PeerSync Pro II 5.04 - Feb/Mar '01

PeerSync Pro II 5.04

Via LAN (local area network) cable or the Internet, PeerSync from Peer Software Inc. is an inexpensive means of synchronizing any or all folders, subfolders and files on multiple computers. From keeping your portable coordinated with your desk computer, not to mention your secretary’s computer, to automatically managing and updating the files of every computer on a large multilocation network, this product simplifies synchronizing and limits the possibility of error.

PeerSync was conceived six years ago as a commercial product to help its developers keep files in sync between multiple hard drives. It still does that, but with a wealth of new options. In this fifth version, it sports a Wizard and control panel that make using it a snap. Under the hood, though, it still offers plenty of opportunities for sophisticated customization.

I installed PeerSync Pro II 5.04 on my Compaq 333 MHz 64K laptop, which runs Windows 98, in a few minutes. I use the laptop to coordinate with home and office networked computers, which run versions of Windows 95 and 98.

I chose not to have PeerSync lurking in memory after each boot. Normally it’s kept running in the background to provide its automated features and scheduled functions unattended. Because I am wary of too much automation, I still like to have a hand in approving when and how software does things.

Putting PeerSync to work is relatively easy. While the Wizard option quickly eases you into setting up tasks for PeerSync, I found it wasn’t above my head to deal directly with the control panel, which is called the PeerSync Profiler. The Profiler employs what the developers call “filtering.” It means you select the set of folders and files on one drive you want to synchronize on another drive or computer. Then you label and save these choices for future use.

You pick the set by using “Select and Click” in the familiar Windows Explorer and Network Neighborhood formats, after specifying whether you want all contents of a particular computer’s folder or just some specific types of files to be synchronized with another unit on the network.

Then manually or automatically tell PeerSync to perform the task. By repeating this saved selection, you can have different tasks accomplished on whatever individual schedule you select.
If you are primarily concerned about word processing data, it’s likely you will be matching up “My Documents” folders on more than one computer.

If you have concerns with other files or folders, each or all can be a task you set up once and then invoke manually or automatically. This can involve a few files or folders, or an entire drive’s worth. Using FTP (file transfer protocol), this can even be accomplished over the Internet.

What is really nice is you also can coordinate and direct some or all of these various tasks for more than one computer on the network.

I was able to direct from my portable the synchronizing between two other computers, making sure my desktop computer’s “My Documents” folder and the “My Documents” folder on my secretary’s desktop computer also matched.

By expanding the number of folders to be synchronized, readily accessible mirror image backups easily can be accomplished on local or remote drives.

With 20 GB drives going for less than $100, why wait around and fool with backup tapes? What’s even better is you can direct PeerSync to accomplish backups automatically — and almost instantly — throughout the day.

PeerSync is a versatile industrial strength utility software for file backup, synchronization, mirroring and more.

It can be great to use for small- and super-sized firms sporting management information departments, which ensure an organization’s computers work — and work together. PeerSync is sold in four sizes, each with increased capability and more extras.

The Peer Software Web site and PeerSync’s Help file provide extensive information. Technical support is available on part of the day weekdays. A time-limited trial version is available for download. Version 5.0.8 was just released at press time.

Peer Software Inc.
(631) 979-1770
www.peersoftware.com

Price: Single-user licenses are $89, $199, $299 and $499, depending on the number of additional features desired. PeerSync Pro II includes automation and administrative reporting, and PeerSync Plus includes FTP selection.
Windows 95/98/NT4/2000/ME/9x. A Linux version is planned for release in 2001.

Reviewed by Alan Arfken, an attorney based in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Feb/Mar '01 Issue

PROS
PeerSync keeps data synchronized between networked desktops and laptops, including those accessible only online, and features instantaneous and multiple backups.

CONS
PeerSync is still a work in progress, and despite its new Wizard and Profiler front ends, unnecessary jargon and cumbersome instructions can discourage nontechnical users who wish to go beyond the features guided by the Wizard and Profiler.

VERDICT
A best buy. This is a powerful, economical file synchronization and backup management tool that benefits a small two-computer law office or larger firms with hundreds of computers at multiple locations. It provides individualized solutions for data distribution, software upgrades, as well as backups and file coordination across local and wide area networks.