Syncplicity vs. Carbonite: Online Backup Service Comparison
There are several different types of online services that allow users to upload files to servers for various purposes. One of the most common of these are online backup services, which are designed to allow users to store large amounts of data, which can be retrieved if and when they need it, and one of the most popular of these is Carbonite. Another category of online file services is comprised of those that consolidate your files from multiple computers and devices in a single location in order to help you synchronize your files between these devices. Syncplicity is a great example of what a syncing service can be. Many users are finding, though, that Syncplicity also works well as a backup service. In this respect, how does Syncplicity compare with Carbonite?
Carbonite’s software is available for both the Mac and Windows platforms. It features unlimited storage space at a rate of $54.95 US per user per year. Carbonite is compatible with just about any file type or size, although under the default settings it will omit files that are over four gigabytes in size.
Syncplicity works with Windows XP, Vista, and 7; there is no Mac service available at this time. Syncplicity offers two basic service packages: the Personal Edition, which allows access for a single user and up to five computers, with 50GB of storage space, for $15 per month; and the Business Edition, which accommodates a minimum of three users, an unlimited number of computers, and 50GB of data, starting at $45 per month.
Like most online backup services, Carbonite doesn’t really offer a lot of bells and whistles, but what it does, it does well and securely. Users have some configuration options with respect to what types of files are covered by the backup utility, and you can choose whether to update automatically or manually. If you choose the automatic option, your files will be backed up whenever they’re altered. For security, Carbonite uses 1024-bit Blowfish encryption, which makes it about as secure as possible.
While Syncplicity doesn’t offer as much storage space as Carbonite, it is able to offer a number of other interesting features. These include integration with services like Google Docs, Scribd, Picnik, and Zoho, so you can preview and edit certain types of files before retrieving them.
Another area in which Syncplicity stands out ahead of traditional online backup services is ease of use. Not only is the Syncplicity client much nicer than Carbonite’s, it’s especially useful for network users thanks to its Console feature. The Console allows you to manage users and policies in a single, convenient location. Even if you’re working from a computer that doesn’t have the Syncplicity software installed, you can still log into the Syncplicity site and access your files via the web.
Carbonite’s interface, meanwhile, isn’t exactly terrible, and considering the relatively small number of things that Carbonite does, it’s adequate. Carbonite also doesn’t suffer from the file retrieval delay that its competitor, Mozy, has, which is a plus. Carbonite’s upload speed is pretty slow, though, and this is particularly evident when you first start using the service, as it can actually take days to get your data backed up, depending on how much you have.
The decision between Syncplicity and Carbonite really comes down to two issues. The most obvious is storage space, as Syncplicity’s 50GB limit may rule it out altogether for many users; the other is affordability, with Syncplicity being quite a bit more expensive than Carbonite over the course of a year. However, if you aren’t concerned about these issues, then Syncplicity is the superior service, thanks to its added features and more pleasant user experience.
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This was a very good article.The comparisions are really written down so nicely.I loved the whole passage.Online backups are so many now days and it depends on which one any one like depending on certaina features.I personally use an online backup for storing my files and am currently using Safecopy backup.Safecopy backup offer reliable services and they are cost effective.For only $50 a year one can use 200GB of space.