What is Live Mesh?

‘Cloud Computing’ is the next big thing that’s eminently happening on the Internet. It’s unclear who coined the term initially, but I’m sure most are aware of its meaning. While its current implementation is patchy, Microsoft is making a first leap at delivering it in an integrated form.

The most important aspect of cloud computing is obviously online storage. This is widely available [for free] by signing up to various services from various providers. Windows Live SkyDrive, for instance, combines storage with the social aspect of sharing. With the 5GB you get, you can upload anything and generate a special URL to hand out to someone else.

While this is a great idea, that’s where it stops. Live Mesh is similar in respects of providing online storage. It distinguishes itself by adding synchronization and remote access to the mix.

Your data in the mesh

Live Mesh currently supports only one type of device: the Windows PC, but plans to add full support of mobile devices and Macintoshes.

After adding a device, data of your choosing will be copied around autonomously as you use them. The data will also be copied up to the cloud (if you want), so you’re always able to gain access to important data, even when you’re not in the vicinity of your computer.

Access your devices remotely

Another feature provided by Live Mesh is the seamless ability to gain remote access to the devices added to the service. Access any computer from any other computer, or, alternatively, access any computer from the Internet as well. In the latter case, you’ll be controlling your computer through a browser plug-in, so, any computer with a speedy Internet connection and a browser will suffice.

In a nutshell, that’s what Live Mesh is. The most important thing to know about this technology is that it primarily uses peer-to-peer technology to funnel your data between computers. Data-circulation this way is unlimited, while moving data up to the cloud is currently limited to 5GB. A subset of your shared data, in case you need access to it quickly while on the road.

Here’s an overview of Live Mesh’s features. It’s free, too (English only at the moment).

And, does it work?

While Live Mesh is currently in pre-beta stage (Tech Preview, as Microsoft calls it), and only offers a limited set of functionality, what it does, it does graciously. I’ve been using it for a while now and haven’t come across anything as much a hiccup. My shared folders are updated on all machines close to real-time (take into account the limitations of your Internet and network connections) and ‘I’ control which computers get which data. Sharing folders is requires a Windows Live ID.

Obviously, it doesn’t stop here. Microsoft is allegedly building a platform upon which developers can build mesh-aware applications. Mobile device & Mac support are coming down the pike as well, which may prove to be particularly interesting, since Apple’s got an outright fiasco on its hands with its MobileMe (Apple’s Cloud Computing effort, though focused on PIM).

Tech Sheet

Operating System: Windows Vista/XP
Browser: Any modern browser
Optional: Silverlight to view media files (video, photos) on the Live Desktop
Note: ActiveX is used for remote access via the browser. Internet Explorer need for this part. Not necessary if you use remote access from the Live Mesh desktop app.

Conclusion

Taking into account the early stage the project is in, it deserves friendly critique from anyone being honest. I know, it’s Microsoft. But Microsoft has some good engineers working on this project. Try it out.

[rating:4]