Comparing File Syncronization Apps: Dropbox, FolderShare, SugarSync and Syncplicity

Over the past week we’ve written up some of the desktop file synchronization applications available, and today we’d like to share what we’ve discovered. We chose these applications for their versatility and integration of web 2.0 features, and though we did not choose these applications for their file sharing ability, it quickly became apparent that the developers valued that ability. As you can see from the chart, we judged the applications on usability as well as function, always with a mind to reliability.

In the chart we address the concern for security, sync, and which applications have unique functions for photos or sharing. After the chart we’ll go into it in greater detail, but if you’d like to focus on a particular application, please see one of the full reviews.

*no encryption for remote access

Comparing the applications, we found that synchronization was not an issue; each of the applications performed the task well, and that the real differences between them came from their other functions. All of them worked on the PC platform, and all but Syncplicity could also run on the Mac OS. SugarSync was the only one among the four to include a client for the cell phone, primarily to sync photos taken from the phone with other computers; however, mobile users with data plans could use any four of the services’ remote access capabilities with their phone’s web browser to access their non-mobile files.

All of the applications provide server and transfer encryption, but we found an oversight with FolderShare: it does encrypt files and sync, yet does not encrypt files accessed by remote access, which might make the remote access unusable for some users. As the oldest of the four applications, FolderShare was more likely to fall short of features and support, which could explain why Microsoft is currently sinking its resources into Mesh instead. Lack of security and backup options made FolderShare the odd one out, but as the only application that does not use a third party server to exchange files, FolderShare is best suited to sync critical files that you feel uncomfortable posting to the application’s server. As an interface FolderShare’s sparse style also lacks the friendliness that we have come to expect from web applications.

Conversely, DropBox and the SugarSync are graphically engaging, and without coincidence, the most feature-rich of the four applications. Both were able to do what we asked of them with the difference between them being their state of release. DropBox is currently in private beta and free; SugarSync is public and requires a monthly fee. Unique photo options were available in SugarSync and DropBox, which provide a folder and gallery view. Among the more useful of features was the ability to send a quick link - an url that points directly to a file. With this the days of attaching and then sending a cumbersome file are over, instead an url is sent and the recipient of the file can view it without having to download the sync application.

Syncplicity was not the strongest of the four, but did have relationships established with social networks and productivity tools. This is great for the user that favors sharing and mobility over security, but with the additional concerns over privacy and extended networks, sharing so freely may not be attractive to users attempting to control their files.

Ultimately, SugarSync rises to the top of the list, if for nothing else its stability (no longer in beta), and the storage expandablity. DropBox, which is in beta, offers 5gb, yet as we mentioned is free.

Previously in this series: Syncplicity: Backup, Sharing, Sync

Application: Dropbox
Listio Profile: http://www.listio.com/web20/app/Dropbox/
Website: http://www.getdropbox.com

Dropbox is a file sharing application for the multiple platform user, allowing users to synchronize PC and Mac files in a straightforward interface. Added features include a web based archive, which allows sharing features for multiple users and collaboration.... Learn more

Application: FolderShare
Listio Profile: http://www.listio.com/web20/app/FolderShare/
Website: http://www.foldershare.com

Keep all your files in sync and share your files with Foldershare. FolderShare can sync files up to 2 GBs in size, for both the Mac and the PC. Get to your files instantly when you're away from home. Install FolderShare on all your computers, and you can access all your files from any computer on t... Learn more

Application: SugarSync
Listio Profile: http://www.listio.com/web20/app/SugarSync/
Website: http://www.sugarsync.com

SugarSync is a premium sync service that revolutionizes the way you access and backup documents, photos, music, video and more. Keep files in sync across PCs and Macs (Mac component currently in Beta). Your computers don’t have to be online at the same time. Access your files on your personal web... Learn more

Application: Syncplicity
Listio Profile: http://www.listio.com/web20/app/Syncplicity/
Website: http://www.syncplicity.com

Syncplicity lends a new face to the onslaught of backup and file sharing tools currently floating around the internets. Simply put, Syncplicity takes synchronization to a new level. If you’ve got multiple computers, laptops or mobiles, Syncplicity will automatically sync-up and backup all your do... Learn more

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Tags: compare, files, photos, share, sync
Posted in: File Synchronization, Product Comparisons | Respond
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