Syncing Multiple Cloud Storage Platforms & Cloud Sync Tips
What is Cloud Sync?
Cloud Sync is a way to keep the same updated files in different locations through cloud storage services. No matter where they were geographically edited or changed, the file will be the same from where ever it is accessed. This is a great way to keep files current, consistent, and accessible to users across multiple locations and platforms. For instance, when a user edits or updates a file, the changes are automatically synchronized with the corresponding folder(s). This can save organizations real time and money by allowing users to spend less time searching for documents. Therefore allowing them more time doing their day-to-day business operations.
Hybrid & Multi-Cloud
Hybrid-cloud and multi-cloud environments are becoming more common among businesses every day. As the possibility of having a single repository for storage and collaboration becomes less and less likely. No matter the method (one-way file sync, two-way data synchronization, multi-cloud environments, long-term cloud migration, etc.), syncing multiple cloud storage services requires a thoughtful strategy in order to work. We’ll explore some common questions and best practices about cloud sync projects. Whether you’re storing primarily in on-premises servers, OneDrive, Google Cloud, AWS, Dropbox, others, or several of them in a complex, multi-cloud environment.
How do I connect cloud storage platforms?
Most cloud storage platforms offer what is commonly known as a “sync folder” in your file system. These sync folders automatically copy files in their most up-to-date versions to all devices connected to the corresponding cloud account. For example, a Dropbox sync folder on your device will automatically sync content to your Dropbox cloud storage account. But you won’t be able to connect and sync various cloud storage platforms together by yourself. You will need an application that is able to integrate and synchronize content among your multiple cloud services.
How does Cloud Sync work?
There is no one right answer, as it will all depend on your personal cloud syncing and cloud migration needs. Do you need one-way sync? Possibly a bi-directional sync (or two-way sync), or to manage a multi or hybrid-cloud environment? Do you want to sync more than two platforms for a synchronized cloud environment? Whatever your cloud migration needs may be, consider synchronizing your content using a hosted system or third-party tool. On the other hand, you could even try to create your very own DIY sync system. Either way, setting up a cloud sync system can create platform freedom among users. (Read how SkullCandy did it here)
How do I transfer files between cloud storage services?
This will also depend on your exact needs. For example, if you need to permanently rehome content from one cloud storage to another, like from Dropbox to OneDrive, you could consider a one-time cloud migration. Opposite to that, if you’re using an application that can synchronize your cloud services, you won’t have to. You can automate the transfer of files between cloud services. So in other words, files will be transferred in their most current state between cloud storage services automatically.
How do I sync cloud storage services with on-premises platforms?
Hybrid content management is more common than you may think among businesses today. It is popular with organizations that cannot migrate and/or consolidate files due to compliance or security mandates. Or organizations that cannot afford to abandon their legacy storage investments. Or even businesses who are unsure of putting all of their eggs into one cloud storage basket. Bi-directional or two-way sync ensures your on-premises content mirrors what is in your cloud storage platform.
DryvIQ’s 6 Cloud Sync Tips & Best Practices:
1. Understand & Organize Your Content:
Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and other cloud storage service providers all create their own sync folders. Files not put into the sync folder will not sync. You may not want to sync old, irrelevant, or redundant files that may use up some of your cloud storage space.
2. Implement Data Governance:
Create a set of rules and security for users who access or contribute to the sync environment. This provides many benefits such as tracking what content goes in and out of the cloud. Additionally, it prevents redundant content from taking up free cloud storage space. And it can even help prevent a data breach. With data regulations becoming more common, this can cost companies hundreds of thousands in fines.
3. Rule Your Multi-Cloud Environment:
Map out where all of your data and files are stored. Because it is unlikely to be all in one platform or source. Before synchronizing two different storage platforms, it’s important to learn each system’s rules of file management. Anticipate and accommodate these differences by choosing a tool that can manage them flawlessly when creating your hybrid storage environment.
4. Make The Cloud Your Default Destination:
Web browsers download files into the Downloads folder by default. Skip a step by changing your browser’s download settings to change that destination to a folder that’s in sync. That way downloaded files will automatically make their way into the sync environment.
5. Make Use of “Selective Sync” Features:
There is, however, a draw-back to sync folders. Sync folders must store files in both the cloud and on your hard drive to be able to work. The goal for some is to create free storage space on their hard drive by moving files to the cloud. So for this, most cloud storage service providers offer a feature called selective sync. Using selective sync, you can disable syncing for certain folders. Therefore those files will be only stored in the cloud.
6. Save Costs With a Hybrid-Cloud Sync:
Keeping several systems in place indefinitely can become costly. For example, many cloud storage services’ pricing models allow scaling up or down based on usage. So a simple way for an enterprise to save costs on their cloud storage deployment is to sync only their most active content. However, old data and archived information can be kept on-site.
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