SugarSync Online Sync
SugarSync Online Sync allows its users to perform mirror-like syncs on any files or folders on any device. With their native software, you can back up and sync across multiple computers and mobile platforms. Just select which files you want to sync and the client runs in the background. The downside is that SugarSync can’t back up or sync external hard drives or any files on other types of external storage. However, for a basic user, we still find SugarSync to be a good option for online syncing.
First and foremost, SugarSync does not impose any rules on what type of files you can sync to the cloud, nor do they have size limits. Their mobile apps are well designed and easy to use. You can set the interval to sync files, choose whether to only sync when Wi-Fi is present, and automatically upload your photos from your phone when they are taken. The app also allows you to view which files are backed up to each device, and you can choose and move files around from there. Other apps are available, which integrate your email with SugarSync, and can be extremely handy as well.
Most cloud storage or sync companies we see have a designated sharing folder in which you must put the items you wish to share. SugarSync doesn’t require this, and instead, allows you to right click any file and obtain a link that you can then easily share. While SugarSync is not the only provider with this feature, they make their own both easy and efficient. Sharing permissions can easily be edited as well, allowing you to fine tune how your file is available and to whom.
SugarSync keeps five versions of a file on hand. This is useful if you decide to discard changes made to a document and go back to a previous version. Revisions are synced with the cloud immediately, and are accessed by right-clicking the file and choosing the “Show Versions” option. Also, SugarSync does not remove trashed files from your account, making them recoverable as long as you have your account, even if you delete them. This is a great feature in case you delete something accidentally, or decide later that the file actually contains useful data. These “deleted” files do, however, count against your total data storage limit.
Perhaps the most impressive feature of SugarSync is their Remote Wipe feature. If your device is lost or stolen, SugarSync allows you to wipe your mirrored data from your device, while still maintaining your files in the cloud. This helps secure your documents and makes it harder for prying eyes to access your data. It also makes for easy restoration of data if you are ever in the situation where you need to do so.
Overall, SugarSync is a stable sync option. While the features you receive aren’t as abundant as those you may get with other providers, we find that for a primarily sync-based service, your needs will be met. Plus, with good security measures in place and their Remote Wipe feature, your data will be safe. It is for these reasons that we include SugarSync as one of iReviews 2014 best cloud syncing services.
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