Backup and File Sync Competition Heats Up

Posted by webchicklet in Cross-Platform on May 13th, 2009 | no responses

I go on and on and on about the importance of regular, automated, backups. I won’t rehash that right now. (I will in the future though I’m sure). Right now, I want to talk about how the backup and file syncing space is really heating up. More choices is a good, good thing.

I’ve been using Dropbox for a while now and am very happy with it. I know I can access my important files no matter where I am. If my computer crashes and the hard drive bites the dust, no problem. Dropbox has me covered. Don’t get me wrong. I also backup everything to an external hard drive as well. I’m a big fan of having multiple backups “just in case”. I pay $9.99/month for the ability to backup 50 gigs of data to Dropbox. For my peace of mind, it’s worth it to me. Plus Dropbox is available in PC, Mac, and Linux flavors, so that works great for me. My various flavors of computer operating systems is covered.

A very similar service has just come across my radar screen. SugarSync appears to be very similar in concept and functionality to Dropbox. You can backup your files, sync your computers, and access your data from just about any device. You can also share stuff as well, if you’d like. Two main differences from Dropbox jump out at me.

1. SugarSync offers more pricing levels, so if you prefer to spend less and get a little less, you can, or if you prefer to spend more, and get a little more you can do that too. More options is always a good thing.

2. Downloads are available for PC and Mac, but not Linux. That will prevent me from switching to it, but it probably won’t be an issue for many of you.

Of course there are other players in this game as well, including Mozy and Carbonite. In fact, even Canonical is jumping into this with its announcement of Ubuntu One (currently in beta). Any of these services are likely to be great choices. Which you choose is entirely dependent upon what makes the most sense for your situation. I have no doubt that the competition will get even fiercer in the backup/sync space, but that means one thing – more competition is better for us as we will likely get more choices and better pricing in the future. For now, either Dropbox or SugarSync may be just what you need.

Whatever you do, do something. Backup. Ok, sorry, I just couldn’t help myself. I just had to remind you.

***
If you are the first to "discover" any of my posts in StumbleUpon, one of the following categories would probably be the most appropriate to place it into. You don't have to choose one of these, of course, but based on what I usually write about, there's a good chance any of my posts will fall into one of these categories.

Computers * Computer Graphics * Computer Hardware * Computer Security * Databases * Internet * Internet Tools * Linux/Unix * Web development * Weblogs(Blogs) * Windows

Share and Enjoy: