Microsoft Enters P2P File Sharing Market

There have been rumors floating around the Microsoft is going to start developing small applications and giving them away for free, and even some who say that ALL desktop applications by Microsoft will be free. I don't know about all that but here is the first round of free small applications. These applications are Add-Ins for MSN Search Toolbar but I was able to install and use them without installing the MSN Search Toolbar. The add-ins include; A search assistant (which I hope is slightly more helpful than the Office Paper-Clip-Man), an Outlook Organizer with integrated search (see a common theme here?), a screen saver/RSS Reader/Weather Checker/blog check all in one doohickey, and the coolest of them all a peer-to-peer file sharing client. While the "Watson" search assistant program and outlook organizer are only free for 30 days but the all in one MSN Screen Saver (Beta) and FolderShare programs are free. Although the FolderShare progam is free, the spyware that goes a long with it will eat up some mips of your cpu [only kidding, only kidding].

I know you are wondering what in the world I am blogging about, 'Why would Microsoft
put out a P2P application and what is it?' Well, this nifty little program called
FolderShare and is a product of ByteTaxi Inc. I'm sure its relationship with Microsoft, which I am unsure of, is sure to cause some buzz and probably spark a whole bunch of new debates about the ethics of file sharing and privacy concerns with the program. Let me be the first to say, I can think of many not so law friendly ways to use this program but I do not plan on swapping copies of Windows Vista or the bootleg version of 'Walk the Line', so I won't go into how I believe this program will be abused by many who find it an easy way to share their MP3 collection, among other things, with their friends. I will try to stick to the positive business related uses of this little app.

Basically what this program does is allow you to create, edit and share folders with anyone, as long as you have their email address. You install this program on your computer and it walks you through the simple setup procedure of creating an account, which took no longer then 3 minutes from install start to finish. After the install you are given 3 options; 'Sync My Folders', 'Share My Folders', and 'Access My Files'.

The sharing features of FolderShare is the one that intrigued me the most. Within
minutes I was able to set up a folder, invite a friend and allow him access to my
homemade MP3 (I can rap with the best of'em, ha!). You can give anyone access to any file or folder on your computer, or you can just use it as a remote file server for your own personal use. Log into foldershare.com and you have access to any file on your PC. It sure is a lot faster then GoToMyPC and best of all its free.

One of the benefits of this application is that it will be excellent for working with others no matter where they are. Hypothetically, you are starting a small technology company where your group is all working remotely, FolderShare gives you a simple way to setup a collaboration system, whether its working on a website, research papers, proposals, or whatever else a small company does, instead of emailing files around and checking to see if you everyone has the latest version of a document, it provides a central sharing point for your group. Oh heck maybe you can even pass around your favorite Rod Stewart mp3 to get your team pumped up!

Sure you can setup a complex FTP system and worry if its secure or you could even setup a terminal services situation, if you can figure out your router rules. For me, I am a fan of FolderShare, it allows me a simple, effective and easy way to manage multiple share points between multiple people at a fraction of the time of other options. Best of all, its free! I do not plan on adding any bootlegged copies of Dirty Dancing to any of my shares so I'm not so worried about the RIAA or MPAA.

Just and FYI, if any of you guys own a bootlegged copy of Dirty Dancing, you should be ashamed of yourself. Heck, even owning a legal copy is grounds for losing your man-card. Chances are you own a murse [man purse] and probably own a bro [man bra] as well.