Microsoft Apologizes for OneDrive Storage Gaffe; Looks to Make it Right with Customers
Users of Microsoft OneDrive took to online polling platforms and OneDrive feedback forums to voice their displeasure of Microsoft’s intention to nix their unlimited cloud storage plans.
We wrote about this story on CloudWedge, detailing the fact that Microsoft was finding users who were utilizing 75+ Terabytes or more of OneDrive storage, effectively using OneDrive a file archiving solution.
Microsoft argues that OneDrive wasn’t meant to be used this way, which left some customers feeling like Microsoft has renegged on its promise to provide unlimited cloud storage to those who upgraded to Office 365 back in 2014.
Some customers have even referred to it as a bait and switch campaign, given the fact that the free unlimited OneDrive space was what really drove them towards purchasing the subscription.
The reaction to the changes on OneDrive have been so vocal, Microsoft has now been forced to issue an apology in regards to the changes. After having 72,000 users show their dissatisfaction concerning the changes to storage policy, Microsoft had to tell customers that: “In November we made a business decision to reduce storage limits for OneDrive. Since then, we’ve heard clearly from our Windows and OneDrive fans about the frustration and disappointment we have caused,” writes Douglas Pearce, a Group Program Manager at Microsoft.
“We realize the announcement came across as blaming customers for using our product. For this, we are truly sorry and would like to apologize to the community,” adds Pearce.
Pearce goes on to write that Microsoft is reducing its initial OneDrive storage offering from 15GBs to 5GBs. Users who currently have more than 5GBs will get a 1 week free trial to Office 365, which will provide them with 1TB of space.
