Ubuntu gets web-based file sync and sharing
Summary
Topics
The closed beta test began on Monday for invited members of the Ubuntu user community, with further testers able to sign up by requesting an invitation, Canonical said.
Ubuntu One offers file synchronization for systems running Ubuntu 9.04, code-named Jaunty Jackalope, and is intended to be available to the general public in time for the launch of Ubuntu 9.10, codenamed Karmic Koala, in October, Canonical said.
The system is integrated into Ubuntu's Gnome desktop software via a downloadable client, and once installed creates an Ubuntu One folder in the user's home directory, Canonical said.
When modifications are made to any of the files stored in this folder, the modifications are automatically uploaded to the web service and propagated to the user's other computers, according to the company.
Users currently get 2GB of storage for free, or 10GB for $10 (£7) per month, although Canonical said this pricing could change.
Individual folders can be shared with a third party via a right-click contextual menu. Once the folder is shared, it appears on the recipient's desktop in a "Shared With Me" folder.
Ubuntu One also provides a web interface that can be used to manage and access files without the need to use the client software.
Unlike competing services such as Dropbox, Ubuntu One supports only a single operating system, although Canonical said third-party developers could adapt the Ubuntu One client to other platforms such as Mac OS X or Windows. Dropbox supports Windows, Mac and Linux clients.
Canonical said it plans to add more features, such as synchronization of application data and preferences, as well as support for the KDE desktop software.
This article was originally posted on ZDNet UK.
Talkback Most Recent of 11 Talkback(s)
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Why?
I get why this is a good idea, but why make it Linux-only and then make it more expensive than the likes of DropBox who supports multiple operating systems. It's free for 2G, great, but if you gave me 100G for $10/mo, I would sign up. DropBox is $99/a for 50G...still not worth it.
parabyte15th May 2009 -
Technically not Linux only...
The client is open source and Canonical has stated that they will be open to and even accept patches to assist in the porting of non Linux clients. But I believe their goal is to help draw more people to Ubuntu/Linux so they are going to concentrate on a Linux client. As for the size and cost. I don't see myself ever sharing more than 2GB on something like this. I don't need my whole PC synced.
storm14k15th May 2009 -
why ask why?
Why linux-only? Do you ask why Microsoft writes a database that only
run on Windows? Do you ask why Microsoft write a development
framework that only works on Windows? Ubuntu is a company that is
trying to make money. They are offering a service to their customers.
If you have a Mac, Apple offers MobileMe. Since Apple is offering a
paid service, they also share data with iPhones, iPods and Windows
PCs. The cross sell options for this make supporting Windows an
obvious value. Besides, Apple does charge for MobileMe.
The Ubuntu service is free. Couple this with a bootable thumb drive
holding a free operating system (e.g. Ubuntu), and you have a great
way to access information from any PC you can reboot.
shis-ka-bob15th May 2009 -
I love you.
But only in the "your reply makes me happy" kind of way.
deedeedubya16th May 2009 -
When you have an insignificant amount of market share
then you have to support Windows if you want to even think of this being something that will drive Ubuntu adoption. If you don't support Windows than this feature may as well not even exist.
LiquidLearner16th May 2009 -
Mesh clone
I'm glad this is being developed, but it sounds like a straight copy of Live Mesh. Though I haven't seen the actual implementation of it, all the bullet points could be taken directly from the mesh architecture.
downloadable client
dedicated folder on the system
auto sync to web and to other computers
share with 3rd party by folder
web interface to manage and access files
Not that it's a bad thing, it's a very good system with both cloud and local backups, sharing and web access.
coffeeshark15th May 2009 -
Mesh has it beat
Mesh has everything you listed plus:
-No dedicated folder on the system, any folder can be turned into a Mesh folder simply by right clicking the folder and saying add to Mesh.
-Streaming from the web interface. MP3s and most video files will stream right on your Live Desktop.
-5 GB base storage, currently no additional storage available but that is likely to change once out of beta. MS isn't going to charge for a beta product. (at least not one still called beta)
-Application sync is already functional, allowing .Net apps to be converted to run on the Live Desktop and sync to multiple PCs
That's what it currently has. Let's not forget that it won't leave beta until the Mac AND Linux clients are done, as well as WinMo at the very least, likely will have clients for most popular smart phones. At least that's the goal.
Mesh also runs on top of Azure, which is an incredibly robust cloud architecture. What does the Ubuntu storage service run on?LiquidLearner15th May 2009 -
Couldn't I do this with my own Ubuntu Server?
I mean, run Ubuntu Server on top of Windows Server 2008 and have web-based file synchronization from there?
Grayson Peddie15th May 2009 -
From a security standpoint
This is a horrible idea. Making the client open source means if anyone cared to they could hijack user's files at will.
And don't hand me the BS about Linux not being hackable, either. Of coruse with such a small marketshare I guess Ubuntu doesn't have to worry for a long time to come.
wolf_z16th May 2009 -
Waiting on the beta...
I'll have no qualms switching from DropBox if this service is good. Plus, it's about time Canonical starts not being a money sink.
Vadim P.16th May 2009 -
Nice to have an Ubuntu version with
features similar to those web-sync apps available for Windows machines. In my opinion, this is yet another step - and an important one - taken by Canonical to make their OS a full-featured alternative to Windows. I'm greatly looking forward to testing the beta as soon as I receive my invitation....
Henri
mhenriday19th May 2009
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