Data Backup Digest

SugarSync is a cloud storage solution that was launched under the name in 2009. It allows users to sync their files across computers and devices in order to access them wherever they are. It is convenient and works great to back up your files. The service is available for free for home users, but SugarSync also offer a paid business package that has more features. Take a look at the pros and cons of the service and see whether it would work well for your needs.

SugarSync Business costs $55 per month or $550 per year (which is a saving of $110). This includes three users and additional users can be added for $125 each. This will get you a variety of good features. The first of these is that you get unlimited storage. This is a recent move from SugarSync and is a bold, competitive one over other cloud storage companies like SkyDrive or Dropbox. To compare, with SugarSync’s free package you only get 5 GB for 1 user. Apparently the unlimited storage is just that – you can use as much as you need without any limitations. However, time will tell whether or not caps are put in if a huge amount of data or bandwidth is coming from certain users.

Other features that are offered as part of the business package include the ability to access your files from any web browser or mobile application, including iOS, Android, Blackberry, Symbian and Windows Mobile. Files are transferred using TLS (SSL 3.3) encryption and data is stored in multiple carrier grade (SAS 70, Type II) data centres, one of them being Amazon S3, in 128-bit AES encryption. You also get disaster recovery if your hard drive fails thanks to the program saving up to five versions of each file. From here you can perform a full and automated backup if necessary. Other features include the ability to share files of any size, adding users to the system at any time and sending SugarSync links via email with an Outlook plugin. Buying the Business package also gives you access to free live support via chat, email or a toll-free phone number.

If you are looking to use a lot of storage then the offer of it being unlimited from SugarSync is a good one. For 5 users to have 1000 GB of storage on Dropbox it would be $795, whereas for the same number of users on SugarSync and with unlimited storage it would cost $800. For $5 that is really not much of a comparison, especially if storage is your biggest concern.

SugarSync is growing and could quite easily take the cloud storage crown. It is worth trying out the free version first and seeing if it caters to your needs. The fact that it syncs everywhere on your computer, rather than having to place your files in a folder, is definitely a handy one. If you are looking for a cloud storage solution for your enterprise then SugarSync Business makes great sense.

Of note, SugarSync is very similar to Dropbox and Box.net. If you are considering these services, you might want to also consider SugarSync as an alternative.