Microsoft SkyDrive Cloud Service for Small Business

With Microsoft SkyDrive you will be able to take your files with you wherever you go - with anytime, anywhere access - through 7 GB of free storage and 24/7, 365 access across all devices. SkyDrive eliminates problems with server downtime and improves communication and sharing with full-time access to files and easy, real-time collaboration on documents and spreadsheets.

Real-time collaboration on the same document

Unlike other cloud-based storage services, such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and Apple iCloud, SkyDrive offers free access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote in your browser with free Office Web Apps; full-time mobile access across devices and operating systems; real-time collaboration with multiple users on the same document anywhere at any time. You can also share only the documents you choose, while keeping others private.

• 7 GB storage for Windows, Mac, and Web
• Full access to files from iPhone, iPad, Windows Phone, and Android Devices
• Seamlessly work in Office with Mac, PC, and Web
• Track document changes and alternate versions
• Real-time collaboration with multiple users on multiple docs
• Allow collaboration on any doc
• Limit access to critical documents

Comparison Chart: SkyDrive vs. Dropbox vs. Google Drive

SkyDrive

Dropbox

Google Drive

Default storage:

7 GB (25 GB free as a "loyalty reward" for current users)

2 GB, with additional space for referrals and activities

5 GB

Additional storage:

Extra storage available in 20/50/100 GB increments, at $10/$25/$50 per year, respectively

Free; Pro packages available in tiers of 50/100 GB for $99/$199 per year

Extra storage available in tiers from 25 GB ($30/year) and 100 GB ($60/year) all the way up to 16 TB ($9,600 per year)

Online document editing:

Yes, with Office Web Apps

No

Yes, with Google Docs

Private/public sharing:

Yes

Yes

Yes

Photo features:

Yes

Yes

No (photo sharing is through Picasa and Google+)

Native clients:

Windows, iOS, Windows Phone, Mac; Android apps via third parties

Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, BlackBerry

Windows, Mac, Android

View ZDnet's great comparison information between SkyDrive, Dropbox, and Google Drive.

Get access to Windows productivity tools across all devices

With SkyDrive, your people will have access to all of their favorite Windows Office tools regardless of the device they are using; including Mac and PC. You will have free access to Office Web Apps, an abbreviated version of Office, or you can allow access to your full Office suite of applications through SkyDrive.

Your people will be able to use a PC, Mac, iPhone, or iPad to access traditional Windows apps, such as...

• Word
• Excel
• PowerPoint
• Outlook
• OneNote
• Across all of their devices

Safe secure online storage for all small business needs

Simply download SkyDrive to your PC or Mac and a desktop SkyDrive folder will be automatically created. From that point forward, any Word docs, Excel spreadsheets, photos, or PowerPoint presentations you place in the folder will be available across all SkyDrive enabled devices; including Mac and Android mobile devices.

• The latest version of any doc is available for any of your devices
• Store over 20,000 Office documents
• Store over 7000 photos
• Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption for secure file storage
• Sophisticated physical and electronic security measures
• Multiple copies of each file saved on different servers and hard drives
• Password protected access to critical data and files

Darryl K. is an owner at North Star, Inc. for Denver IT Support, specializing in providing quality and reliable IT support for Denver and the surrounding areas of Colorado, and have been doing so since 1992.

North Star offers a complete IT department ideally suited for full outsourcing of your IT needs or for specific projects you need to implement in your business.