Chris Galloway

In just a month, SugarSync has become one of my most valued iPhone apps.

I recently decided that it was time to get serious about backing up my files. With all of the projects that I work on, it would be a major setback to lose the data on my harddrive.

While most of my files are backed up on hosting servers — specifically HostGator, which I trust a lot after 5 years — even the best web hosting servers can go down and you could end up with a near-tragedy on your hands. Imagine losing everything.

I originally downloaded SugarSync specifically so that I could back up my iPhone photos as I take them. But since then, I’ve come to realize how useful, and important, a good cloud storage service really is.

Below are 5 ways that I use SugarSync and the SugarSync iPhone app:

1. To back up my iPhone photos as soon as I take them. SugarSync lets you take photos from within the iPhone app and they get stored automatically. Or you can use the workaround that I figured out to route your photos through Dropbox and use the CameraSync app to back them up. This was the original reason I downloaded SugarSync. I chose SugarSync vs. Dropbox for the following reason:
2. To back up specific, important files on my computer. This is why I chose SugarSync vs. Dropbox. With Dropbox, you designate a “Dropbox” folder and then put your important files and folders in that folder to be backed up. I prefer SugarSync’s approach, where you leave your files in their intended places and simply tell SugarSync which folders you want backed up by clicking the menu option “Add folder to SugarSync.”

   Update: A commenter has clarified that Dropbox now allows you to select folders outside of the Dropbox folder to sync.

3. To access my files from anywhere with the SugarSync iPhone app. Not only does SugarSync back up folders like your typical external harddrive, but it stores them on secure servers AND lets you access them anywhere you go through the iPhone app. If you download a compatible app, such as Documents To Go, you can even edit the files, too.
4. To access and stream my music from anywhere using the SugarSync iPhone app and online music player. I only recently learned about SugarSync’s music player and I love it for this reason: I can store my music in the cloud and remove it from my iPhone to clear out space, then use SugarSync’s music player to play my music from the cloud.
5. To share files with anyone, at any time. The other day, I needed to send someone a document, but I had written the document on my laptop originally without the intent to share it. Luckily, SugarSync automatically backed it up as soon as it was saved, and it’s now accessible from my iPhone.

The above reasons are a few of the reasons to use SugarSync, but an email they sent me today suggested a number of other uses for SugarSync:

There are some very powerful ways you can use your new SugarSync account – here are highlights of our top 10:

1.) Back up and secure your data (you never know when your computer will crash)
2.) Access all of your files on the go (from any browser or mobile phone)
3.) Share entire folders and collaborate on projects
4.) Send large files you usually (try to) email or FTP
5.) Share high res photo galleries with friends and families
6.) Stream your entire music collection
7.) Take pictures with your iPhone, auto-sync them to your computer
8.) Open, edit and save office docs with your Blackberry
9.) Work from home, without having to lug around your work computer
10.) Restore all your data if your computer crashes or is stolen

Will iCloud Destroy SugarSync?

Apple will soon release a similar cloud service called iCloud, which will give you 5GB free (same as SugarSync) and give you anywhere-access to your files, media, contacts, etc.

iCloud certainly has the potential to crush SugarSync, since it is a similar service and will integrate well with the iOS software. In the end, however, competition is good for consumers overall, so I look forward to seeing what innovations the other cloud services unveil to compete with Apple.

I for one will probably stick with SugarSync unless iCloud offers a far superior value.

Note: This post contains referral links.