Microsoft slashes OneDrive cloud data storage limits
Move affects free data storage offering and could benefit premium service sellers
Microsoft is slashing the amount of cloud data users can store on their personal OneDrive accounts, hinting that current data limits are “unsustainable”.
The changes only affect free personal OneDrive accounts and not paid for commercial ones, but the decision may prove to be a boon to those selling cloud storage, as small businesses have increasingly come to rely on free cloud productivity tools to run their businesses.
A big reduction in free storage to file and share photos, videos, emails, spreadsheets and other items may drive small firms to premium and paid for services instead.
From 27 July, users will see their free cloud data storage accounts reduced from the current 15 GB to 5 GB.
In an email to OneDrive account holders, Redmond says: “We want to let you know about some upcoming changes to OneDrive. On 27 July, the amount of storage that comes with OneDrive will change from 15 GB to 5 GB. We are also discontinuing the 15 GB camera roll bonus.”
Microsoft added: “We realise these are big changes to a service you rely on. We want to apologise for any inconvenience they may cause you.
“We made a difficult decision, but it’s one that will let us sustainably operate OneDrive into the future.”
@AntonySavvas