One-Way vs Two-Way Data Synchronization
One-way vs two-way data synchronization – are they so different? In today’s content landscape, “synchronization” certainly contains many nuances.
But are we referring to file synchronization between devices? Maybe between different cloud storage accounts? Or possibly between entire data environments? Even once we’ve established two platforms to synchronize, how the sync will work may vary.
Let’s discuss the distinction between one-way (mirrored) and two-way (bi-directional) storage platform synchronization. We’ll explain just how different they can be, and about the benefits and challenges for both models. As well as best practices for synchronizing your files across systems as we answer the following questions:
What is data synchronization?
What is one-way file synchronization?
How does file synchronization work?
What is bi-directional synchronization?
What’s the difference between one-way vs two-way data synchronization?
What are the benefits? What are the challenges?
When is it useful?
What are some use case examples?
Why is it valuable?
What key features should exist in file synchronization tools?
What is data synchronization?
According to dataintegration.info, data synchronization is “a process of establishing consistency among systems and subsequent continuous updates to maintain consistency.”
“The word ‘continuous’ should be stressed here as the data synchronization should not be considered as a one-time task or one-way operation. It is really a process which needs to be planned, owned, managed, scheduled and controlled.”
What is one-way file synchronization?
One-way synchronization (also known as mirroring) pushes files from your source platform to the destination system.
What is two-way file synchronization?
On the other hand, two-way synchronization pushes and pulls files in both directions, from both systems.
What is the difference between one-way vs two-way data synchronization?
Admins can choose between these file synchronization models based on their needs. One-way sync will sync any added or updated content in the destination, for example.
Two-way sync (or bi-directional syncing) updates the file in both the source and destination platforms when users make changes. More simply put, it synchronizes regardless of whether you update the file in the source or destination.
How file synchronization works and how to implement it
How you implement file synchronization will depend on your needs. And there are several file synchronization techniques you can use. These can include using a hosted system, using a third-party tool, and creating your own sync system for instance.
Why is content synchronization important?
Because working within multiple, dissimilar file systems can cause problems that a synchronized environment can solve.
Data synchronization challenges vs advantages
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| If systems are not kept in sync, it may create conflicts when users are working on similar content and attempting to save and share through different file platforms. | Businesses that sync files keep consistency among various dissimilar file platforms. |
| Systems that are not kept in sync may not be up to date. This creates errors and confusion when users attempt to work on the files. | Syncing files ensures that file versions are up-to-date across platforms and that permissions and authorship are maintained across systems. |
In what scenarios is two-way vs one-way data synchronization helpful?
Two-way synchronization is particularly helpful in two scenarios:
- hybrid storage environments
- long-term migrations
Hybrid storage environments
Hybrid content management is an increasingly popular storage option. For instance, businesses may not be able to move or merge files because of compliance or security rules. Or organizations with too many on-premise storage systems tied to their operations can’t simply leave them behind.
As a result, businesses like these will often favor a hybrid solution. With both existing on-premises platforms and new cloud-based systems, bi-directional syncing keeps files on both platforms up-to-date.
Long-term migrations
Two-way synchronization is also useful in situations requiring long-term enterprise content migrations.
Oftentimes businesses start with a two-way sync until they are ready to disconnect their source system. This way, admins continue working out of the old system while integrating the new system or training users. When admins are ready to make the switch, their user content will be waiting for them in the new system. They can pick up right where they left off, with no disruption to business operations.
Important features of file synchronization tools
Key features to look for in a file synchronization tool are:
- Synchronizes your data only when it needs synchronizing.
- Flexible filtering system to include only the files you want.
- Encryption for security, especially when synchronizing across the Internet.
- Compressing data sent across a network.
- Conflict detection is when users have modified a file on both separate sources, and not just one. Undetected conflicts can lead to overwriting copies of the file with the most recent version, causing data loss. For conflict detection, the synchronization software needs to keep a database of the synchronized files. By using version vectors, you can achieve distributed conflict detection.
- Open Files Support ensures data integrity when copying data.
- The assess platform compatibility to understand how each platform manages files, and how it may differ.
- Full simulation of the synchronization. It can accurately predict what will happen to your files before you begin to transfer them back and forth.
Final considerations
There is a lot to consider between a one-way vs two-way data synchronization. Bi-directional syncing users should consider a robust platform synchronization tool to easily sync between their existing systems. Look for features like filtering controls and file parallelism settings to help address common problems like slower throughput speeds. Your two-way sync tool should be able to perform in the largest environments. This includes full bi-directional synchronization across a wide variety of cloud-based and on-premises content management platforms.
