SugarSync Backup
With a truly bewildering range of features, SugarSync is undoubtedly the most feature rich online backup and synchronization service out there bar none!
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Pros
- Synchronize multiple PCs or PCs and Macs
- Synchronize between PCs and PDA (iphone & blackberry)
- Online backup in combination with PC Sync
- Choice of backup plans
- Multiple PCs can share same account
Cons
- Free Trial period is for 30 days, it does not include free backup space
- Priced slightly higher than the rest
- Sophisticated features are hard to master
Conclusion
- Only software to buy for syncing and backup
- One of the best bang for your buck especially if you have many devices to keep in sync.
- Priced higher than other online backup services. But you get a whole lot more
Detailed Review
Truly one of the sweetest deals in the online backup market. Unique in the way it can synchronize multiple PCs/laptops/PDAs pretty much effortlessly without imposing itself. With a hugely customizable front end, this software is truly for the discerning customer.General Features
Backup Space
SugarSync is packaged in 4 different backup space tiers. The tiers range from 30Gb to 250GB. This space might not appear to be huge when you compare other services like Mozy or Elephant drive. But when you look at the amazing number of features, the space is probably a secondary consideraton.Operating Systems supported
All flavors of the windows operating system ranging from Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows 7 is supported. Mac OSX is supported. In fact the syncing capability of Sugarsync can even synchronize files between PCS and Macs. This is truly one of a kind. SugarSync also supports several different PDAs. There is an iPhone app, a blackberry app and a windows mobile map. An Android app is also on its way.Security
Sugarsync encrypts your files with government grade encryption. What this means for you is : Only you, using your secure password, can access your decrypted files. Rest assured, your precious files, photos, music, videos and more are all safe with SugarSync. Their datacenters are monitored for security 24/7 and are geo-redundant. In Geo-redundant datacenters, the data is backed up multiple times using servers spread across multiple locations. AES is used by major banks, financial institutions and governments and is widely known as the most secure method for protecting encrypted files and information against external threats.Setup & Install
The wizard based utility of SugarSync. You can download it here is one of the easiest to install. It guides you the process of setting up your backup - including folders to be backed up, file exclusions, schedule etc. You can also setup the iphone application to view and download your backup files.IPhone and PDA Support
Perhaps the biggest selling point of SugarSync is the iphone support. They have taken PDA support really to heart - taking it much beyond the iphone by offering applications for Blackberry, Windows Mobile and even the new Android. You can access your files over your phone. Not only that, you can also setup your iphone or blackberry to Sync files automatically. SWEET!Backup Features
Background Backup
Sugar sync does a continuous online backup of your files to your own secure, personal website. Configure the SugarSync application once, and forget it.
Your files will be continuously backed up to your own secure, personal site hosted by SugarSync. Lets say, you edit some files on your computer, and your changes are automatically backed up. no CDs, DVDs, external storage drives or USB thingamajigs required.
Photos
Transfer photos from your camera to your PC or Mac, and it automatically gets backed up on to your SugarSync server. No intervention is required ! Try that with any of the online photo sites. One thing about those online photo sites - Do you know that they resize and change the resolution of your photos before storing it. With a service like sugarsync, your photos are stored as-is protecting its integrity for future use. Scan all those old photos and store them online forever!Backup to External Devices
This is a useful feature in that you can have a single backup program perform all your backups - whether its online backup, backing on to a USB drive or even to an external drive. Safecopy program can do all of these without blinking an eye!Version Control
SugarSync saves versions of the same file from all your devices. So lets say you have a word document that you were working on your pC, you later synced it to your laptop and made some changes there and then copied it on to your iphone and made some more changes there. Guess what! You will be able to retrieve all 3 version of the same file in SugarSync. The version control is amazing. When you combine version control with sync you have almost total control of file versions!Locked Files
Sugar Sync can backup and sync locked files. You might ask why is this important ? In fact this might be vital - specially in an automatic backup scenario. When you work on a document or file, the operating system (windows) usually lock the file- this is a preventative mechanism to preserve the integrity of the file. But.. from a backup perspective, it is critical that you backup even locked files, because a backup is for that very purpose - to make sure that you can go back to an older version of your data.Restore/Recovery Featues
Sugar Syncs restore and recovery options are probably one of the best out there. You get Remote access to your files from any browser on your personal SugarSync website. This is your own personal, private area on sugarsync backup servers.File Sharing
Now you can share any folder with anyone – business partners, colleagues, family and friends. SugarSync has a seamless access for others to work on the content as if they were working on their own. SugarSync also keeps track of the changes so you can go back to any version of the file. You have full control of your folders and peace of mind when you share them
Sugar Syncs Public links feature
This is a relatively new feature. You can now generate a public link for any file in your account. What is great is that you can share this public link with someone. This works great on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter - and even through email, IM, blog, etc. When recipients click the link, they get a direct download — no registration is required. There is a summary page where you can view the Public Links summary page to see a list of all your public links with the number of downloads for each file. Public links can be disabled at at any time.Summary of Sugar Sync Restore Options
To summarize SugarSyncs restore options are very comprehensive it includes: Web, DVD, Console (on your computer), Smartphone (iphone, blackberry, droid) Want to listen to your itunes music collection on your iphone. Its a breeze because you can access the music collection on your home computer using your iphone.SugarSync Product Options and Pricing
SugarSync comes in several versions:- Sugar Sync Personal Plans Personal plans range from 30GB $4 to 250GB for $24.99
- SugarSync Business Plans These plans come with the ability to tailor a plan The basic business plan offers 100GB for $29.99 for 3 users.