Microsoft Live Mesh Platform Unveiled
Microsoft released its new platform called Live Mesh. The new service synchronizes data across multiple devices as well as to a web desktop and thus lets people connect their growing collections of PCs and handheld
devices in an online "mesh" for sharing documents, photos and other
files over an Internet connection. It can sync data across devices used by a single users, as well
as create shared spaces for multiple users.
Generally, Live Mesh service is a combination of two key components: an online service that
lets users register their devices, and a 2MB software client, called
the Mesh Operating Environment, that links and integrates the service
into Windows.
The online component, known as Live Desktop,
serves as a device based on web services that sync files and
information across a cloud environment, and is designed to mimic the appearance of a
Windows desktop. It is built on AJAX, not Silverlight, to ensure compatibility, but
Silverlight is tied into the experience for viewing media. According to BetaNews the software giant sees Live Desktop as the launch pad for
online applications and sharing files and information with contacts.
The software client allows
individual devices to sync with the Mesh. It installs into Windows and
adds the Live Mesh Notifier application, which serves as a "news feed"
for things happening in the mesh, and the Mesh Companion bar that
integrates into Windows Explorer windows.
Currently only Windows XP and Windows Vista PCs
are compatible with Live Mesh, but Microsoft plans to expand this to
the Mac and Windows Mobile phones. Users can access the
Live Mesh Web site from either Internet Explorer, Safari or Firefox.
Live Mesh is still in Technology Preview, which will be available to
around 10,000 initial users. Microsoft expects to gradually
increase that number over time. Only those in the United States can
participate in the preview, and a Live ID is required. 5GB of storage
space will be provided.
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