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SugarSync 2.0; one of the sweetest multi-platform cloud solutions available

SugarSync is one of my favorite cloud backup and storage solutions because of its multi-platform support. The new 2.0 beta version includes significant UI improvements to make it much more user friendly.
By Matthew Miller, Contributing Writer
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SugarSync 2.0 Windows application

I used SugarSync in the past as my cloud backup and storage solution primarily because of the multi-platform support. However, it wasn't the most intuitive application and needed work on the user interface. The new SugarSync 2.0 beta has a completely updated design that makes it much easier to use. If you look at the old version and the new beta you might even think it is a different service since the design is vastly improved. You can check out some Windows and Android screenshots in the following image gallery.

The new SugarSync 2.0 beta is available now for the public for free. A free SugarSync account give you 5GB of storage with options for more capacity at competitive monthly or yearly prices. I have the 30GB plan for myself and use it to store images, music, and other files. SugarSync 2.0 allows you to access, sync, and share files from multiple computers and devices. The 2.0 beta mobile version is available now for Android devices and is coming to iOS and Windows Phone in 2013.

The SugarSync application has three main tabs to help you manage your SugarSync Drive; Cloud, Sharing, and Activity. These are made prominent in the new application and it is great to see that drag and drop of folders and files is supported on your PC. This makes it drop dead easy to drag a file or folder into SugarSync and have it automatically synced up to the cloud. It really doesn't get any easier than this and I have to say the new SugarSync is more user friendly than I have seen with other cloud services.

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Managing folder sync

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Sharing status is given for selected folders

The Sharing tab let's you see files/folder you have shared, those that are shared with you, and your contact list of shared members. SugarSync also added the ability to share via social networks, Twitter and Facebook, since that was a requested feature and more and more people are using social networking for everyday tasks. The Activity tab is a quick way to check what has been happening with your SugarSync account. There is also a Search button that gives you quick access to a powerful feature. It is much easier to jump into search and enter a file or folder name to find a document than it is to browse through your folders, especially if you sync a large number of files and folders to SugarSync.

The multi-folder sync in SugarSync is a great way to enjoy the benefits of the cloud without having to change the way you work. The UI is vastly improved and SugarSync is now a tool for the masses.

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The Activity tab gives you a quick view of file and folder status

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Connection preferences on Windows

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You control SugarSync with General preferences

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Checking out your shared folders

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The browser access is as functional as the dedicated app

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Selecting folders to sync

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Activity view in the web browser

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The photo browser is pretty slick

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The Android app is also completely redesigned

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Swipe from right to left to see folders and files

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AutoSync is a great way to ensure your content is backed up

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Folder management on my Galaxy Note II

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The Android app photo browser works well too

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