File Sync vs. Access

One of the most common questions we hear is "What is the difference between Sync and Access?"

And... "Why do we sync with one type of client such as a Mac or PC while providing integrated access on another such as Salesforce, the iPad or the iPhone?"

They're great questions that we think a lot about every time we add something new to the Syncplicity Virtual Private Cloud.

The simple answer is this: Sync and Access, while related, are very different. Both provide a single, unified view of your files but go about it in different ways. Here are some of the differences:

Sync	Access
Copies of files and folders replicated to each synced location	Files and folders exist only in the cloud until they are needed locally
Files are instantly pushed to each synced location as files are created and changed	Files retrieved on-demand as they are opened
All files available offline	Only previously downloaded files available offline
Automatic backup of all file changes	User must manually upload or save updated files
Can require significant bandwidth, memory, and processing power	Resource needs are minimal

When we look at each new platform to support, as part of the process the team takes into consideration how users will use that platform and its capabilities. Syncing requires more resources but can provide a more seamless experience, particularly on platforms with a native file system. Access is generally a better choice for systems with limitations due to storage, cost or capability.

For example, while developing the native iPhone app, sync was technically feasible, but we ended up deciding upon providing a rich access experience due to the overriding concerns of battery life, bandwidth, and storage. Pushing an entire document library or a 10MB PowerPoint that a coworker may be editing repeatedly over the cell network would quickly drain a battery and eat into your data package! That would cost you a lot of money and create a poor user experience compared providing on-demand access and only downloading files that are requested.

On the other hand, with our Google Docs and Sharepoint integrations, we elected to go with a sync solution. Since both systems are running on servers, resource limitations aren't a concern and by replicating files to each of the two platforms users gain all of the benefits of each such as leveraging their built-in search and editing capabilities for existing files.

Since Syncplicity supports everything from smartphones to desktops to file servers to other cloud applications, we have not taken a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we leverage the power of each device and platform natively. That way, we and our partners can deliver the best experience for our users no matter where they are or what device (or cloud app) they are using!