Easy Back Solution - Sugarsync?

Check with Sam about this Backup System . . . Sounds interesting.

From: Tech Brief (Posted February 4, 2008 - A Sweet Backup Solution)

Last year, I reviewed a few backup solutions that, like most, allowed you to backup important files to a central server so you would never be in the predicament I was in a few years ago where I lost gigabytes worth of data. T.W. Garrett informed us about the useful Byteswap that allows you to upload files in addition to other important files.

Now, you can feast your eyes upon SugarSync (formerly known as Hummingbird). For as long as I can remember, I have been using another cool service by Sharpcast that allows you to backup, share, and sync (in real time) all your pictures. It is a simple as anything: You download the program, install it, and specify where your pictures are located, and the software instantly starts syncing your files. I say “syncing” rather than backing up, because that is exactly what is does. If you have another computer in the home, you are able to instantly see you pictures on that computer. If you are at work and want to show off your kids, there are there. If you are bored and want to look at pictures while you are waiting, but there is not a computer in the area, fear not. Just whip out your cell phone and they are there also! Any changes made from any location are instantly synchronized everywhere.

“Sharpcast’s real-time “push” sync eliminates the daily frustrations of manual backups, tediously uploading and downloading files; and using email, cables, storage cards and other peripherals to shuttle files back and forth.”

Using this same idea, the smart people over at Sharpcast have created SugarSync. What looks to be a replacement for the current photo software, they are now offering, SugarSync synchronizes all files in addition to photos. SugarSync allows you to sync and backup your files and media across all of your computers, the web and mobile phone. Best of all, SugarSync takes care of everything automatically in the background so you never have to make backups or email files to yourself.

“COMING SOON: SugarSync!
SugarSync (formerly known as Hummingbird) is a service from Sharpcast that allows you to sync and access your files and media from anywhere - on different computers, on the web, even on your mobile phone. SugarSync securely backs up all your computers online and synchronizes them automatically so you always have access to your files. Best of all, SugarSync takes care of everything automatically in the background, so you never have to make backups or email files to yourself. Say goodbye to CD burning and emailing files to yourself; say hello to SugarSync.”

A small client is required on your Windows PC. The application client runs in the background to monitor and synchronizes a copy on a secure central server. Files can then be available and accessible via web browser directed to http://sugarsync.com or from a mobile phone browser athttp://m.sugarsync.com . It even has a nice iPhone optimized site to view your pictures! I am hoping the ability to backup your pictures on the iPhone will be implemented soon.

The software, I noticed, is a little slow right now and steels bandwidth as if five people were playing WOW simultaneously on the same network. I am hoping this will also be fixed in an update. I normally would leave it running (as suggested) but it just eats away my internet connection, which is relatively fast. I thought that perhaps, it was my internet provider, but after closing the program, I see a significant difference. However, like most beta programs, not all problems are subject to all users, but different problems (if any) can arise with any user, so I would say, try it. In general, you will love it.

Now, when SugarSync comes online in spring, user will get 2 GB free but for now, Beta users get 11 GB of online storage space for saving synchronized files. Of course, there will be premium prices of which have yet to be announced. Yes, it is currently in private beta so do not think you can rush over to Sharpcast and download the product today. There is a waiting list with a few users added every-so-often. I am a nice person though, and I have nothing else to do with my invitations, so the first five people to request an invitation in comments will get an email invitation from me.