Folder Synchronisation Software?

[roadsweeper]

Hi

I currently map in a network drive on my laptop to our remote server via SSL-VPN. I usually access most of the files as though they were on my local machine, but this can be slow sometimes and there are occasions where it would be good to have a local copy.

So, my question is, does anyone have any recommendations for software that will allow me to sychronise a folder on my laptop with the folder on the server? There will be two other users also needing to synchronise the same folder.

I'm looking for something that will do synchronisation of changes only, etc. and is low cost.

All suggestions welcome!

roadie.

[BliarsGoing]

Offline files is your friend. You've already got all you need on 2K+ server and 2k Pro+ workstations. It just needs enabling.

[roadsweeper]

Thanks for the response.

I did see that option on the server-side when enabling the file share - I'm running Windows 2003 Server Standard Edition and Windows XP Professional. However, now the server file share is mapped-in as my S drive I can't see how it would be available when my SSL-VPN connection is down? Is there something different I need to do?

[BliarsGoing]

Nope, just create a shortcut on your desktop to the UNC path of the files and when it's offline you'll view the offline copy, once you go back online they'll synchronise. Take a little care in organising the file structure on the server so you don't sync huge amounts of data and watch out for files that other people will modify while you're out on the road. With a bit of thought it works very well. Only prob is MDB files as you can't take these offline IIRC.

[randlemarcus]

Or PST files, or files that Windows thinks might be database file types. KB to get around this is 811660.

[roop]

I use the Microsoft PowerToy tool called SyncToy. Have a look for it from MS site. Works a treat for me.

Roop

[tycho]

roop said:

I use the Microsoft PowerToy tool called SyncToy. Have a look for it from MS site. Works a treat for me.

Roop

I use this all the time to sync me laptop and media server. Great little program.

[_deejay_]

BliarsGoing said:

Offline files is your friend. You've already got all you need on 2K+ server and 2k Pro+ workstations. It just needs enabling.

The problem with that is that because you VPN'ing in, it'll think you're online and use the server copies anyway.

I suspect the detection process is configurable so it'll work offline below a threshhold though.

Edited by _deejay_ on Monday 18th September 13:18

[roadsweeper]

Yes, I'm having some problems with the basic Windows offline functionality, because of the nature of the connection I suspect. I've used Afaria in a commercial environment before and that would be perfect (although massive over-kill) other than in terms of cost!

Any more suggestions would be welcome and thanks for the ones so far (I will take a look at the SyncToy). There must be some cheap file synchronising software out there that will do byte-level differencing, etc...

[Knut Handsome]

I use SyncBack.

I use it for backups and synchronisation, and it is one of the best pieces of low-cost software I've come across.

www.2brightsparks.com/syncback/syncback-hub.html

The freeware version will do pretty much anything you want, but can upgrade to the low cost version for a bit more comprehensive service.