SugarSync
Pros
- Offers Real-time backups
- Version History (past 5 versions)
- Edit files easily via the web
- Sharing & Collaboration
- Online Photo Albums
- Stream your MP3 collection
- PC and Mac compatibility
Cons
- No unlimited storage option
Absolutely non-existent
customer service; connect via e-mail or live chat only - no phone
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Complete Review
SugarSync is Sharpcast's online backup solution which provides users with security, versatility and some powerful features that are rather unique to online backup programs.
One of the best things about SugarSync is in it's simplicity. SugarSync offers a streamlined interface which makes navigation of all the features and capabilities easy to use.
Real-time Backups
To start, SugarSync is continuously backing up your files. Most other online backup solutions will only update your files on a daily basis, but SugarSync offers real-time backups. So if you work on a file in the morning, then something happens and you need to restore the file a couple hours later, SugarSync is there for you.
Version History
However, you may think this is a problem as you don't always want the most recent version of a file. That's OK: with SugarSync, you can pick from the last 5 versions of a file that's been backed up. Backing up 5 versions of a file takes up a lot of space, and with no option for unlimited storage, this could be a real problem. But SugarSync overcomes this problem, as only the most recent copy of any file is counted towards your storage quota.
Multiple Computer Sync
As a backup solution, SugarSync can be seen as overkill; but it's so much more than a backup system. This is SugarSync, not SugarBackups. Let's say you sometimes take your work home with you, remembering to save the files you need to a USB drive, or email them to yourself, and then remembering to send the files back to work before leaving the next day. This can be a real problem if you forget some files. But SugarSync makes this easy. Sync the files to your account, and access them anywhere. The same file is on your home PC, online, and at your work PC. When you make a change to the file at work, it's instantly updated at home, too. Or if you edit the file online (yes, you CAN edit many files online!), the changes are pushed to your work and home computers.
Here's a quick video to show you how this works:
Mobile Access
SugarSync is ideal for the business user, as you can access the files you need from most Internet-connected device, including your iPhone or Windows Mobile Smartphone. There's applications for BlackBerry phones and the iPhone app is free in the Apple iPhone App Store.
Collaboration
Many corporate users know that collaboration is important with online tools. SugarSync handles this with ease. You can share specific files or entire folders with anyone who also has a SugarSync account. When collaborating, SugarSync not only stores the last 5 versions of a file, but also tags the version with the user's name, so you know who made the change and when is was made. Files can be shared as read-only or editable; all of this is controlled in SugarSync's web interface.
While many of these features seem geared towards the corporate user, there are plenty of exciting features that just about anybody would love. Two of these features are the way SugarSync handles music and photos.
Stream Your MP3s
With SugarSync, your MP3 collection follows you, wherever you go. Stream you DRM-free MP3s and M4As to your other computers or even your iPhone or iPod touch using SugarSync. Remember, you're streaming the files from SugarSync, not your home PC; so even with your computer turned off, you can still listen to your favorite artists from another location.
Digital Photo Albums
Similarly, your photos can now follow you, too. SugarSync not only backs up your photos, but also creates online galleries for you to share with your friends. No longer do you have to backup your photos to one spot, and upload them again somewhere else to share them. The enhanced Photo Gallery for the iPhone makes browsing through your photos a breeze. Since this is a synchronizing system, when you take a photo with your phone and it's sent to SugarSync, it's also downloaded into your computer.
Downfalls
SugarSync is such a power system, and I hesitate calling it a backup solution, because it's so much more. However, it does have a few flaws. The first being the cost for large amounts of data. There is NO unlimited backup choice, and the top tier costs $39.99 / month. So if you have a lot of photos and mp3s to backup, this may not be the right choice for you.
A common flaw we're noticing with many of the backup providers, and SugarSync is no different here, is the lack of customer support. In fact, users have referred to SugarSync's support as absolutely non-existent
. You won't get anyone on the phone: support is via e-mail or online chat, only.
Finally, since you're synchronizing your files, and not just backing them up in off-peak times, you may notice a bit of a lag when large files are uploaded. While all online backup solutions will present this problem, many users won't notice it with other solutions because backups are usually done when the computer is not in use.
Conclusion
Overall, SugarSync offers so much more than just an online backup solution. If you're looking for an easy to use product that provides you with a way to securely store as well as sync and share your files, then SugarSync is a great option for you.
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