RAID Clouds: Backup and Syncing with Dropbox and Sugarsync

Ever since I was a little geek, I have always wanted a RAID array. If you’re not familiar with the term, RAID is an acronym for redundant array of inexpensive disks. A common implementation is a housing that holds three disks attached to a single computer. Data gets written to all three disks, allowing your information to be safe in the case of losing a single disk. In A+ training, I was in major awe of them.

So, take that basic concept, throw it into the cloud computing environment and you get services like SugarSync and Dropbox. Ok, so technically speaking, they are (NAS) Network Attached Storage, but please spare me my illusions. I have a RAID array!

What they do for creatives

These two services provide instantaneous backup of all of your creative work and allow you to access it from anywhere with an internet connection. If you combine one of these services with a Portable Web Toolbox, you could have a completely mobile office.

How they do it

Once you create an account, you create a folder that will hold all of the data that you would like to backup and access on-the-go.

When you save something in this folder, it automatically syncs with the app’s servers, putting your work in the cloud. If you upload something through the website, it will be saved in this folder on your computer. The awesomeness kicks in when you add in more computers.

An example setup

I currently have a pc with Windows XP, a laptop with Windows Vista and an iMac with OS X Leopard. To really give these services a run for their money, I have both of them running out of a single shared folder. This means that every file that I save gets sent to the Dropbox server, the Sugarsync server, my laptop and my pc. (I’m currently working on my mac in Espresso, but I have done parts of this post on my laptop with Dreamweaver and on an XP PC at work using notepad (by accessing the website).

Each time I click save on the html file that I am writing this post in, I can actually see the notification pop up on my PC, indicating that a file was updated. I have not actually run benchmarking tests, but I firmly believe that these service networks are faster than my home network. The simple fact that it is automated instead of manual is the real “time-saver”.

What they do different

At their core, both services function almost exactly the same. Files are saved in a folder, which get updated on the website and on as many computers as you like. The difference is how you can interact with your data with mobile devices.

From what I experienced, it seems that Dropbox focused on creating a web app for access, while Sugarsync put their focus an iPhone app. You can use each service through your mobile device to upload, download and view your files, but of the two, Dropbox has the more polished web app.

For iPhone users, Sugarsync made a rockin’ app. It is very fast and easy to navigate.

What they cost

Each service currently has a free trial that gives you full functionality and 2GB of storage. Both of them also run affiliate programs that enable you to earn earn extra space if you invite others and they sign up.

While 2GB is great for testing them out and seeing if you would like to use them, you really need more space to be working in the cloud! For Sugarsync, packages range from 30GB – 250GB and are priced from $49.99 – $249.99 per year. For Dropbox, you can choose from 50GB or 100GB packages and they are priced at $99 or $199.99 per year.

Of the two, you get more gig for your buck with Sugarsync. Either option is significantly less than the hardware that you would have to purchase to run a redundant backup on one machine.

Why you should be using them

• Automated protection against crashes. If my mac died right now, I would be able to finish this article on my laptop or my pc from the point of my last save. (As soon as I got done crying).
• Worldwide access to your files. No matter where I am tomorrow, I have the ability to access this article to edit it.
• Save embarrassment. Now I know that you are probably much more organized than I am, but I am willing to admit that I have saved files on the wrong machine and/or forgotten to save them on a usb drive before going somewhere that I needed them. If you think there’s the slightest chance that could happen to you, these services can save you some face when showing up at a client’s office to show them your masterpiece!
• Sharing. All of your items can be shared with others as well. Each service has the ability to create a shared folder that you can send invites to access.

Try them, they’re free

I suggest that you sign up for both services, save some files and then access them online and on multiple machines. This will allow you to determine which interface works best for you. Once you’ve done that, I believe that you will see how great these apps are and how much time and hassle they can save you.

As for me, I’m just happy to finally have my RAID, even if it is in a cloud!