SugarSync
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Cloud storage, File synchronization |
| Predecessor | Sharpcast |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Founder | Gibu Thomas, Ben Strong |
| Headquarters | San Mateo, California , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Mike Grossman (CEO as of 2013) |
| Products | SugarSync file synchronization platform |
| Parent | J2 Global (acquired in 2015) |
| Website | www |
SugarSync is a cloud-based platform designed to facilitate real-time file synchronization across multiple devices and computers, providing backup, access, syncing, and sharing capabilities on operating systems such as Android, iOS, Mac OS X, and Windows. An unofficial client for Linux exists but is no longer maintained.
Overview
SugarSync actively tracks modifications to files—including additions, deletions, and edits—and updates these changes to its servers. Connected devices then synchronize their data with these servers. Files removed by users are relocated to a "Deleted Files" directory. In cases where the local synchronization folder becomes inaccessible (for example, due to hard drive failure), SugarSync might mistakenly interpret this as an intentional deletion, leading to the removal of files from the user’s cloud storage. To prevent such situations, it is advised to keep the sync folder exclusively on the system’s primary drive. Although deleted files remain stored on SugarSync’s servers until manually purged, restoring extensive nested directory structures can be complex.
Initially, SugarSync offered a complimentary 5 GB plan alongside various paid subscriptions; however, on February 8, 2014, it transitioned exclusively to a subscription-based payment model. The company promoted limited-time pricing deals and encouraged users to opt for automatic renewals. Notably, auto-renewals are charged at full price without any refund options. Should payment fail due to expired credit cards or other issues, accounts are automatically terminated and all stored data permanently erased. SugarSync does not provide renewal notifications or refunds after subscription renewal, which may result in unforeseen data loss risks, particularly for business clients.
Company history
SugarSync's origins trace back to Sharpcast, established in 2004 by CEO Gibu Thomas and CTO Ben Strong. In 2006, Sharpcast introduced Sharpcast Photos, a service focused on syncing images across various devices. Both founders exited the company in November 2008. Subsequently, Laura Yecies assumed the CEO role in December 2008, steering the company towards a new direction and rebranding it as SugarSync, Inc. in 2009 with its headquarters located in San Mateo, California.
In March 2013, Mike Grossman replaced Yecies as CEO, prioritizing advancements in mobile functionality, sharing features, collaboration tools, and improved synchronization performance. His blog post generated considerable attention for a Linux client version, making it one of the top search results related to SugarSync Linux.
In March 2015, SugarSync was acquired by J2 Global.
Product history
The company’s first offering was Sharpcast Photos, which allowed users to access and share photographs across multiple devices. This product was discontinued at the close of 2009; users were given options to migrate their data to SugarSync or download it.
By June 2013, Samir Mehta indicated that SugarSync was exploring development of a Linux application; however, no further progress was reported by January 2015.
In December 2013, SugarSync declared the discontinuation of its free 5 GB plan and shifted entirely to paid subscriptions by February 2014.
API and third-party addons
SugarSync introduced an API in March 2010 that facilitated the creation of a variety of unofficial extensions and applications. These encompassed web services, browser extensions, and desktop clients such as the now-defunct SugarSync Linux client developed by Mark Willis.