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Review of Sugarsync Online Synchronization Service

Overview and History

SugarSync is a quite new service. It was launched in March 2008 and is built on the SharpCast Universal Sync Platform, the foundation technology used in SharpCast Photos. Sugarsync is fashioned to sync all of a individual's files (documents, media, photos, etc.) across many machines. SugarSync also functions as an online backup service and users can access all of their data from a personalized sub-domain on the SugarSync website under the format of username.sugarsync.com.

Feature Set

Security

Security is intelligent. Data is transferred to and from their servers via 128bit SLL cryptography which is standard, but, after files are on their servers the information is protected using 128bit AES coding which is slightly unimpressive by current standards. They do support private key encryption as an alternative, notwithstanding, this is also 128bit AES. We would have preferred at least 256bit AES or dare we suggest 448bit Blowfish. The servers are protected in data centers which are controlled for security 24/7 and are geo-redundant, meaning that your data is distributed numerous times all day to lots of locations globally.

Backup Features

The principal role of SugarSync - as the monica implies - is Synchronization, still, it can also be reliably used as a backup tool. This is available by downloading and setting up the SugarSync Manager. SugarSync continually monitors selected files for alterations and backs then up in the background whilst you work them. The Web Archive characteristic allows you to drag and drop files to create a permanent version|edition|variant|variation} of a file that cannot be backed up with additional changes. Network and external drives can also be archived but not automatically. The backup state can be seen at any time and exact files and folders can be assigned normal or high precedence.
SugarSync does automatically keep up to 5 versions of files and only the latest edition counts towards your storage limit.

Restore Features

Files can be restored from the SugarSync Manager or by way of the web portal. Old versions of files can be rebuilt from the web site There is no limit to the amount of restores you can have.

Control and Analysis

There is an upload speed throttle in the SugarSync Manager but no downstream or CPU throttling. Proxy servers are supported and can be organized in the SugarSync Manager.

Interface

The Business edition has support for managing loads of accounts from a central program withal, the 'individual' accounts do not have this functionality.
All accounts require the SugarSync Manager installed on PCs or MACs to allow synchronization.

Device Support

SugarSync currently has apps for iPhone, iPod, Blackberry, Windows Mobile. Different mobile devices can reach Sugarsync files via m.sugarsync.com and other platform specific apps are in development.

Limitations

There is a maximum single file size limit of 2Gb when transferring between machines, withal, this is dropped once the file is fully uploaded to the web portal. There is no limit|boundary|top end} to how more can be uploaded, downloaded or synchronized between devices until the maximum file usage limit for the account is reached. There is currently no support for Unix.

File Sharing and Collaboration

Information can be shared publicly or privately. When allowing public sharing, items can be set as read-only or as writable. Folders can be password protected.
Also available is an Online Photo Album, which allows you to distribute photos publicly or privately and offers an option to send albums on Facebook, or distribute the album as an RSS feed.
When you initialize an account with SugarSync, you are given a public domain in the form of username.sugarsync.com where all your 'private' files can be placed. Public data can be placed via a unique link that is created when you make the file public. Once you share a folder you can receive a daily summary email of activities in that folder.

Synchronization

This is the center of SugarSync. It permits you to easily synch your files automatically across internet enabled devices — one-time setup and you’re ready to go! Files are also automatically synched to the web portal so you can get to then from any online device. Because synching is via a central hub (the web portal) devices do not need to be online during synch procedures. When an offline device comes online, the program queries the central store and synchronizes any changed data quietly in the background.

Web 2.0 Integration

Not counting the Online Photo Album function, SugarSync also permits you play music and video directly from the Web portal to any device.
SugarSync lets you to share pictures directly to Facebook.

Customer Support

Telephone support is available at a cost of $99.99 per year. While this is a good addition to the support offerings, I don't see the point in paying more for the support than I do for the software! Alternative interactive support options are: Live chat during business hours, internet ticketing, forum and blog. You can also email support directly.
For self help, there are 'getting started' and user documentation, FAQs, a knowledgebase and tutorials. There are also lots of testimonials and case studies available.

Ease Of Use

SugarSync is a snap to use: Enroll, download the software to all your devices, determine which folders you desire to archive or sync and that is it.
The program and web portal are easy to use and the inline help is really useful.

Cost

SugarSync has 5 paid packages as shown below:
30Gb - free initial setup - $4.99/mth - $49.99/yr
60Gb - free initial setup - $9.99/mth - $99.99/yr
100Gb - free initial setup - $14.99/mth - $149.99/yr
250Gb - free initial setup - $24.99/mth - $249.99/yr
Business - free initial setup - $29.99/mth - $199.99/yr – initial storage allowance of 100Gb and 3 users – additional storage is available at $29.99 per 100Gb per month and additional users can be added at $9.99 per month per user.

The above offerings can be utilized to synchronize any amount of devices. There is also a free 2 GB account which allows synchronization of only 2 devices.
If you refer someone to the free account then both you and they are awarded an extra 250mb of storage. If you refer people to the 30Gb+ account then both parties get an extra 5Gb.
There are no corporate offerings above the single business account.

Conclusion

SugarSync offers a easy and tidy process of synchronizing and/or backing up a lot of devices. It offers a nicely rounded set of features that give a notion of a processed program that has been carefully evolved.
SugarSync appears to be aimed at the individual rather than businesses but that should not prevent small businesses from using this sturdy and tried and tested service.

Article Source: http://www.onlinearticlessite.com

For great in-depth reviews and detailed Online Storage Comparisons as well as tons of information about online services visit Savvy Steve's website: www.savvyITsolutions.com

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