Recently Microsoft had an important announcement regarding Windows Live Mesh. Windows Live Mesh which was first released in beta back in late 2008 and was used to keep files in sync and to remotely access a PC. Lot has improved since 2008 – the clout of cloud has grown, improved a lot now, is capable of storing larger and larger amounts of data.
As we have seen Microsoft has been working to bring the DNA of Windows Live Mesh together with SkyDrive into a single service, set of apps and developer APIs. And so SkyDrive has moved from its single website SkyDrive.com an year ago to versatile cloud storage service with a new HTML5 website and apps for Windows, Windows Phone, Android, iPhone, iPad, and now Xbox 360. And now SkyDrive is deeply integrated into devices and apps in a way that makes saving to the cloud, or using your cloud files, simple and seamless as you can experience it in Windows 8, Windows RT, Windows Phone 8, the new Office and lots of other apps and websites built on the SkyDrive APIs.
With these improvements, there are now more than 200 million people using SkyDrive and more and more people making the move everyday. At one point there were few million users using Windows Live Mesh and many of those too have made a move to SkyDrive. Now we have less than 25000 active users of Windows Live Mesh. Because of this Microsoft has announced that Windows Live Mesh will be officially retired on February 13, 2013.
And Microsoft has already starting to communicate with these Mesh users and instructing them on how to keep their files in sync and alternative options for some of the features they’re still using. Microsoft is mailing to these Mesh users.
Currently 40% of Mesh customers are actively using SkyDrive and based on the positive response and our increasing focus on improving personal cloud storage, it makes sense to merge SkyDrive and Mesh into a single product for anytime and anywhere access for files. As a result, we will retire Mesh on February 13, 2013. After this date, some Mesh functions, such as remote desktop and peer to peer sync, will no longer be available and any data on the Mesh cloud, called Mesh synced storage or SkyDrive synced storage, will be removed. The folders you synced with Mesh will stop syncing, and you will not be able to connect to your PCs remotely using Mesh
Here are some FAQs sent to Mesh users-
Why is this happening?
Over the years, customers have asked us to bring many of the benefits of SkyDrive – including mobile access and online collaboration – to Windows Live Mesh. We've also received requests for some of the features of Mesh – such as syncing and remote access—to SkyDrive. Bringing together key features of both products into SkyDrive allows us to maintain a single product and deliver all of these benefits to customers. Moving forward, a single product also allows us to quickly deliver more new features to everyone.
What features are available on SkyDrive?
- Sync your entire SkyDrive or only select folders with your computer. With the SkyDrive desktop app for Windows or Mac, your files on SkyDrive are available online or offline – and update automatically across your computers.
- More storage – Every SkyDrive customer automatically receives 7 GB of free SkyDrive storage, two more than Mesh. If you need more, you can purchase up to an additional 100 GB to meet your needs. Just sign in to SkyDrive.com and click Manage storage in the lower left corner.
- Great views – SkyDrive has several features Mesh didn't include. For example, with SkyDrive you can sort files, change file views, view photo slide shows, and stream video.
What can I expect between now and the date when Windows Live Mesh is retired?
For now, Mesh will continue to work the same as always. We'll send you reminder emails as the retirement date for Mesh gets closer.
Where can I learn more?
For more information, see SkyDrive for Mesh users. You'll find details about how to make the switch to SkyDrive, as well as updates about the changes to Mesh.
Can I use SkyDrive to connect to a PC remotely and run apps on it?
No, with SkyDrive you can fetch files on a remote PC, but you can't connect to it remotely to work as if you were sitting in front of it. If you want to connect to a work PC, try Remote Desktop Connection in Windows. With Remote Desktop Connection, you can connect to PCs that are running these editions of Windows:
- Windows 8 Pro, Windows 8 Enterprise
- Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Enterprise, Windows 7 Ultimate
- Windows Vista Business, Windows Vista Ultimate, Windows Vista Enterprise
- Windows XP Professional
To remotely connect to a Mac or other Windows operating systems not listed above, we recommend creating a LogMeIn account. LogMeIn Pro gives you fast, easy remote computer access from your devices over the web in HD. Transfer files, print remotely, or keep machines up to date from any computer or your mobile device.
Also check SkyDrive for Mesh customers
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