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Microsoft ditches SkyDrive for OneDrive after BSkyB dispute

The sky isn't falling, but the SkyDrive name is. Nothing else changes about the cloud-based storage service, Microsoft says, just the branding.

Don Reisinger
CNET contributor Don Reisinger is a technology columnist who has covered everything from HDTVs to computers to Flowbee Haircut Systems. Besides his work with CNET, Don's work has been featured in a variety of other publications including PC World and a host of Ziff-Davis publications.
Don Reisinger
Microsoft OneDrive
Microsoft

Microsoft's SkyDrive won't be around much longer -- at least, not by that name.

SkyDrive, the software company's cloud-based storage service, will soon be called OneDrive, Microsoft General Manager for Consumer Apps and Services Ryan Gavin announced Monday.

The move comes several months after a British court ruled that Microsoft's use of the SkyDrive name was infringing on a trademark owned by British Sky Broadcasting (BSkyB) Group's Sky trademark. Rather than continue to battle it out in court, Microsoft decided it was time to change the service's name.

Gavin acknowledged that the BSkyB dispute played a role in the rebranding, but of course tried to put a brave face on the news:

"Why OneDrive?" he asked. His answer: "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 went on to say that as the transition commences, current SkyDrive and SkyDrive Pro customers will see no interruptions to the service. All of their content will also be available in the new OneDrive.

Microsoft plans to make more announcements on the service in the coming weeks.

This story has been updated throughout the morning.