Yet it also includes some new technologies and services -- like folder and document synch -- you can use right now.
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Here's the five things you should know about Mesh right now:
1. Mesh is about running your business on the Web.
Chances are with email, Web sites, etc. you already do this more than you realize. Mesh wants to fully link your desktop software to the Web, making the two completely seamless.
2. Microsoft is far from alone in this.
This isn't a flight of fancy; companies from Google to Amazon to Salesforce.com are working to move all computing online. Given where Microsoft is starting from they'll play a role in this move, but they'll have plenty of competitors, competitors your business can choose from.
3. Mesh isn't easy to understand; it's a mess of many things
It would be great if Mesh were a "product." It's not; its a platform that attempts to tie all of user's data together across multiple devices and across the desktop, mobile and the Web. And once that basic capability is in place, other Mesh applications will run on top of that core capability.
4. Mesh isn't available today -- at least not to everyone
Mesh is in early testing, developers first and a relative handful of users next. But it is so important and so changes the future of small biz computing that it's important to learn/know about it now.
5. Try it out with Folder Share
Mesh isn't available, but a very "Mesh-like" service from Microsoft *is* available today: FolderShare The service lets users share and backup content between the desktop and the Web, essentially blurring the two. Want to get a sneak peak of how Mesh will work, try out FolderShare today.
Read more about Mesh:
Microsoft Reveals a Web-Based Software System
Live Mesh: First Look at Microsoft's New Platform