Live and let Live

With the new Windows Live services, I think Microsoft is taking it's first step in the right direction.  I've prolonged moving my workflow to them due to the fact the Calender applications weren't ready; now it's a different story.

I've switched to Live services for everything I do and I must say, I'm pleased.  Windows Live fills in the gaps other online services have (believe me, I've tried them all).  The online UI is absolutely beautiful, and the desktop applications are just as elegant.  Functionally there are very minor drawbacks you miss when working with the Live services,  but I'm sure those gaps will be filled over time.  The pro's definitely out-weigh the con's with the new Live services.



The Windows Live serivces, in concert with Live Mesh, in concert with Xbox services, in concert with Zune services would be a VERY power ful thing.  I suppose in the perfect world, those services would be combined, but then they'd have the anti-trust folks going for their heads again.  Too bad other companies aren't held to such high standards.

I've been an Apple patron (the full gamut) for several years, but I must say I LIKE the direction Microsoft seems to be moving in.

Companies other than Google need to look at using the cloud services in more efficient ways (iwork online, give me a break.  The real power of online documents/sheets comes into play when the desktop applications DON'T need to be installed on the computer to modify them).  Other stories, for other days.
I'm glad Microsoft is beginning to move in the right direction.