Review of SugarSync Online Data Backup Service
Are you looking for an efficient online data backup solution that offers top-of-the-range security, flexibility and cross-platform support? If so, read this in-depth review about SugarSync, which is one of the leading online data backup services that attract all user levels. Let's find out what it offers.
SugarSync is Sharpcast's online data backup service which offers users the power to get their files at any time, from any location, and using any device. It also provides top-of-the-range security, flexibility and some robust functionalities that are unique to online backup services. SugarSync's device support is also amazing, thanks to its cross-platform support, it works on nearly every device, which includes Windows, Mac, Android and iOS. There are also dedicated mobile apps for Windows Mobile, Blackberry and older Symbian smartphones.
SugarSync is one of not many services in online data backup services that does not provide unlimited data backup. When it comes to pricing, SugarSync used to provide free personal data backup service, but not anymore. The company offers a few comprehensive plans, though. Their most basic package will set you back $7.49/month for 100GB of storage space. You can also go for $9.99/month for 250GB and $24.99/month for 500GB. To get any additional data backup space or include more users to your account, you must upgrade to a business plan. They also provide custom plans, if you need one, you can set up a call with them to customize a package that fits your requirements. Both personal and Business plans come with a 30-day free trial to try out every aspect of the service. Once signed up for the service, you are free to test out it and make a decision whether SugarSync is the right online data backup that fits your purpose or not. However, you will have to enter your credit card or PayPal information to signup for the trial, but you aren't charged until the trial period expires. If you aren't satisfied with the service you can cancel the service at anytime before the trial period ends. There's also a free 5GB plan, which is hidden deep in the website. To use this free 5GB plan, you don't have to enter any payment information, but it will expire after 90 days.Installation, UI and Features of SugarSync
Setting up SugarSync is really easy. The latest version of SugarSync comes with a significantly different user interface. Now it is a tad wider and much more attractive to the eye on a PC/Mac. Though the new version does away with the Virtual drive we've been seen in file explorer, which could be very handy for file management. The desktop application only lets you sync and open files in other applications, that's it - where you can't edit, copy, move or delete files, instead, all file management must be handled through the web interface.
SugarSync lets you move any kind of file into the storage, including larger documents and media files. The real beauty of this service is that it allows you to sync existing folders, which means you don't have to move your data to the new parent folder. In fact, at any time, you can add a new directory on your computer to the cloud storage by simply right-clicking it and selecting the sync option that appears. Once the service is installed and configured, all your synced data automatically pops up on your other devices that are connected to the service. There is an offline mode available, which allows editing your documents while you are traveling, and the modifications you made to the document will be synced once your device connects to the Internet again. Like many other popular cloud storage services, SugarSync also features both continuous and incremental backup. SugarSync also keeps five previous versions of every single data you sync with the storage, so you can go back in time and back out the modifications you made. It would be good to see more previous versions, especially considering the fact that some top players in this space even providing unlimited file versioning. SugarSync also keeps deleted files on their servers for 30 days, before it gets deleted permanently. Restoring files are easy, all your restored files will be put back in the exact location where it has been, which means you don't have to download all those files through a browser.
Like many other popular cloud services, this one also lets you share data with others. With password protection feature, you can limit access to specific documents or files while letting others in your team to check out or edit those you designate as shared. Instead of making an effort to send hefty files as an attachment, you can simply message a secure link to access data from your account. Another welcome feature of the service is that it lets you create photo albums and share them with other people who are halfway around the world. If you are very active in social media, then you can upload pics directly from your cloud storage to your online photo galleries, which can be viewed view via web browser in full-screen mode or you can share with other users, and integration with Facebook now enables you to publish pics or albums to your wall right from your storage account.
SugarSync offers flexible and safe storage. Just before your files are even sent to their data centers, your files are encrypted by Transport Layer Security (SSL 3.3) encryption, so it's secure to send data over public Wi-Fi. The security program also verifies safe communication during online downloads and uploads. Once your data arrives at their data centers, it is again encrypted with 256-bit military grade encryption. The encryption key is extremely difficult to hack and is necessary to access the encrypted data. For extra security, they store data in multiple geo-redundant data centers. Usually, these data are synchronized, so if something goes wrong with one, the other one will come into play, which means you can access your account anytime. But SugarSync doesn't have their own data centers and depends on a third party to provide servers.
Finally, talking about customer support, SugarSync offers user-friendly troubleshooting for issues across any platform or device. The application itself comes with a lot of resources, which are more than enough for most users. If it is not good enough for you, there is a knowledge base and a growing community, where your questions will be answered by moderators. Like many other cloud backup solutions, they do offer phone support, email support and live chat. You can also reach out to SugarSync on their official social media pages or via their personal blog.Conclusion
Considering the features, SugarSync has shortcomings in some areas. Unlike many other cloud services, it allows users to sync any folder with the cloud storage, and of course, it's a big plus. Even though the company doesn't manage their own servers, all files are securely transferred using TLS encryption and stored in the cloud storage with 256-bit military grade encryption, so I'm not that worried about security. It would be great if it provides unlimited storage option and file versioning. The latest version of SugarSync app doesn't feature Virtual Drive, which has been great for file management. It does provide a 5GB free storage, but it expires after 90 days. Overall, it's worth trying if you are ready to throw some bucks, but if you are looking for one that provides free data storage, believe me, this is not the one you need.
