is visible with the Beta Refresh of the IM client, namely Build 14.0.8050.1202. Steven Abrahams, lead program manager for Windows Live Messenger, indicated that Microsoft improved the file sharing capabilities of Windows Live Messenger 9.0 (2009), adapting them to user behavior.
“In the last few versions of Messenger we had a feature called Sharing Folders, which would allow you to share files, videos, and photos with any of your contacts. What we learned was that most people were using this to show their friends a photo right away when they were in a conversation. So, we built the new photo sharing experience in Messenger. We also learned that some people did want to share more generic files between each other, but they didn’t like that both people had to be online at the same time for Sharing Folders to sync files between contacts,” Abrahams noted.
The evolution of Windows Live Messenger 9.0 (2009) throughout Beta development milestones has brought the IM client closer and closer to Windows Live SkyDrive Wave 3. Via SkyDrive users can leverage no less than 25 GB of storage space for free, an option valid straight from Windows Live Messenger. All conversation windows in Windows Live Messenger 9.0 (2009) allow them to Publish Files Online. This possibility will open a browser window for SkyDrive, where the users will have to create folders, upload files, and set sharing settings.
“The great thing about the new sharing experience through SkyDrive is that you post files that you want to share, give your friends the link to the folder and you’re done. They can then get access to those files whenever – either immediately if they’re already online, or at any point in the future. In the new version of Messenger we have integrated links to SkyDrive right into the conversation window,” Abrahams explained.
