SugarSync Review
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- The Good
- Syncing options highly customizable
- Offline access on mobile app
- Impressive apps
- The Bad
- No user-side encryption keys
- Difficult to cancel
- No real-time collaboration
SugarSync is one of the easiest cloud storage and syncing services to use. The intuitive interface is almost embarrassingly simple and user-friendly. SugarSync negates this positive point, however, by offering a nominal 5GB with a free account and implementing an unnecessarily difficult system for canceling an account.
- Price
- 100GB cloud storage
- $7.49/month
- 250GB cloud storage
- $24.99/month
- 500GB cloud storage
- $39.99/month
If you opt to pay for a year’s worth of service at a time, you’ll get a bit of a break by paying only for 10 months’ worth of service instead of 12. You can run with a free account, but you’ll only get 5GB of storage space. The business plan allows three users and provides 1TB of storage. There is a 30-day free trial available, but it does require you to put up your credit card number to activate.
- Specs
- Compatible with multiple platforms
- Apps for Android and iOS
- Requires 256MB of RAM
SugarSync is compatible with Windows XP and Vista. It is compliant with Mac OS X 10.4 or later. It will function on iPhone, Windows Mobile, Windows, Mac and BlackBerry platforms.
- Features
- Remote data wipe
- Keeps folder structure
- 5 file versionings
SugarSync includes up to five versions of each file with your account so you can fix any accidental saves over the information in an important document. You can limit access to certain files through password protection. SugarSync is conspicuously missing a button or tab to restore files. It is very difficult to download a file or folder by way of the PC application, as well. Downloading is easiest through the web restoration function by selecting the file then clicking on the download icon.
- Security
- TLS protection for file transfers
- 256-bit AES encryption for stored files
SugarSync’s protection comes on two fronts: during file transfer and for stored files. Both the TLS (Transport Layer Security) and the 256-bit AES are industry-standard and provide good safety. SugarSync does not offer customers the option of creating and using their own custom encryption keys. This practice is generally frowned on by businesses.
SugarSync: User Reviews
SugarSync: Comments
SugarSync sees its primary function as synchronization, as its name implies. That makes it a bit different from simple cloud backup software. With syncing, two or more devices can contain the same updated files. Removing, updating or adding a file to one location will find that file almost instantly appearing on the other device through the synchronization process. Not a bad perk, if you can get it.
A backup service simply copies files from one location to another, generally for peace of mind or security reasons. SugarSync tailors its syncing service more to users who are collaborating with others or working off multiple devices.
Large files may upload slow, but this is not an uncommon complaint across the board with cloud storage and backup services. Setup is easy, taking only a few minutes in most cases. Once installed, you gain access to your computer locally through the SugarSync software. You can also access it remotely through the SugarSync website.
How Does SugarSync Work?
The SugarSync’s app allows you to share files by creating a public link to distribute online or via email, Facebook or Twitter. Through this link, others can comfortably download the files you’ve designated, whether they have a SugarSync account or not. Your files remain protected, even with a public link available, through the disabling of file previews.
Installing SugarSync to your device automatically embeds the software into your File Explorer. Uploading a file or folder is then as easy as clicking. SugarSync also integrates itself into your operating system. It will detect any changes to a folder that’s mirrored in your cloud storage. These changes are then updated to the local folder.
What Makes SugarSync Stand Out?
SugarSync is clearly designed to simplify digital life. It gives its users the option of accessing their personal data any time, from anywhere and while using any device. Its pivotal point is its “push” synchronizing system. This allows users to choose any folder in which to sync their data. They can then share or access this data via the cloud from anywhere.
The program automatically syncs to the cloud, where the data are accessible through SugarSync’s mobile apps. Your data transfers and stores securely and automatically, meaning you never lose a file. You can share files and folders with family, friends or colleagues that are any size.
Common Reviews of SugarSync
Many reviewers characterize SugarSync as one of the most polished and intuitive of the backup and file sync services available for personal use. Just as many reviewers bemoan what they consider a high price tag.
One of the highly praised features of SugarSync is its remote data wipe capability. This is for your protection should any of your devices become lost or stolen. You can wipe the data in your lost device with the click of a button. This erases all the data stores on that device instantly, and SugarSync then blocks the access from that device. Because of SugarSync’s automatic syncing feature, the files from the lost device should be in your cloud storage.
Is SugarSync for Me?
The SugarSync name tells you where this SaaS program’s priorities lie: synchronization. Think of it more as a disaster management solution than a typical file backup and storage service. The drag-and-drop function is a simple way for navigating folders, especially on a smartphone screen.
SugarSync is a good choice for businesses because of its ability for collaboration via folder sharing. Each team member can download files to their computer or device, edit and save it, then have it synced. Now everyone on the team has the same file. Team members can work from any type of device as long as it has an internet connection.
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