Microsoft first launched their cloud service in 2007. In those times, cloud services were not as famous as they are today, neither was SkyDrive. And we do not have current usage stats of SkyDrive, but in June 2011, there were over 100 million users according to Microsoft. Taking into consideration the fact that only recently did Microsoft released SkyDrive apps for Windows, Android, iOS and complete overhaul of the SkyDrive Web App with the introduction new great features, the numbers should be very different now. Cloud services themselves are becoming more famous with more and more competitors jumping in. But how does Microsoft’s SkyDrive stands out from the crowed? What features can make it the number 1 cloud service out there? Lets begin.
1. Simple User Interface
SkyDrive has a very simple to understand, neat and clean design. Perhaps the simplest of all other competing services out there. We do not believe it can create any kind of confusion or complexity for any one. You can clearly see the links/buttons for the action you want to perform such as uploading a file, creating a new file, opening a file from your SkyDrive, seeing the shared documents, searching for a document, sorting the files and folders, accessing your authorized PCs.
2. Apps and Windows/Office Integration
SkyDrive apps are available for Windows, iOS, MAC, Android Devices, & Windows Phone. In addition, SkyDrive is nicely integrated into Windows 8, Windows Phone, and most important office 2013 for PC and MAC. An API is available for third party apps. This is where SkyDrive Excels. Apps for other competing services might be available too, but integration into the unrivaled MS Office and Windows make SkyDrive special. You can choose to make a backup of your files automatically to your SkyDrive. Cool, hmm? You have got a built-in App for SkyDrive on Windows 8 and you can share content from within Windows 8 Apps such as Photos App or third Party Apps. In addition, it has also been integrated to Windows gallery (previously windows live gallery) and Windows Movie Maker. If you are a Windows Phone user, SkyDrive is the only cloud service for you.
3. Storage and File Size Limits
You can upload up to a 2GB of file to your SkyDrive . You get 7GB of free space which is scalable to 25 GB free of cost for existing customers. For additional storage, you have got to pay.
Looks like Microsoft has become more generous, mmm? So again, it’s the SkyDrive that’s the best. May be you don’t feel like you need more space, but time changes. You may not need it now, but you may need it in the future. Who knows? We just gave you another reason to stay on SkyDrive.
3. Access Your PCs
Ok, here is another one. SkyDrive is the only cloud service that will let you access the files on your PCs from anywhere, even if they are not there on the cloud. Just authorize your PC and that’s all. Now you can browse your PC from anywhere in the world via SkyDrive.com.
4. Share your files, let others edit them
Sharing your files with colleagues and letting them to edit your files is a very handy feature that can be manipulated in many different situations. This is not exclusive to SkyDrive, but SkyDrive does not lack it either. Just click on a file, click share, enter the email address of the person you want to share this file with, and set the permissions you want to give him (you can change the permissions later).
Now, he will get an email notification and can view the file in ‘shared files’ folder . He will be able to edit the file if you permit him. Before every edit, the file is saved as a different version. You can see who has edited the file and when, and looking at the previous versions, you can easily figure what changes the specific user has made.
5. Office Web Apps
Sure, Google has got Google Docs as alternatives, but who can match the productivity and global recognition of Microsoft’s Office. files created with Google Docs are in a format the Office can not recognize. Meaning, you can not view them offline. Oh, what? Yes that’s true. In a nutshell, Google is no Microsoft.
6. OneNote
OneNote is Microsoft's alternative to Evernote. Lets be sincere, Evernote is better in several ways but hey, Google Drive has got none. 
SkyDrive has got a Web App for OneNote, and it is integrated into OneNote on Windows Desktop App and Modern style App, iOS App , Windows Phone App, and android App. One more Plus.
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