Microsoft is moving into the online world in a big way. One example is FolderShare, a service available as part of Windows Live. FolderShare allows you to create a private peer-to-peer network to synchronize files across multiple devices and access or share files with colleagues and friends. The service is currently in Beta and is available at no cost.

We easily set up an account on our laptop and on an employee’s desktop in an office in Arkansas. We set up the file sync feature to keep certain folders synchronized between our laptop and the desktop. Using this process is an easy (and inexpensive) way to create an online backup service.

Another intriguing feature is the ability to share large files that can’t be e-mailed. You simply select the file(s) you want to share, invite others via an e-mail, and they are able to access the shared files directly from their computers. With this service, you no longer need to send large files via e-mail, burn them to CDs/DVDs and mail them, or upload them to a Web site.

There are no limits on the quantity or size of files transferred during the synchronization process, but you can only share files up to 2 GB in size (although we feel that is plenty large). Go to [1] www.foldershare.com to try it for yourself.