Microsoft lifts Skydrive out of beta

Microsoft has moved its Windows Live Skydrive online storage service out of beta.

The platform gives users free access to files and information on the web, and the ability to share them with others.

Skydrive has shed its beta status in 38 countries and now contains enhancements including a rise in available storage from 1GB to 5GB.

The service has three options for storing and sharing files. Users can choose to have sole personal access to their files, to share them with people they select, or to make them available to anyone on the internet.

Users can set permissions for each person they share with, either allowing them to add and change files, or only to read the content.

"Starting today, you will be able to access all your personal files wherever you are and share them effortlessly with family, friends and colleagues," said Jonathan Hulse, group director of Windows Live.