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Data Synchronization Questions

How do I sync files locally with Personal Local Cloud?

Data synchronization in a hybrid cloud usually depends on the usage patterns. But there are key features that are common to all of the patterns.

Flexible and configurable synchronization options.

  • Usually, services have a customizable synchronization schedule (daily, every 12 hours, or continuous).
  • There should be an option for synchronization on demand, outside the synchronization schedule. This will help, for example, when you have updated the current version of a white paper and want to get it to others for review.

Selective sync of sub folders.

  • We all know there is lot of information available everywhere. Many files are of no interest to us or are peripheral to our interests.
  • Selective sub-folder sync enables selection of only the folders one wants to sync with a local cloud - say a laptop.
  • Remember, the rest of the folders and files inside them are available for lookup via the web interface; so one gets the best of both worlds — carry essential files on the laptop, and have access to other files needed occasionally from the cloud via the web interface.

Versioning.

  • Versioning is important, especially when multiple people are collaborating on a document.
  • Losing changes from a colleague creates confusion. The best versioning systems for the cloud maintain all versions, and sync the latest version. The cloud should have the ability to flag earlier versions, and the capability to download them on demand.
  • Of course, a cloud cannot resolve the edits, manual user intervention is always required; but keeping the versions intact and organized is the work expected of a hybrid storage cloud.

Sync Performance.

  • Of course, the rich feature set would be of no help if the sync service is slow! Look for optimized sync algorithms that incorporate intelligent mechanisms to exchange only the required bytes across the Internet cloud and the local cloud.