Microsoft Aims to Provide the Ultimate Freedom

Imagine a world where you can easily connect to files, applications, and other information on any of your devices no matter where you are. Remote access software has allowed such aspirations to become a reality, albeit to a limited capacity. Now Microsoft is looking to take this idea to another level altogether with Live Mesh, a service that will let you manage all of your devices from the open Web. Basically, anything that you add to your password-protected "mesh" becomes available anywhere. This includes not only data and programs but actual devices such as desktops, laptops, and mobile phones. Live Mesh also gives you the ability to share files by inviting other users to specific folders in your mesh. In addition, since data can automatically be synchronized between devices, you can always be sure that you have access to the latest version of a document or application. The Mesh Operating Environment (MOE), a mere 2 MB in size, needs to be installed on each device wishing to be a part of your personal mesh. The service's Live Desktop will run in the Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Safari Web browsers.

The service currently works with Windows XP and Vista only, but plans for Macintosh and mobile device support are in the works. At the moment, Live Mesh's tech preview program is full. However, the company will allow you to sign up for their waiting list where you will receive an email whenever a spot becomes available. The introduction of Live Mesh by an operating system giant such as Microsoft is definitely a sign of the times, with the Web and the browsers we use to access it rapidly becoming the focal point of our overall computing lives.