Review of Sugarsync Online Backup and Sync Solution

Overview and History

SugarSync is a quite new program. It was launched in the first quarter of 2008 and is built on the SharpCast Universal Sync Platform, the central technology used in SharpCast Photos. Sugarsync is fashioned to sync all of a somebody's files (documents, media, photos, etc.) via many devices. SugarSync also functions as an online backup solution and people can gain access to all of their data from a personalized sub-domain on the SugarSync website using the structure of username.sugarsync.com.

Feature Set

Security

Data protection is reasonable. Data is transferred to and from their servers via 128bit SLL coding which is the industry standard, yet, when files are on their servers the data is encrypted using 128bit AES cryptography which is a little weak by current standards. They do offer private key encryption as an choice, withal, this is also 128bit AES. We would have liked at least 256bit AES or better yet 448bit Blowfish. Your data is stored on servers that are protected in data centers which are watched for security all day and night and are geo-redundant, meaning that your files is managed a lot of times each day to lots of locations all over the world.

Backup Features

The important function of SugarSync - as the monica implies - is Synchronization, nonetheless, it can also be reliably d as a backup tool. This is arranged by downloading and setting up the SugarSync Manager. SugarSync continually monitors selected files for alterations and backs then up in the background even as you work them. The Web Archive characteristic allows you to drag and drop files to make a permanent version#edition#variant#variation#} of a file that will not be backed up with new changes. Network and removable media can also be archived but not via automatic schedulling. The backup progress can be seen at any time and individual files and folders can be allotted normal or high precedence.
SugarSync will automatically store up to 5 versions of files and only the latest  variant adds towards your storage limit.

Restore Features

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

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 support for managing numerous accounts from a central location yet, the 'individual' accounts do not have this functionality.
All accounts require the SugarSync Manager functioning on PCs or MACs to permit synchronization.

Device Support

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

Limitations

There is a top single file size limit of 2Gb when transferring between machines, yet, this is dropped when the file is completely uploaded to the web portal. 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 forUnix.

File Sharing and Collaboration

Information can be shared publicly or privately. When allowing public sharing, data can be organised as read-only or as amendable. Folders can be password protected.
Also available is an Online Photo Album, which permits you to share photos publicly or privately and offers an option to [post#setup#send#share#} albums on Facebook, or setup the album as an RSS feed.
When you create an account with SugarSync, you get a public domain in the form of username.sugarsync.com where all your 'private' data can be held. Public files can be held via a special link that is generated 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 seamlessly synchronize 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 site so you can find then from any web-enabled device. Since synching is via a central hub (the web portal) devices do not have to be online during synch runs: When an offline device comes online, the software  queries the central data area and synchronizes any changed folders quietly in the background.

Web 2.0 Integration

Apart from the Online Photo Album utility, SugarSync also allows you access music and video directly from the Web portal to any device.
SugarSync allows you to post pictures directly to Facebook.

Customer Support

Telephone support is available at a cost of $99.99 per annum. While this is a nice addition to the support offerings, I don't [see the point in paying#understand why I would pay#} more for the support than I do for the software! Additional interactive support options are: Live chat during business hours, internet 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 additionally many testimonials and case studies available.

Ease Of Use

SugarSync is very easy to use: Enroll, download the sync manager to all your devices, determine which folders you wish to backup or synch and that is it.
The software and web site are easy to use and the inline help is really useful.

Cost

SugarSync offers 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 plans can be utilized to synchronize any number of devices. There is also a free 2 GB account which allows synchronization of 2 devices only.
If you refer someone to the free account then both you and they receive an extra 250mb of storage. If you refer another person to the 30Gb+ account then both parties are awarded an extra 5Gb.
There are no corporate versions apart from the above mentioned business account.

Conclusion

SugarSync offers a undemanding and clear process of synchronizing and/or backing up as many devices. It offers a nicely rounded set of features that give a notion of a painted program that has been carefully evolved.
SugarSync seems to be aimed at the individual rather than businesses but that should not deter small businesses from using this sturdy and tried and tested service.