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Review of Sugarsync Online Synchronization Service

Overview and History

SugarSync is a quite new product. It was launched in March 2008 and is designed on the SharpCast Universal Sync Platform, the underlying technology utilized in SharpCast Photos. Sugarsync is designed to sync all of a somebody's files (documents, media, photos, etc.) across numerous machines. SugarSync also works as an online backup utility and individuals can reach all of their files from a personalized sub-domain on the SugarSync website using the structure 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, yet, after files are on their servers the information is encrypted using 128bit AES cryptography which is a touch weak by recent standards. They do give private key coding as an alternative, however, this is also 128bit AES. We would have desired at least 256bit AES or better yet 448bit Blowfish. Your data is stored on servers that are protected in data centers which are monitored for security all day and night and are geo-redundant, meaning that your information is backed up multiple times each day across several locations all over the world.

Backup Features

The important utility of SugarSync - as the title implies - is Synchronization, still, it can also be reliably d as a backup answer. This is managed by downloading and installing the SugarSync Manager. SugarSync continually monitors chosen 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 will not be backed up with additional changes. Network and pen drives can also be archived but not via automatic schedulling. The backup state can be seen at any time and unique files and folders can be assigned normal or high precedence.
SugarSync can automatically keep up to 5 versions of files and only the latest edition counts towards your storage limit.

Restore Features

Files can be recovered 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 amount of restores you can have.

Control and Analysis

There is an outbound 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 the ability for administoring lots of accounts from a central program still, the 'individual' accounts don't have this functionality.
All accounts must have the SugarSync Manager setup on PCs or MACs to enable synchronization.

Device Support

SugarSync currently has support 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 top single file size limit of 2Gb when transferring between machines, nonetheless, this is removed once the file is totally uploaded to the web site. There is no limit|boundary|top end} 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 Linux.

File Sharing and Collaboration

Information can be shared publicly or privately. When sharing privately, files and folders can be flagged as read-only or as editable. Folders can be password controlled.
Another function is the Online Photo Album, which permits you to share 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 get a public domain in the form of username.sugarsync.com where all your 'private' information can be held. Public data can be held via a special link that is formed 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 heart of SugarSync. It enables you to invisibly synch your files automatically across your PC, Mac and mobile phone — one-time configuration and you are all setup! 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 site) devices do not need to be online during synch operations. When an offline device goes online, the program queries the central store and synchronizes any changed data invisibly in the background.

Web 2.0 Integration

Not counting the Online Photo Album feature, SugarSync also enables you play music and video directly from the Web site to any device.
SugarSync lets you to send pictures directly to Facebook.

Customer Support

Telephone support is available at a cost of $99.99 per annum. While this is a good 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, online ticketing, forum and blog. You can also email support directly.
For self help, there are 'getting started' and user documents, FAQs, a knowledgebase and tutorials. There are also lots of testimonials and case studies viewable.

Ease Of Use

SugarSync is simple to use: Create an account, download the sync manager to all your devices, set which folders you wish to archive or synchronize and that's it.
The Sync Manager and web site are easy to use and the inline help is very helpful.

Cost

SugarSync presents 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 accounts can be used to synchronize any number 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 get an extra 250mb of storage. If you refer someone to the 30Gb+ account then both parties are awarded an extra 5Gb.
There are no corporate plans apart from the standard business account.

Conclusion

SugarSync offers a simple and neat method of synchronizing and/or backing up multiple devices. It offers a nicely rounded set of features that provide a idea of a terminated program that has been carefully worked out.
SugarSync seems to be aimed at the individual rather than businesses but that should not deter small businesses from making use of this sturdy and trusty service.

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