SugarSync is a relatively new product. It was launched in March 2008 and is built on the SharpCast Universal Sync Platform, the backbone technology used in Sharpcast Photos. SugarSync is designed to sync all your files (documents, media, photos, etc.) across as many machines as desired. SugarSync also works as an online backup utility and users can access all their data from a personalized subdomain on the SugarSync website under the structure of username.sugarsync.com.

Security

Security is reasonable. Data is transferred to and from their servers via 128bit SLL encryption which is standard, however, once on the servers the data is help using 128bit AES encryption which is a little weak by todays standards. They do provide private key encryption as an option, however, this is also 128bit AES. We would have preferred at least 256bit AES or better yet 448bit Blowfish.

On the physical side, their servers are stored in secure data centers which are monitored for security 24/7 and are geo-redundant, meaning that your data is backed up multiple times across multiple locations.

Backup Features

The main function of SugarSync - as the name implies - is Synchronisation, however, it can also be reliably used as a backup solution. This is managed by downloading and installing the SugarSync Manager. SugarSync continually monitors selected files for changes and backs then up in the background while you work. The Web Archive feature allows you to drag and drop files to create a permanent version of a file that will not be backed up with future changes. Network and removable media can also be backed up but not automatically. The progres of backups can be seen at any time and individual files and folders can be assigned normal or high priority.

SugarSync will automatically keep upto 5 versions of files and only the current version counts towards your storage limit.

Restore Features

Files can be restored from the SugarSync Manager or from the web portal. Old versions of files can be restored from the web portal. There is no limit to the number of restores you can have.

Control and Analysis

There is an upload speed throttle in the SugarSync Manager but no download or CPU throttling. Proxy servers are supported and can be confidured in the SugarSync Manager.

Interface

The business edition has support for managing multiple accounts from a central location however, the 'individual' accounts do not have this functionality.

All accounts require the installation of the SugarSync Manager onto PCs or MACs to allow synchronisation.

Device Support

SugarSync currently has apps for iPhone, iPod, Blackberry, Windows Mobile and Android. Other mobile devices can access Sugarsync files via m.sugarsync.com. Other platform apps are in development.

Limitations

There is a maximum individual file size limit of 2Gb when transferring between machines, however, this is removed once the file is fully uploaded to the web portal. There is no limit to how much can be uploaded, downloaded or synchronised between PCs except the upper limit of the account. There is currently no support Linux.

File Sharing and Collaboration

Files can be shared publicly or privately. When privately sharing, files and folders can be set as read-only or as editable. Folders can be password protected.

There is an Online Photo Album feature which allows you to share photos publicly or privately and offers an option to post albums to facebook. or distirbute the album as an RSS feed.

When you setup an account with SugarSync, you get a public domain in the form or username.sugarsync.com where all your 'private' files are stored. Public files are stored via a unique link that is generated when you make the file public. Once you share a folder you can receive a daily summary email of activities in that folder.

Synchronisation

This is the heart of SugarSync. It allows you to seamlessly sync your files automatically across your PC, Mac and mobile phone — one-time setup and you’re ready to go! Files are also automatically synched to the web portal so you can access then from any web-enabled device. Because synching is via a central hub (the web portal) devices do not have to be online during synch operations. When an offline device comes online, the software checks the central repository and synchronises any changed files quietly in the background.

Web 2.0 Integration

Apart from the Online Photo Album feature, SugarSync also allows you to stream music and video directly from the Web Portal to any device.

SugarSync allows you to post pictures directly to facebook.

SugarSync offers 5 paid packages as shown below:

Plan	30Gb	60Gb	100Gb	250Gb	Business
Initial setup	free	free	free	free	free
Cost – Monthly	$4.99/mth	$9.99/mth	$14.99/mth	$24.99/mth	$29.99/mth
Cost – Yearly	$49.99/yr	$99.99/yr	$149.99/yr	$249.99/yr	$199.99/mth
Initial allowed storage amount	30Gb	60Gb	100Gb	250Gb	100Gb + 3 users
Cost of additional storage	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	$29.99 / 100Gb / mth
Cost of additional devices / PCs / users	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	$9.99 / user / mth
Referral Program
E-billing facility

All of the above accounts can be used to synchronise any number of devices. There is also a free 2Gb account which allows synchronisation of 2 devices only.

If you refer someone to the free account then both you and they receive an extra 250mb of storage. If you refer someone to the 30Gb+ account then both parties get an extra 5Gb.

There are no corporate plans beyond the standard business account.

SugarSync is a snap to use: Sign-up, download the software to all your devices, set which folders you want to backup or sync and you are done.

The software and web portal are easy to use and the inline help is great.

Telephone support is available at a cost of $99.99 per year. While this is a nice addition to the support offerings, I don't see the point in paying more for the support than I do for the software! Other interactive support options are: Live chat during business hours, online ticketing, forum and blog. You can also email support directly.

For self help, there are getting started and user guides, FAQs, a knowledgebase and tutorials. There are also many testimonials and case studies available.

SugarSync is a snap to use: Sign-up, download the software to all your devices, set which folders you want to backup or sync and you are done.

The software and web portal are easy to use and the inline help is great.