14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft's online storage service, code-named LiveDrive is close to being released into beta stage. The Windows Live Folders website went live for a short period of time but then it was taken down and by the time of this article the site was still unavailable. There is little doubt as to what the service will offer to users since the slogan posted on the website read "Password-protected online file storage. Always available where you need it."
Strong rumors of LiveDrive availability started circulating in early January 2007. However, the speculations were wrong and pointing in fact to the Windows Home Server, a product introduced by Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates at CES 2007.
The website was nothing more than a temporary preview, the actual beta stage of Windows Live Folders has not yet started. The service is designed to enable users to store their file in the cloud and not on the hard drive. This will deliver a new definition to mobility, as the files will be accessible from any device that can run a browser and connect to the Internet.
While not even in beta phase, Windows Live Folders will permit users to upload an initial 500 MB worth of files via Internet Explorer and Firefox, the two browsers that are supported. After storing the files in the Microsoft Cloud users can keep them private, share then with a select list of contacts or make them public. Windows Live ID credentials will be closely connected with the accessing process and it is safe to assume that Microsoft has dedicated a large proportion of server farms to this project.
Microsoft has failed to comment in any way on its plans for Windows Live Folders, but it is safe to assume that the service will have a basic package that will be free, or ad-based and premium offerings that will require payment. And by the looks of it the beta is not far...