Review of SugarSync Online Backup and sync

Overview and History

SugarSync is a quite new service. It was launched in March 2008 and is based on the SharpCast Universal Sync Platform, the underlying technology utilized in SharpCast Photos. Sugarsync is designed to sync all of a someone's files (documents, media, photos, etc.) via numerous devices. SugarSync also can be used as an online backup service and users can gain access to all of their data from a personalized sub-domain on the SugarSync website under the syntax of username.sugarsync.com.

Feature Set

Security

file safety is sound. Data is transferred to and from their servers via 128bit SLL coding which is standard, yet, when files are on their servers the information is protected using 128bit AES encryption which is a little unimpressive by today's standards. They do provide private key encryption as an option, withal, this is also 128bit AES. We would have preferred at least 256bit AES or better yet 448bit Blowfish. Your data is stored on servers that are protected in data centers which are managed for security round the clock and are geo-redundant, meaning that your data is managed loads of times every day to numerous locations globally.

Backup Features

The main duty of SugarSync - as the monica implies - is Synchronization, notwithstanding, it can also be reliably used as a backup utility. This is available by downloading and setting up the SugarSync Manager. SugarSync continually monitors chosen files for alterations and backs then up in the background while you change them. The Web Archive ability allows you to drag and drop files to form a permanent version#edition#variant#variation#} of a file that cannot be backed up with new changes. Network and removable media can also be archived but not on auto-pilot. The progress of backups can be seen at any time and exact files and folders can be appointed normal or high positioning.
SugarSync can automatically store up to 5 versions of files and just the latest version adds towards your storage limit.

Restore Features

Files can be rebuilt from the SugarSync Manager or via the web portal. Old versions of files can be restored from the web portal There is no limit to the number of restores you can require.

Control and Analysis

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

Interface

The Business edition has the ability for administoring several accounts from a central location yet, the 'individual' accounts don't have this functionality.
All accounts need the SugarSync Manager setup on PCs or MACs to permit synchronization.

Device Support

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

Limitations

There is a top single file size limit of 2Gb when transferring between machines, yet, this is removed once the file is completely uploaded to the web portal. There is no limit#boundary#top end#} to how much can be uploaded, downloaded or synchronized between PCs until the maximum file usage limit for the account is reached. There is currently no support for Unix.

File Sharing and Collaboration

Files can be shared publicly or privately. When allowing public sharing, items can be organised as read-only or as writable. Folders can be password secured.
Another function is the Online Photo Album, which enables you to distribute photos publicly or privately and offers an option to [post#setup#send#share#} albums on Facebook, or send 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 held. Public data can be stored via a individual link that is created when you set the file public. Once you share a folder you can receive a daily summary email of activities in that folder.

Synchronization

This is the main function of SugarSync. It enables you to seamlessly synch your files automatically across your PC, Mac and mobile phone — initial configuration and you’re up and running! Files are also automatically synched to the web site so you can get to then from any web-enabled device. Since synching is via a central hub (the web portal) devices do not need to be online during synch procedures. When an offline device goes online, the program checks the central repository and synchronizes any changed folders quietly in the background.

Web 2.0 Integration

With the exception of the Online Photo Album ability, SugarSync also lets you access music and video directly from the Web portal to any device.
SugarSync lets you to setup pictures directly to Facebook.

Customer Support

Telephone support can be purchased at a cost of $99.99 per year. While this is a excellent addition to the support offerings, I don't [see the point in paying#understand why I would pay#} more for the support than I do for the software! Additional interactive support options are: Live chat during business hours, web-based 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 optionally loads of testimonials and case studies accessible.

Ease Of Use

SugarSync is very easy to use: Sign-up, download the software to all your devices, nominate which folders you want to archive or synchronize and that's it.
The software and web portal are easy to use and the inline help is very detailed.

Cost

SugarSync provides 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.

All of the above options can be setup to synchronize any amount of devices. There is also a free 2 GB account which allows synchronization of 2 devices only.
If you refer another person to the free account then both you and they receive an extra 250mb of storage. If you refer another person to the 30Gb+ account then both parties get an extra 5Gb.
There are no corporate versions in addition to the single business account.

Conclusion

SugarSync offers a uncluttered and clean means of synchronizing and/or backing up loads of devices. It offers a nicely rounded set of features that offer a feeling of a painted service that has been carefully worked out.
SugarSync seems to be aimed at the individual rather than businesses but that should not stop small businesses from using this sturdy and tried and tested solution.

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

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