In what could be one of the most underestimated roll-outs in recent Microsoft history, 'Live Mesh (beta)' could very well be one of the best things to happen to non-techies in a very long time.
In a brief test of the online product this morning, we were able to not only instantly sign up for the service (with a .NET account) instantly, but add two computers and activate a full screen remote desktop on both (either), all in well under TWO minutes.
It's worth noting with all the new nomenclature running around that this product essentially is NOT cloud computing (which is being address by Microsoft's Azure as well as numerous closed betas in Microsoft Office Online).
What it is, is a file sharing and storage platform (5 Gigs currently) PLUS one of the easiest ways to remotely network full screen control over another computer that we've seen in a long time.
Live Mesh will initially ask for Internet Explorer to download an Active X control and also loads client software (which can easily be turned off) onto any computer that you wish to add to your mesh.
Our test was run with two PC's running XP SP3. A preview for Mac is available and a mobile connector is coming soon.
Mesh (once discovered by the masses) will be an instant hit.
Why?
It works. It's extremely simple ..... and you don't have to call 'the tech guy' to use or fix it.
The Microsoft Live Mesh website can be found here.