SugarSync revamps data backup, sync service for iPad

Computerworld - Cloud data synchronization service SugarSync today released a new version of its iPad application that it said has been redesigned "from the ground up" with new features and a simplified interface.

Among other features, the updated service includes a new "drag and swipe" navigation capability.

The updated offering allows users to see the contents of many folders on an iPad screen at once and open files in any of them by tapping the icon. Previously the content of one folder took up the entire screen on an iPad, along with a lot of wasted white space.

SugarSync's new iPad home page

"This is especially useful when you want to browse photos quickly without having to scroll through every photo sequentially," SugarSync said in a statement. "Applying the same principle to documents, songs, etc. means you can do a lot more a lot faster, and in a way that we think is just more fun."

As you click into folders, additional panels will slide in and stack on top of previous panels as you navigate deeper within any file path, the company said.

SugarSync's new file stacking user interface

The upgrade also allows users to drag folders and use other gestures to see more or less of their data.

SugarSync competes against backup, file sharing and synchronization services such as Dropbox and Box.net.

Version 3.0 of SugarSync's application allows access to any folder on your computer from the iPad, along with ability to download folders from a home computer to the iPad, SugarSync said.

The updated SugarSync for iPad app has a simplified interface that moves all of a user's devices, shared folders, and photos to the forefront. It also has a more to a permanent toolbar along the left side of the screen for easier navigation, SugarSync stated.

"We also put one of our most popular and useful features - mobile photo and video backup - right on the home screen for instant access," the company said.

SugarSync supports iOS, Android, BlackBery, Symbian and Windows Mobile applications. Windows 7 support is expected soon, it said.

Lucas Mearian covers storage, disaster recovery and business continuity, financial services infrastructure and health care IT for Computerworld. Follow Lucas on Twitter at @lucasmearian, or subscribe to Lucas's RSS feed . His e-mail address is lmearian@computerworld.com.

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