I have been using SugarSync for the past two and half years (since February 2009) to backup my data into the cloud. In that time I have experimented with several other backup services, Mozy, Dropbox, Syncplicity and ZumoDrive. I have yet to find a service that can trump the features, usability and value of SugarSync.
It's Automagical
I primarily use SugarSync to keep the files between my PC and mobile laptop in-sync. This means I have immediate access to the most current version of my files whether I am working from home or at the coffee shop. So when I save a file on my PC, it is uploaded to the cloud and downloaded from the cloud to my laptop the next time it is online (or vice-versa). Automagically. As long as the specified file is within a folder that you have told SugarSync to sync, it syncs. It is not something you have to think about, the syncing happens in the background and is always-on as long as you have an internet connection. Most importantly, if your device isn't currently connected to the internet, the files are still there, and will simply resync once your device gets online.
File Availability from Anyone's Computer
These same synced files are always available online via the SugarSync website. A great example of this is when working remotely at a client's computer and needing access to a file from my PC. I can securely log onto the SugarSync website and directly access that file via the client's computer, without having to download any software. After manipulating the file on the client's computer, it can then be saved, and will automatically update on the cloud, on my PC and laptop.
File Access from Your Mobile Phone
I can access any of my files from my Blackberry. This means full access to all of my files, from my phone, without a need for internet connection (just some cell service). Now, I won't be able to edit that Photoshop file from my Blackberry, but there are countless times where I have needed to email a file to a client and have only been armed with my mobile phone. With SugarSync, it's no problem, the only requirement is cell service. There are similar apps for almost every major mobile device; iPhone, iPad, Android, Symbian and Windows.
One Click File and Folder Sharing
Right-clicking any synced file or folder gives you the option to share it with anyone, and with a plethora of options. Assign permissions; full edit access or read only. Password protect the file/folder that is being shared. Send the file/folder share via email, or get a link to share it however you would like (instant messenger, personal email service, etc).
File Versioning Beyond Your Storage Limit
SugarSync keeps the previous five versions of all of your documents in case you need to reference, restore or recover them in the future. This feature has been a godsend when I have accidentally saved over a file. A few clicks in SugarSync and I can recover a previous version. These previous file version do not affect your account storage limit, it's like getting five times the extra storage space in free backup.
Complete Document Recovery
I have had bad luck with total hard-drive failures the last few years. My documents hard-drive dies about once a year. It's the reason I started backing up my files online in the first place. With SugarSync, it is no big deal. After replacing the bad hard-drive, all it takes is re-installing SugarSync on the new drive, and telling it put my files there. I keep about 25 GB worth of files on SugarSync, so the total file download takes about a day. However I can access any files I need immediately via the SugarSync website. What this means is that I can keep working through a total hard-drive failure.
Other Notable Features
- Secure data storage and transfer.
- Sync to an unlimited number of devices.
- Music files available for streaming to any device, including mobile. Hello entire iTunes library available anywhere, anytime.
- Cloud only files. Don't want to Sync files from device-to-device, you have the option to simply store them only on the cloud.
- Automatic photo albums. If a folder of photos is synced to the cloud, it is automatically presented as photo gallery online. Very useful when sharing photos.
- Upload and Sync files via email. You are given a unique email address to which you can attach files for email upload to your account.
SugarSync Versus Dropbox, Mozy, Syncplicity and ZumoDrive
The following points are deal-breakers, features found in SugarSync, but not in the other programs. The reasons why I continue to use SugarSync.
- Dropbox lacks flexibility when it comes to folder specification, you can only sync the Dropbox folder. SugarSync does everything Dropbox does, plus so much more.
- Mozy is mainly a backup service, is not priced as a file synchronization service. You pay per device for syncing.
- Syncplicity plans start at $15 a month for 50 GB, and is limited to 5 devices. Lack of mobile support.
- The ZumoDrive plans are more expensive than SugarSync. Not available for access on a Blackberry.
How to Get a Bonus 10 GB of Storage
A basic SugarSync account is free and comes with 5 GB of storage. Additional paid plans are available at 30, 60, 100 and 250 GB. These plans cost $4.99, $9.99, $14.99 and $24.99 a month respectively. If you would like an additional free 10 GB of storage, simply use my referral link to sign up.
Article was last edited on Wednesday, July 27th, 2011 @ 7:42 PM
