Sharpcast Unveils SugarSync 1.5

Sharpcast, Inc. launched SugarSync 1.5, a new release of the SugarSync online file syncing, data storage, and sharing service. Customers will be upgraded to the new version in a phased rollout starting today and continuing through next week, or they may choose to update manually from the Web site.

Now boasting a sophisticated feature module called Shared Folders, the new SugarSync dramatically improves a person’s ability to easily collaborate on and share digital documents, music, photos and other files with friends, family and co-workers.

"Our customers have been enthusiastically asking for advanced sharing capabilities in SugarSync, and today we are very happy to deliver," said Laura Yecies, chief executive officer at Sharpcast. "Folder sharing is a natural extension to file syncing, remote access and cloud storage, especially with the proliferation of media files such as photos, music and videos that people like to pass along to friends and family. SugarSync now makes sharing easy."

At its core, SugarSync enables a person to synchronize the files and folders on their PC with other devices (such as laptops, netbooks, iPhones and more), back-up files to the Internet (otherwise known as cloud storage), and access them remotely through a Web browser from any PC. The new Shared Folder module allows a user to easily share entire folders with other users, collaborate on changes, and manage files versions. To get started, all it takes is a simple e-mail invitation containing a permalink.

Invited folder members can then either view the folder contents on the Web in a read-only mode or download the files. If the owner allows, members may edit a file using SugarSync’s convenient WebSync feature. Websync creates a desktop-like editing atmosphere within the Web environment, eliminating the need to manually download and upload edited versions. It also automatically re-syncs edited files back to the owner’s desktop, as well as the Shared Folder in real-time for all folder members to see.

SugarSync offers many granular settings to maintain control over the access, security, and privacy of shared folders and files.

Settings include:

• Choice of View Only or Add/Edit
• Optional access code to protect folder privacy and security even if the link becomes public
• The ability to change and modify recipient access, viewing and security settings, even after a folder has previously been shared
• Version control and rollback
• Main user interface view of folders shared with others (‘Owned by Me’) and those others have shared with the user (‘Shared with Me’).

"Shared Folders is particularly relevant for group project collaboration or workshare scenarios," said Domingo Mihovilovic, vice president of engineering at Sharpcast. "The days of mass e-mailing version after version of redlined edits are over. FTP is no longer necessary for sharing and editing large graphics files. The idea of using the Internet for real-time collaboration and sharing has finally become a reality."

Other Enhancements in SugarSync 1.5:

• Upload Status View: SugarSync now shows up-to-date status information on all computers for files/folders being uploaded to the cloud. This is a key feature for people who upload large, multi-gigabit files or folders that may take several hours to upload. The new information shows the user that a file is in the process of being uploaded from another synced device, assuring them that the transfer is taking place, and preventing users from prematurely stopping an upload in progress.
• 
  Date/Time Formats: Previously, all date/time stamps in SugarSync were in Pacific Time. Now, users around the world will have their date/time stamps reflect local time.
• UI for Hidden Files: SugarSync now backs up Windows Hidden Files and shows them in SugarSync Manager.
• Simplified Navigation in SugarSync Manager: SugarSync now allows a user to more easily access the Magic Briefcase, Web Archive and other frequently used folders in the main user interface without having to navigate through individual PCs/devices.

All Primary SugarSync 1.5 Features:

• Automatic Cloud Backup: Backs up files, photos and more to the Internet automatically and instantly, with many granular settings to customize it to your needs.
• File and Folder Sync: Keep files in sync across all devices: desktops, laptops, netbooks, smartphones, iPhones and more PC or Mac.
• Remote Access. View and share files anywhere: Access files from any web browser or mobile phone – even when the home computer is offline. Access files across all your computers – choose which files get synced and which are available on-demand.
• Mobile Access: View and share files located on any synced computers in a smartphone browser. Dedicated iPhone and Windows Mobile applications are also available.
• Send Large Files: Send files of any size, to anyone, from anywhere. Share files from any computer or mobile phone. There are no size limits and it’s much easier than FTP. Great for sending home videos and large presentations.
• New Shared Folders: Share and collaborate on entire folders of documents, media files (IE music, movies, photos etc), and any other files with friends, family, and co-workers.