Review of SugarSync Online Synchronization Service

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Review of SugarSync Online Synchronization Service

Overview and History

SugarSync is a comparatively new program. It was launched in the start of 2008 and is built on the SharpCast Universal Sync Platform, the backbone technology used in SharpCast Photos. Sugarsync is fashioned to sync all of a user's files (documents, media, photos, etc.) via many internet connected devices. SugarSync also can be used as an online backup utility and users can get all of their files from a personalized sub-domain on the SugarSync website under the syntax of username.sugarsync.com.

Feature Set

Security

Security is OK. Information is transferred to and from their servers via 128bit SLL encryption which is standard, but, after files are on their servers the data is encrypted using 128bit AES cryptography which is slightly weak by current standards. They do give private key coding as an option, notwithstanding, this is also 128bit AES. We would have liked at least 256bit AES or better yet 448bit Blowfish. The servers are protected in data centers which are controlled for security 24/7 and are geo-redundant, meaning that your information is distributed loads of times every day via many locations globally.

Backup Features

The important usefulness of SugarSync - as the monica implies - is Synchronization, yet, it can also be reliably used as a backup answer. This is arranged by downloading and running the SugarSync Manager. SugarSync continually monitors elected files for changes and backs then up in the background even as you work them. The Web Archive ability allows you to drag and drop files to form a permanent version of a file that won't be backed up with new changes. Network and pen drives can also be backed up but not on auto-pilot. The backup state can be seen anytime and unique files and folders can be allotted normal or high precedence. SugarSync does automatically store up to 5 versions of files and just the current version adds towards your storage limit.

Restore Features

Files can be recovered from the SugarSync Manager or by way of the web site. Old versions of files can be recovered from the web portal There is no limit to the amount 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 configured in the SugarSync Manager.

Interface

The Business edition has support for managing lots of accounts from a central program nevertheless, the 'individual' accounts don't have this functionality. All accounts must have the SugarSync Manager setup on PCs or MACs to manage synchronization.

Device Support

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

Limitations

There is a maximum single file size limit of 2Gb when transferring between machines, still, this is removed when the file is fully uploaded to the web portal. There is no limit to how more 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, data can be set as read-only or as amendable. Folders can be password protected. Also available is an Online Photo Album, which enables you to distribute photos publicly or privately and offers an option to setup 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 stored. Public information can be placed via a individual link that is formed 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 allows you to invisibly synch your files automatically across your PC, Mac and mobile phone - 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 internet enabled device. Because synching is via a central hub (the web portal) devices do not need to be online during synch runs. When an offline device goes online, the synch manager checks the central data area and synchronizes any changed files quietly in the background.

Web 2.0 Integration

With the exception of the Online Photo Album function, SugarSync also permits you access music and video directly from the Web site to any device. SugarSync lets you to share pictures directly to Facebook.

Customer Support

Telephone support can be purchased at a cost of $99.99 per year. While this is a nice addition to the support offerings, I don't see the point in paying more for the support than I do for the service! Other interactive support options are: Live chat during business hours, online ticketing, forum and blog. You can also email support directly. For self help, there are 'getting started' and user guides, FAQs, a knowledgebase and tutorials. There are optionally loads of testimonials and case studies viewable.

Ease Of Use

SugarSync is very easy to use: Create an account, download the software to all your devices, decide which folders you wish to keep safe or synchronize and you are done. The software and web portal are easy to use and the inline help is very detailed.

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. All of the above options can be utilized to synchronize any amount of devices. There is also a free 2 GB account which allows synchronization of 2 devices only. If you refer people 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 plans apart from the single business account.

Conclusion

SugarSync offers a effortless and tidy of synchronizing and/or backing up numerous devices. It offers a nicely rounded set of features that give a feeling of a finished service that has been carefully though out. SugarSync appears to be aimed at the individual rather than businesses but that should not deter small businesses from embracing this sturdy and tried and tested service.

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