Microsoft has renamed its SkyDrive cloud storage service to OneDrive.
The rebranding is the result of a ruling that found Microsoft guilty of infringement of a trademark owned by British broadcaster and network BSkyB. Sky had claimed at the time that the name ‘SkyDrive’ cloud cause confusion with its Sky Broadband offering.
Microsoft didn’t appeal the decision and agreed to change the name of its service. BSkyB allowed Microsoft to use the SkyDrive branding ‘for a reasonable period of time’ so that it can transition to a new name in an orderly fashion.
The ruling applied to Europe only, but Microsoft decided to go ahead with a global rebranding to keep the name consistent throughout.
Ryan Gavin, Microsoft General Manager for Consumer Apps and Services, said in a blog post “Why OneDrive? We know that increasingly you will have many devices in your life, but you really want only one place for your most important stuff.”
“One place for all of your photos and videos. One place for all of your documents. One place that is seamlessly connected across all the devices you use. You want OneDrive for everything in your life”, Gavin added.
Gavin revealed that the name change hasn’t been easy; however, he did note that the new name represents Microsoft’s vision for the future.
Check out OneDrive introduction video below:
