Microsoft Live Mesh File Synching Service Comes to Mac

Microsoft Live Mesh, a data synchronization system that allows files and folders to be shared and synchronized across multiple devices, can now be used on Mac. Live Mesh consists of a software component that allows synchronization relationships to be created among different devices. Once a folder is set for synchronization, it will be available in all devices, and any changes made to the content of the folder will be reflected across all devices.

Live Mesh uses FeedSync to convey the changes made in each device so that the changes can be synchronized. The information about devices, known as Mesh, and folders participating in a synchronization relationship is not stored locally but at the service-end. Users can use any computer with a broadband Internet connection to get started with Live Mesh. The service requires Windows Live ID to access Live Desktop, where users can upload files, share them with friends, and access them from the web.

Users can add a device to each others mesh and they can have folders sync automatically between all their devices and Live Desktop. To add a device to your mesh, you’ll need to download and install the Live Mesh software requiring Mac OS X version 10.5 (Leopard) or later. If you have more than one computer, you can use Live Mesh Remote Desktop to gain access to a remote computer’s desktop, programs, settings, and files. You can also upload photos to your Live Mesh folders with your iPhone or iPod touch and share them with others.

The Live Mesh software, called Mesh Operating Environment (MOE), is currently available for Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows Mobile, and Mac OS X. Live Mesh also includes a cloud storage component, called Live Desktop.

Windows Live FolderShare is another Microsoft product that offers similar functions such as synchronized folders. Live Mesh and FolderShare both allow remote access of files, though Foldershare does not allow cloud storage of files which Live Mesh supports. There is also Windows Live SkyDrive, another Microsoft service that offers cloud storage which is separate from the Live Desktop feature of Live Mesh. Microsoft Live Mesh is a free service. You can sign up and install the Live Mesh software directly from Mesh.com.