What are file syncing services and how do they work? You may have heard of Dropbox, Google Drive or SugarSync. Learn how they work and the benefits to using them.
Wish you had a file at home with you? Not sure what the difference between online backup and online file syncing is? and not sure if you need either or both? Then this guide is for you.
What is a Files Syncing Service?
File syncing is the process of keeping all your files up to date throughout all your different devices. They are all connected to a central hub (The service provider’s servers) which collects the data and distributes it to all other connected devices.
What are the benefits to file syncing?
You don’t have to worry if you have left a file at home, at the office, or wherever. File syncing solves the problem of having to email, make a disk copy, or transferring a file using a physical medium. It’s easier to let the internet handle it for you. Syncing means that all files are kept up to date. If you delete one, it will be deleted on all devices. If you change one, the changes will be updated in all other devices.
Are File Syncing and Online Backup the same?
Essentially, Yes. You are safely storing your data onto the service provider’s servers. The main difference in Online Backup Companies and File Syncing Companies is really just in the service they focus on. Backup companies like IDrive, IBackup, Carbonite, or Backblaze all focus on safely storing your files on their servers and making that as easy as possible for you. File Syncing Companies like SugarSync, Dropbox or Box.net focus heavily on just keeping your files up to date easily and securely.
You will notice that file syncing companies charge more for less storage. This is because you are paying more for the quality software, web interface and the syncing service itself. With online backup companies, the focus is on quality backup and secure storage.