Microsoft ditches SkyDrive name following court ruling

Microsoft’s cloud storage service SkyDrive has been renamed OneDrive, following a UK court ruling instigated by British firm Sky.

With 17 customers mistaking Sky as the company who operated Microsoft’s cloud service, a judge ruled against Redmond, insisting the name causes confusion.

“There was a likelihood of confusion in the average consumer,” the judge noted in his filing.

As a result of the verdict, Microsoft has now switched to OneDrive, despite being granted a “reasonable” amount of time to rename the service.

“Why OneDrive?” asks Ryan Gavin, General Manager, Consumer Apps & Services, Microsoft.

“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.

“Of course, changing the name of a product as loved as SkyDrive wasn’t easy. We believe the new OneDrive name conveys the value we can deliver for you and best represents our vision for the future.

“We are excited about what is to come, and can’t wait to share more.”

According to the software giant, for current users of either SkyDrive or SkyDrive Pro, you’re all set.

The service will continue to operate as you expect and all of your content will be available on OneDrive and OneDrive for Business respectively as the new name is rolled out across the portfolio.

Gavin claims customers can expect to be able to experience the new OneDrive soon, at OneDrive.com.