InSync 7.0.113

2.7 out of 5 stars 2.7 (14 votes)

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Windows 2000/9x/Server 2003/XP / Shareware; $24.95 / 2,219 downloads

InSync is a directory synchronizer that allows you to rapidly make identical copies of directory structures and all files within. This is useful in performing backups and propagating data from one machine to another. Using it, you can define and run multiple synchronization jobs that can specify one or more source directories, each which can be synchronized to one or more target directories. It uses state of the art techniques copying only data that is different between source and target directories. It also takes advantage of multi thread processing, allowing parallel processing of multiple jobs.

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  1. 2 out of 5 stars
    thehunger

    Reviewing 7.0.6 (Jul 25, 2005)

    [sigh]

    It claims "state of the art techniques copying only data that is different", but I think it is hogwash. Yes it copies only files that are changed, but it copies the entire files.
    It doesn't do true delta sync, ie. copy only the parts of files that are changed. If I had a 15mb file and changed only a couple of bytes in it, then it would copy the entire file on the next sync. In comparison, Unison would copy only the few bytes that were changed.

    Once you know this, it is easier to evaluate software of this type. A few other factors to consider:

    - is it cross platform, ie. will it run on Linux or OS X as well?
    - Does it have a command line interface as well?
    - Is it scriptable?
    - Does it do conflict management, ie. when a file has been changed in both the source and destination locations?
    - Does it synchronize files between multiple computers, or do all folders have to be (mounted) on the same computer?
    - Does it do transitive sync?
    Ie. can I sync computer A with B, then B with C, and finally A with C?
    - Is it secure? Ie. if it supports synchronizing files between computers, can it do this securely with encryption over the wire?
    - Does it handle files that have been moved intelligently? Ie. if I move a directory with 200mb of files, will it recognize this or copy all the files?

    Simply put, InSync is sorely lacking as file sync products go. There are alternatives you should consider before shelling out for this.

  2. 3 out of 5 stars
    zridling

    Reviewing 6.2.18 (Jun 11, 2005)

    Although the interface could be revised in tabs and made wider rather than taller with an overall better look, it did an okay job. Like text editors, synching apps are far more complex than they appear; that is, if they're good.

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