As businesses join the online global community it's important that they have the tools to share their documents across the company, which is possible thanks to Microsoft Windows.

Larger firms are sure to already have measures and platforms in place that help them keep in touch with their colleagues and customers. There are lots of programmes, such as Outlook and SharePoint Server that enable workers to access and edit files when necessary. But if you run a smaller operation or are working with other companies that do not have these kinds of programmes installed, then it's still possible to view and alter files via Microsoft Windows.

This application contains many different kinds of products, including Hotmail and Messenger, which are great for keeping in touch and connecting with the online community. The broad platform is continually being updated and the firm recently released its Microsoft Office Web Apps that works alongside SkyDrive. SkyDrive enables you to gain access to a computing cloud, which is a very modern way of using the internet. The cloud is formed from many servers and expands and contracts depending on how much 'space' is needed by online surfers.

Once you have downloaded SkyDrive you can then use elements of Office, such as Word, OneNote, PowerPoint and Excel. The main plus-point to the combined power of SkyDrive and Microsoft Office Web Apps is that you only need a browser in order to share and edit documents written in the previously mentioned programmes. This means that you have greater access to your files, as they can be viewed at many different locations, which benefits you if you're working from a PC without these Office products.

Also, it's possible to use mobile devices such as iPhones to look at and edit files, so even if you're out of your office, you still have the opportunity to view important documents. As well as allowing you to edit files, SkyDrive and the Office Web Apps is built so other computer users can offer their editorial input. The combination of these programmes means that you're able to securely share files with specific people.

This is a bonus for workers who are always on the move or those that work remotely and do not have access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote. This is an instant process so others are able to immediately view and edit documents, so you get their feedback as soon as possible. As well as changing files online, it's also possible to print them from the browsers you've been working in, such as certain versions of Internet Explorer and Firefox.

Allowing you and your colleagues to work simultaneously on some docs brings the office to your colleagues wherever they may be located in the world. Boosting communication is the key to getting work completed well and ahead of deadlines. Email applications are ideal for making sure everyone concerned is updated regularly, and now you're able to use features of Windows to ensure strong communication links are forged within your team.

SkyDrive and Office Web Apps sees you being able to create a group that has files, calendars and updates located in the same place. Also available are instant messenger functions, discussion boards and email. This can benefit workers who do not have Office applications on their PCs but can use a computer with a browser and SkyDrive.