Microsoft To Fit ‘Live’ With FolderShare

Microsoft announced the acquisition of file synchronization and remote access firm FolderShare, barely two days old after it unveiled its Windows Live service that offers hosted Windows and Office.

The FolderShare assets should feel right at home with Windows Live, which Microsoft said enables customers to easily find information.

FolderShare is a free, Web based service that allows users to synchronize and/or share files online. The FolderShare service is made up of two components: the FolderShare Satellite application and the My FolderShare online service. The Satellite application runs in the background on the user’s PC and automatically updates shared and synched files.

Austin, Texas based ByteTaxi Inc had owned and operated Foldershare since its launch in 2002. Most of the FolderShare employees have opted to relocate to Redmond, Wash., Microsoft’s hometown.

A Microsoft spokesperson said the acquisition of FolderShare is a great way to continue delivering services and features that help customers share and access more information anytime, anywhere.

For now, Microsoft has no immediate plans to rename the FolderShare service and is expected to continue the free service as it integrates the technologies. Though the spokesperson was unable to comment on specific service offerings at this time, there is at least on potential scenario where it will fit into future service.

A “Sharing Folders” feature that Microsoft demonstrated during the Windows Live preview allows two Messenger contacts to set up synchronized folders. Microsoft said the FolderShare technology could potentially help add additional features to that function.