Microsoft’s theme with Windows 8 seems to be cross-platform operability, and it looks like the company’s SkyDrive service will be a core part of that strategy.

SkyDrive is a cloud-based storage service similar to Dropbox, which allows users to upload files from a PC and access them from any other computer or smartphone with Internet access. It currently offers 25GB of personal storage free (in comparison to Dropbox’s 2GB) but limits single file sizes to 100MB. The service hasn’t seen nearly as much popularity as Dropbox, but it looks like that may change in the next version of Windows.

Microsoft’s vision is for a seamless storage method across computers and portable devices, allowing a user to save a file on one device and access it from another, exactly as if it was stored locally. This functionality is currently available with Dropbox, but Microsoft’s method would be unique in its core OS integration across desktop computers and mobile devices such as tablets.

Windows 8 will include a dedicated desktop application to manage SkyDrive, something not found in the service’s current iteration. The application will use the touch-friendly Metro UI, indicating that the same program will work on tablets as well. It is believed that this desktop application will also be compatible with Windows 7 and Vista.

One particularly interesting feature of the new SkyDrive will be the ability for a user to choose files to only be stored on their local PC, but still be accessible remotely by one of their other devices. This process will require a second level of authentication, but should prove useful for security-minded individuals.

Microsoft is certainly making a big push for desktop and mobile integration with Windows 8—we’ve previously reported on the new OS’s ability to run on tablets, and its close integration with Windows Phone 8. SkyDrive integration may serve as a common thread holding these platforms together and giving consumers a strong reason to buy multiple Windows devices.

Windows 8 is expected to be release in September or October 2012.

Microsoft announced today that it will be releasing a beta (or “Consumer Preview”) of Windows 8 during the Mobile World Congress event on February 29, 2012. Although a developer preview has been available since September, this consumer-oriented version will provide a more in-depth look at the features of the operating system before its full release later this year. Here are a few of the reasons you might want to check out that preview when it becomes available on the 29th:

1. Say Goodbye to the Start Button, And Other Interface Changes

One of the most visible changes in Windows 8 is the new Metro interface, first seen on the Windows Phone mobile OS. The large, colorful tiles of Metro are a major departure from previous versions of Windows, and Microsoft claims the new UI is more intuitive to use. The ubiquitous Start button is an unfortunate casualty in the redesign, and Microsoft has confirmed that it won’t be present in Windows 8. However, all hope isn’t lost—the menu functionality will still be present, albeit controlled by a hot corner instead of an always-visible button.

A controversial aspect of the interface redesign is Microsoft’s inclusion of the Ribbon bar in Windows Explorer. The Ribbon was first introduced in Office 2007 and was met with disdain by many customers. However, plenty of users have found the toolbar to be more efficient once they’ve gotten used to it, and fortunately for everyone else, Microsoft is including an option to disable the Ribbon.

2. Faster Boot Times

Microsoft promises much faster boot times in the next version of Windows, a claim supported by reports from users of the developer preview. Although that preview contains a subset of features and should therefore boot faster regardless, Microsoft says users can expect speedy boot times in the full release of Windows 8. Less time spent watching the computer start up is always a good thing.

3. Multi-Device Support

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of Windows 8 is cross-platform support; Microsoft intends to target desktops, laptops and tablets with a single OS. The Metro interface is one apparent effect of this with its touch-friendly controls and support for swipe gestures.

It also appears that ARM processor support will be a key feature, especially in the tablet realm—although tablets with Intel x86 CPU’s do exist, most portable devices, including the Apple iPad and most Android tablets, run on ARM processors for increased battery life. ARM support should prove to be interesting, especially concerning cross-platform applications. Many developers believe it will be impossible for an ARM-based OS to run programs written for an x86 machine.

And finally, as we’ve previously reported, Windows 8 will share a significant amount of code with Windows Phone 8, Microsoft’s mobile OS.

It certainly seems that Microsoft is going in a new direction with its new operating system, both in interface considerations and under-the-hood changes. The Consumer Preview event at the end of this month will provide an even better idea of what to expect from Windows 8.