Microsoft SkyDrive no longer just a beta

Microsoft launched the final gold version of its Windows Live SkyDrive consumer storage service on February 21.

Windows Live SkyDrive -- which has been known by a variety of names, including LiveDrive and Windows Live Folders (but not FolderShare, which is something else entirely) -- is a Microsoft-hosted storage service where users can save files, photos and other information.

The latest version of the service, announced today, now offers 5 GB of free storage and is available in 38 countries.

Google has been touting (quietly) its Shared Storage program (a k a GDrive) as the alternative to SkyDrive. Google was offering 6 GB of storage for $20 a year back in August 2007; not sure if Google has changed its plan since then.