Syncplicity is a cloud file access and file sharing application that synchronizes files on all of a user’s computers and makes them available from any computer or supported mobile device without a VPN. Users download Syncplicity to each of their computers and mobile devices, then configure their ‘virtual private cloud’ to establish which documents and sources of documents will be available, including applications like SharePoint, Google docs, Salesforce.com, etc. Then, they can set up collaboration policies with coworkers, governing access, modification, etc.

Syncplicity also encrypts and backs up all files and file versions to the virtual private cloud automatically. The Business Edition starts at $45 per month for three users, with unlimited scalability and no long term contract.

For users this is an all-in-one file management solution that allows people to work where and how they choose. It eliminates the need for copying files in order to make them available on portable devices and eliminates the need for VPNs to access files remotely. It’s a seamless file collaboration tool which enables simple, secure file sharing between users in any location. It also allows users to ‘share files with themselves’, as it provides access from any computer or mobile device.

For IT, Syncplicity controls the explosion of PDAs, smart phones and tablets and the risk of exposing corporate data to unprotected endpoint devices. Every file is encrypted and automatically backed up so that theft or employee negligence won’t put the company’s data at risk. Administrators can set file access policies and permissions and manage user accounts remotely, including remote wiping of corporate data from users’ devices.

Storage Swiss Take

The cloud has a number of attractive use cases, one being simple file sharing. It seems like a natural application of the technology. Unfortunately, many of the most popular cloud file sharing services don’t do an adequate job of securing and protecting users’ data - as evidenced by the negative press they have gotten lately. Controlling the spread of personal and mobile devices that can access these cloud applications has become the ‘challenge du jour’ for IT managers.

The problem is that employees still need these file sharing services and they won’t give up their personal/portable compute devices. And, cloud applications are easy to take advantage of - maybe too easy for them to pass up. Syncplicity could be the solution for both IT and employees. It provides file sharing and collaboration in a secure, protected environment - without requiring a change in user behavior.

Syncplicity is not a client of Storage Switzerland 

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