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Comparison of FileCloud Sync and Drive

You can use the following FileCloud tools to access and manage your files stored and shared in the cloud:

  •   FileCloud Sync

  •   FileCloud Drive

When should I use FileCloud Sync and when should I use FileCloud Drive?

Deciding on which tool to use depends on how you want to access and manage your files. It can also depend on some of the following factors:

  • Company policy

  • Internet connectivity

  • Security policies 

Use the information in Table 1 to understand the difference in the tools and choose which is the best one for you. You can also decide to use them both!


Table 1. FileCloud Sync vs. Drive

USE CASES

FileCloud Sync

FileCloud Drive

Offline copy is needed for reasons such as traveling & intermittent network access. 

Offline copy is not needed or not allowed per company policy

Team collaboration

View FileCloud server files as a drive. User doesn't want files to be downloaded for local copy. File downloaded only in edit. 

Recommended when lots of files needs to be moved to the FileCloud Server. The process is a lot more efficient than uploads.

Doesn't consume permanent storage. Ideal for newer laptops with SSDs where hard disk capacity is limited

Recommended If you are working with files that are 1 GB or larger, because they are stored directly in File Explorer.

Recommended for working with small to medium sized files 

When you try to open a large file in an application via FileCloud Drive, it is not instantaneously available like smaller files. Depending on your network connectivity, this could take longer than several seconds.

Locally view FileCloud files & have a selective and/or all files/folder from FileCloud as copy on Desktop

Scenario where you need access to TBs of files and don't want every file to be synced.

Better in editing large files such as AutoCAD

Easier on bandwidth usage - all files doesn't need to be downloaded and uploaded. Use to upload, edit, or download a small number of files or small documents.

Better when working on files directly from your HDD


Better when editing linked documents such as graphic files that link to multiple other files. 


Ideal Dropbox replacement - great offline edits.


CHALLENGES

FileCloud Sync

FileCloud Drive

Requires storage space on the HDD to store offline files

Requires active and stable internet connection

Are files downloaded to desktop?

  • Yes, synchronized with FIleCloud Server periodically

Are files downloaded to desktop?

  • Files are downloaded only on edit

  • Upon save, file is synchronized back to FileCloud server

How does locking work?

  • No deliberate locking can be issued in FileCloud Sync client.

  • As files are proactively synced between FileCloud Server & Sync Client - Conflicts & updates are notified on Sync. 

How does locking work?

  • Automatically lock on edit in FileCloud Drive.

  • If lock is not possible, edit will be prevented and server copy will not be changed

OTHER FEATURES

FileCloud Sync

FileCloud Drive

Selective Sync - Not all files under FileCloud is copied to Desktop

Map FileCloud folders as a Drive

Actively Bi-directional

Set limit on file size at Drive level

FileBrowser app to edit and browse all documents via a explorer like interface