[operative]

For those, who want an exchange account for their windows mobile phone
try mail2web.com they offer free exchange 2003 accounts with mobile access, web access and active sync option

@Kassad
maybe you should try mesh.live.com
its a service from microsoft currently in beta status but very stable. They offer a software for XP, Vista and OSX AND windows Mobile to sync files with the live mesh online storage (5GB).
My phone runs a weekly backup if all my personal data (documents etc) every sunday night and syncs it to the mesh ^^ i also sync a few cab files. this way i'm able to reset my phone everywhere i am and get everything from the exchange and the mesh back.
i sync shoutcast playlists between my phone and my desktops/laptop.

Ultimate Mobile solution. In your face apple

[operative]

For those, who want an exchange account for their windows mobile phone
try mail2web.com they offer free exchange 2003 accounts with mobile access, web access and active sync option

@Kassad
maybe you should try mesh.live.com
its a service from microsoft currently in beta status but very stable. They offer a software for XP, Vista and OSX AND windows Mobile to sync files with the live mesh online storage (5GB).
My phone runs a weekly backup if all my personal data (documents etc) every sunday night and syncs it to the mesh ^^ i also sync a few cab files. this way i'm able to reset my phone everywhere i am and get everything from the exchange and the mesh back.
i sync shoutcast playlists between my phone and my desktops/laptop.

Ultimate Mobile solution. In your face apple

[Perry Reed]

Originally Posted by Kassad

I'm using a hosted exchange solution right now and think it's almost perfect. The only thing missing is the possibility to sync files. You would need an unlimited dataplan but I have one so that wouldn't be a big problem for me

Microsoft Live Mesh solves that problem pretty nicely. It's what I use to sync files and between it and hosted Exchange I need never run ActiveSync (or the Vista equivalent) on my PC at all.

[j2inet]

On my windows mobile phone I currently use Exchange Sync and Microsoft Mesh. Ultimatly I think that how a user feels about syncing to "the cloud" is irrelevant. Much like the remote control or e-mail many users don't really care how it works as long as it does work.

[rocky_raher]

With services with names like SkyBox, SkyLine, and SkyMarket, I can't help but wonder if, at some time in the future, Microsoft might change its name to SkyNet?

:-)

[Bob Anderson]

Originally Posted by Pony99CA

Regarding "cloud" services, I think Microsoft's on the right path with the "Software and Services" strategy instead of trying to do "Software As A Service". Storing my data online (as a backup) is a great idea. However, I don't want my applications or data to reside solely online because I wouldn't have access to them if I lost my connection.

Steve

I couldn't agree more. Microsoft is on the right track here, integrating Software and Services, and if they can now clean up and modernize the UI to adhere to that strategy one battle will be won. Next up, they need to convince users that this has real power and make it usable, tangible and exciting; they need to start thinking about how to market this so as to "make a market" because that's how they will get new users to the platform - and win a second crucial battle. With those two battles won it becomes increasingly likely they will be a formidable opponent to the iPhone and could win the "war" with Apple.

As for "The Cloud" - I'm starting to really see the power of it. First off, as with many people here, I have a hosted Exchange solution for my e-mail. There is NO DOUBT that it was one of the smartest decisions and monthly expenses I pay for. The entire experience with calendar and e-mail is awesome. 3 computers and one Pocket PC are constantly in synch! BEAUTIFUL!!

But "The Cloud" gets better - Microsoft Live Mesh is a gift unlike any other I've used. Now my WMA files are synched across multiple computers (yes, all music was ripped or purchased legally, AND all computers are mine) and key documents are even available via web on any internet connected computer in the event my computer or connection isn't available. My digital life is becoming a true companion no matter where I'm at.

Microsoft is on the cusp of something big, so long as they can make it appealing AND sell it/educate users to why they want it. I have learned why I want this stuff, but going forward, Microsoft needs to convince others they simply have to have it because average consumers don't do this type of self education about technology.

[Nurhisham Hussein]

Thanks for the replies guys. I think I'm going to check out Live Mesh, though I it's a little limited for my needs (I've got at least 10GB in terms of work-related files alone).

As for the UI, I'm very much of the view this is just a shell rather than a complete overhaul. I don't think we'll see a truly new interface until WM7.

[jasonsca]

If they could just take mesh.com and Skydrive and share the technologies in each with one another along with the "Live" technologies we'd be set!

I currently use Mesh and love it. I download music at work and sync that download folder with folders on my mobile, laptop, and desktop at home. It's pretty cool because as I listen to music and change ratings it's updated- no matter which location I'm at. It all happens seamlessly in the background. The only downside is that MS only gives us 5 gigs to work with in the cloud.

Skydrive is clunky, not as easy to maneuver, and doesn't integrate into the OS as Mesh does. However you are able to store 25 gigs, max individual file size of 50 megs.