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Review of Sugarsync Online Synchronization Service

By: Stephen McGovern

Overview and History


SugarSync is a relatively new product. It was launched in the first quarter of 2008 and is designed on the SharpCast Universal Sync Platform, the core technology utilized in SharpCast Photos. Sugarsync is fashioned to sync all of a individual's files (documents, media, photos, etc.) across multiple internet connected devices. SugarSync also functions as an online backup programme and individuals can gain access to all of their information from a personalized sub-domain on the SugarSync website under the structure of username.sugarsync.com.

Feature Set


Security


Data protection is intelligent. Information is transferred to and from their servers via 128bit SLL coding which is standard, however, once files are on their servers the information is protected using 128bit AES coding which is a little weak by latest standards. They do give private key encryption as an alternative, nonetheless, this is also 128bit AES. We would have desired at least 256bit AES or dare we suggest 448bit Blowfish. On the physical side, servers are protected in data centers which are controlled for security 24/7 and are geo-redundant, meaning that your information is backed up a lot of times each day across multiple locations all over the world.

Backup Features


The main utility of SugarSync - as the monica implies - is Synchronization, yet, it can also be reliably d as a backup solution. This is available by downloading and running the SugarSync Manager. SugarSync continually monitors designated files for alterations and backs then up in the background whilst you alter them. The Web Archive ability allows you to drag and drop files to make a permanent version|edition|variant|variation} of a file that cannot be backed up with future changes. Network and removable media can also be archived but not on auto-pilot. The backup progress can be seen anytime and individual files and folders can be allotted normal or high priority.
SugarSync can automatically maintain up to 5 versions of files and only the current edition adds towards your storage limit.

Restore Features


Files can be rebuilt from the SugarSync Manager or from the web portal. Old versions of files can be recovered from the web portal There is no limit to the amount of restores you can run.

Control and Analysis


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

Interface


The Business edition has the ability for administoring many accounts from a central location withal, the 'individual' accounts do not have this functionality.
All accounts must have the SugarSync Manager installed on PCs or MACs to manage synchronization.

Device Support


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

Limitations


There is a maximum individual file size limit of 2Gb when transferring between machines, nevertheless, this is removed when the file is completely uploaded to the web site. 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 Linux.

File Sharing and Collaboration


Files can be shared publicly or privately. When allowing public sharing, files and folders can be organised as read-only or as editable. Folders can be password controlled.
Also available is an Online Photo Album, which permits you to allocate photos publicly or privately and offers an option to share albums on Facebook, or setup the album as an RSS feed.
When you create an account with SugarSync, you are given a public domain in the form of username.sugarsync.com where all your 'private' information can be stored. Public information can be stored via a unique link that is generated when you designate 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 permits you to invisibly synch your files automatically across computers and PDAs — one-time configuration and you’re up and running! Files are also automatically synched to the web site so you can find then from any online device. Since synching is via a central hub (the web portal) devices do not have to be online during synch procedures. When an offline device goes online, the synch manager queries the central repository and synchronizes any changed folders quietly without you needing to do anything.

Web 2.0 Integration


Not counting the Online Photo Album utility, SugarSync also lets you stream 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 bought at a cost of $99.99 per year. While this is a excellent addition to the support offerings, I don't understand why I would pay more for the support than I do for the service! Other 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 PDFs, FAQs, a knowledgebase and tutorials. There are optionally lots of testimonials and case studies viewable.

Ease Of Use


SugarSync is so easy to use: Create an account, download the software to all your devices, nominate which folders you wish to keep safe or synchronize and you are up and running.
The software 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 plans can be used 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 receive an extra 250mb of storage. If you refer someone to the 30Gb+ account then both parties receive an extra 5Gb.
There are no corporate versions beyond the standard business account.

Conclusion


SugarSync offers a trouble-free and neat process of synchronizing and/or backing up unlimited devices. It offers a nicely rounded set of features that cater a opinion of a ended service that has been carefully evolved.
SugarSync appears to be aimed at the individual rather than businesses but that should not stop small businesses from embracing this solid and trusty solution.

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