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It is the age of cloud computing and how could the ‘big uncle’ of technology Microsoft be left behind.
Microsoft SkyDrive, which was initially released 5 years ago, is a robust file hosting service that allows users to upload and sync files to cloud storage and then access them from a Web browser or their local device. Here we shall take a look at some of the new features and functionality of SkyDrive which makes it lucrative for its users and puts it ahead of the competition.
Modern Design
Let’s start with the design factor first and here Microsoft has scored huge points with Wave 5 (version 5),released on August 14, 2012. The new interface owes its DNA to SkyDrive Windows 8 app which has been brought from the web. The user interface has been given a complete overhaul to provide a fast, fluid web experience to the users irrespective of the browsers and devices. The homepage has a tile-based interface for all the files and folders, making it extremely user-friendly.
Dynamic Search
The search function is one of the things to look out for in any file storage system and with SkyDrive it becomes quite a fun. You can quickly search for a file anywhere in your SkyDrive which also includes content of Office documents such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. The tool also allows you to customize the search based on several parameters such as the file name, extension, date, size etc which makes it extremely easy to zero in on the file you are looking for.
Folder Options
One of the best features of SkyDrive that sets it apart from the rest of the file storage solutions available is the folder options. Here you can easily download folders, delete them, order prints or embed them based on your requirements. In short, you can manage folders as you would do on your desktop or laptop. The folder management options make it easy to store large number of files inside this online storage solution.
Increased Speed
The speed at which the files upload or download from the cloud is one of the biggest concerns for most of the users and Microsoft has worked on this part in the latest version of SkyDrive. The CPU time has been minimized which has significantly reduced the total work during each scan, resulting in a faster sync experience and more time for your CPU to tackle its other tasks.
Extended Support For Mobile Devices
With the use of smartphones booming the world over, SkyDrive has always been friendly with the mobile devices but this latest version has taken things a step further. Earlier SkyDrive supported only Windows Phone and the iPhone but the new version has come up with an app for Android phones too which allows users to browse their SkyDrive, upload files to SkyDrive, as well as share SkyDrive files with “Send a link.” This app works simultaneously with other apps that are running in the cell phone.
Format Support
The new version of SkyDrive supports viewing of Portable Document Format or the PDF as well as Open Document Format (ODF) which is an XML-based file format supported in a number of word processing apps including Microsoft Office, OpenOffice, and Corel’s WordPerfect. This helps users view their documents online without having to download the document and check its content.
Easier Sorting
When you have large number of files and folders in your online drive managing and sorting them can become quite a challenging task. This is where Microsoft office home and business has scored a point over its users as it allows you to quickly sort different files and folders based on your preferences.
Improved Recycle Bin
Now when you delete a file or folder in your desktop or laptop, the recycle bin acts as a safeguard against accidental deletion of important elements. SkyDrive replicates the same in the online storage solution as it allows you to undo the action and restore the deleted file from the recycle bin back to the original folder. The recycle bin has been improved and the items stored in the recycle bin are kept for the minimum of 3 days and maximum of 30 days.
