Windows Live Folders

Posted On May 15, 2007

Microsoft has launched its file hosting service called Windows Live Folders. It offers 250 MB of free storage space on the MSN servers. The maximum file size is fixed at 50 MB. Not only can you host your files for free, you can also limit access to them to your friends and family. All they need is a Windows Live Account for accessing the files.

The display is uncluttered and minimalist. You are allowed to organize your files into folders. Each folder can have a certain share level which is indicated by the (huge) icon next to the folder name.

Sharing permissions can be then set on these folders as Just me (private), Anyone on the Internet (public) and People whom you authorize to view your files. Also in case you give others permissions to access your files, you can also specify if they are able to just view the file or also add, delete or change files in the shared folder.

A nice thing is that the downloads are done over https. This would put load on MSN servers even though providing us with more secure downloads.

The interface though simple needs a lot of polishing…

• You can also invite people to view your files (Send a link feature), though this is done by a very clunky mailto: style email link. A web form could have been nice (with possible integration with Windows Live Hotmail)
• As of now there’s no preview feature. All that we see is an icon for the file type and nothing more. It seems that it is in plan as the description for the file says that we should be seeing the preview.
• Uploading files is a pain. The interface consists of old-world style TextBox + Browse button and is limited to 5 files at a time. Perhaps a DAV based upload system (kind of offered by MSN groups) can be provided.
• Personally, I think that the 250 MB space is way too less. Many other file hosting providers offer space in excess of a GB. Microsoft has to increase the space or offer another value-add to counter this.
• While the file is uploading, there’s even a small flash thingy where you can catch hold of a ball and bounce it across a box! Weird? Definitely!

With the GMail Drive, nowhere in sight, Microsoft has taken the lead. But it remains to see how successful the venture will be.

Update: Seems that the storage space has been upgraded 🙂