SugarSync: Sweet Sync, File Share, And Backup

File management is genuinely sweet with SugarSync, the cross-platform application that can sync multiple computers, share files, and backup files. Access your files from any location, including your mobile, and have them backed up as you go.

Let’s walk it through. From a modest download from the SugarSync site, the SugarSync Manager opens, showing an interface we’re all familiar with - the folder. A couple of things are new here; one, we’ll see a logo of a black satchel, which is called the “Magic Briefcase.” The Magic Briefcase is a quick folder if there’s anything you’d like to share. Placing a file in the Magic Briefcase will automatically sync whatever is in the folder to all of your devices. This doesn’t mean that you can’t synchronize files outside this folder - in fact the Manager lets you choose any folder (or subfolder) you would like to sync through a simple checklist. Once checked, the folder and its contents are uploaded to the web for back up and synchronization. Next you’ll see another folder titled “Mobile Photos”, which is a folder for quickly bringing your photos to your mobile. The install for mobiles is a separate download for your phone, but once installed there is no limit to either the file nor the size that you can share with your phone. Since the website is the portal the phone uses to access files, once again this means that you can have any file you’ve sync’ed - even if your computer is offline.



Now let’s say you want to share your files with SugarSync. From the Manager on your computer there are links to email who you’d like from the the Tool menu, Tell A Friend button on the left, or for PC users, right click. Sharing is available for for mobile as well, provided you have a data plan or access to the web. For mobile access, steer your mobile’s browser to the dedicated url generated during the sign-in process, log in, and you will have a simplified screen of your shared files. For users looking to share photos, there are some attractive options with SugarSync. First, there is a image view that incorporates a slideshow and album options for sharing - selective or public. The next feature is an easy caption field on the bottom of the photo, as well as a field for comments, a fun feature for group sharing.



One of SugarSync’s most convenient features is its remote access, which can be used even when the computer is offline. Because files are backed up online, synchronized copies are available whenever and wherever you need them - even from your mobile phone. Just log into the website and use the same interface you used for sharing and sync.

With file sharing and synchronization applications there is always a concern about privacy and security, but with continuous backup and an upload to your a personal address at SugarSync, you can share and synchronize with comfort. All files use SSL to encrypt during transfer, and stored data is encrypted using 128-bit AES while spread amongst multiple data centers. Even little things have been done to ensure security: easy-to-see status of files (shared files will show with a green arrow in the corner, private ones with a small lock logo), and shared links that auto-expire after 21 days are indications of how seriously SugarSync takes security.

On the downside, SugarSync is relatively new for an application that you have to trust to use, something that may turn off users looking for an enterprise solution. The requirement for all participants to download is also there, and a forty-five day free membership may not be enough to induce casual users who simply want to share.

Putting it all together, SugarSync is an excellent resource for the user who is looking to sync, share, and have remote access. Despite consistent encryption on files, the concerns over privacy and security are present enough to make the online backup too unsafe for critical files, but an effective portal for mobile file management. Pricing plans start at $25 annually for 10gb, and are in tiers up to a business solution of $249 for 250gb. Pricing information and storage sizes are subject to change, so to get details about SugarSync or similar applications with the Listio search sync+files.

See also: Comparing: Dropbox, FolderShare, SugarSync and Syncplicity

Previously in this series: FolderShare: Sharing And Remote Access In Sync
Next in this series: Syncplicity: Backup, Sharing, Sync

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Tags: backup, business, files, payware, personal, share, sync
Posted in: File Synchronization | Respond
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