Collaborate easier with live editing on links

Gone are the days of one-way link sharing. With our all-new Collaborative Links feature, everyone you share with can contribute their brilliance in real-time, and it all syncs back to you.

Give your recipients instant editing super-powers by enabling edit permissions on shared links. We’ve integrated Microsoft’s Office 365 editor to provide a best-in-class web editing experience for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents. You’ll see what others are typing live as it happens, and they will see you too. All of this adds up to a brilliant team building experience for all. Discover more benefits here.

Improve your form and function with inline link previews

TIL that an “unfurl” is the handy inline preview you see when you paste a link into just about any app. With this update we’ve been flexing our “unfurling” know-how to give you link previews that display exquisite form and function.

Paste a link in Slack, Trello, or your productivity app-du-jour, and you’ll see an instant inline preview with your file name and icon on full display. Share a link on social media and your audience will get a glimpse of what you’ve shared, without having to open anything. This additional context speeds up workflows and builds trust. It also makes Sync easier to use with the apps you know and love.

And this is just the beginning. Replacing those file icons with full file previews is next on our roadmap!

Desktop apps

Earlier this year we switched to a rapid release schedule to get performance improvements onto your desktop faster. The latest version fixes pausing issues and provides more robust syncing in all scenarios. Look for an auto-update notification in your Sync app, or get the update right here right now.

CloudFiles for Windows has been updated with all the latest 2-series fixes, plus additional improvements to make it our best files-on-demand app yet. Get the update here.

Mobile apps

Thanks to feedback from you, our iOS Files app integration is now better than ever, and issues related to opening images have been resolved. In addition, we are testing an in-app rating system on Android, giving you a chance to let us know how we are doing. But you don’t have to wait to give us feedback. Contact us any time.

South by Southwest

We wanted to thank everyone that came out to meet us at #SXSW last month. It was so great to speak with all of you “live”, and so great to introduce Sync cloud storage to the thousands that attended the show.

Get involved

Want to help make Sync even better? We’re looking for beta testers to give us feedback on our next-gen apps. Let us know.

The post Release notes: live editing, link unfurling, app updates, and more! first appeared on Sync.com - Get in Sync.

To help you harness your team’s collective genius.

From me work to teamwork

Gone are the days of one-way link sharing. With Collaborative Links, everyone contributes their brilliance in real-time, and it all syncs back to you. This feature takes working better together to the next level, by making it easier to create better together. Heres how:

• Boost cross-department workflows by getting everyone on the same page at the same time.
• Enable easy client collabs with less moving parts.
• Speed up your feedback loop on contracts and proposals.
• Streamline project planning by delegating work.
• Edit presentations and meeting notes on the spot.

Live editing for the win

Now, with the option to enable live editing to your shared links, multiple people can work on a file simultaneously. You’ll see what others are typing live as it happens, and they will see you too. All of this adds up to a magical team building experience for all.

Simplified sharing makes life easy

One document to rule them all, easily accessible by a link.

• No more sending email attachments back and forth.
• Say goodbye to complex shared folder setups.
• There’s no need to install apps or manage users.
• Best of all: no more conflict files.

Simply send out a link to enable instant gratification collaboration.

Always secure

• Track changes, revisions, and updates with version history.
• Set passwords, expiry dates, and revoke access anytime.
• Web-based editing prevents data from spreading across multiple devices.

Boost your productivity without compromising security by sharing safely with Sync.

Availability

Collaborative Links support Word, Excel, and PowerPoint document formats.

This feature is available for all Sync Pro Solo and Pro Teams customers today. The people you share with will be able to edit instantly, even from a free Sync account. Learn how to create a Collaborative Link here.

Free Sync customers can edit, but to get the most out of this exciting new feature, upgrade or start a free trial.

Imagine a world where your team is united, unstoppable, and perfectly in sync. That’s life in Sync with Collaborative Links!

The post Collaborate Easier with Live Editing on Links first appeared on Sync.com - Get in Sync.

Except on those days when piles of documents are coming at you fast and furious, shared folder invites are flooding your inbox, and camera uploads never seem to end. When you’ve got that much on the go, it’s a challenge to stay on top of it all.

That’s why we’re thrilled to give Starred files a starring role.

What are Starred files?

Starred files are shortcuts to your most important work, helping transport you back to a world of uncompromised file management bliss. Starring gives you instant access to everything you need, whenever you need it.

When you star a file or folder, it sits at the top of the all-new Starred tab, always a single click away. File access has never been this easy.

Find the needle in the haystack

Navigating through hundreds of folders to get to your most important work is time consuming. But with Starred files you get to shortcut the whole click, scroll, click, scroll navigation nightmare. Get one-click access to any file or folder, no matter where it’s located, simply by starring it.

It’s like a Super Mario rainbow-star speed run for your files. That fast!

Collaborate with courtesy

With Starred files, you no longer have to be that person moving and re-organizing everything in a shared folder. Instead, star what you need and leave the rest alone. No need to wait for the stars to align on this one. Your team will thank you!

Save it for later

Starring makes procrastinating time management easier by saving it for tomorrow. Serenity now. Serenity later. It’s a win-win.

Reclaim your zen from anywhere

Personalize how you manage your files with stars that sync across both web and mobile. Star a file on the Sync mobile app and jump right into it on the web. Your stars are always perfectly organized and in sync across devices. 

5/5 stars

Yes, we give this feature a rave review because it will make you a file management rockstar. Get started with unlimited stars on Sync Pro and give three stars a try for free.

Give your files a starring role right now or follow our step-by-step guide.

The post Introducing Starred Files, a Shortcut to Your Most Important Work first appeared on Sync.com - Get in Sync.

Whether it’s extortionate pricing, debilitating limitations, or sluggish performance, you shouldn’t let your cloud storage provider hold you back. The good news is that you’re in the right place with Sync. And the thousands of businesses that have made the switch from Box.com agree: Sync cloud storage is better, faster, and more affordable.  So start working on your terms with a secure Box.com alternative that works for you.

Pricing for businesses of all sizes

It’s unanimous, Box.com is incredibly pricy for what you get. On a budget? Box’s low-cost plans give you so little storage you’ll immediately have to pay for more. Have a growing team? Your journey with Box starts with paying potentially thousands of dollars more per year compared to the competition. And even then, your team will quickly run into file limitations that force you to pay more. It’s a no-win situation.

Switch to Sync to get fair, customer-friendly pricing whether you’re a sole practitioner, SMB, team, or large-scale organization. Sync provides immediate cost relief compared to Box’s wildly expensive, per-user pricing. Scale your business and balance your budget with Sync. Don’t get stuck inside the box.

Experience life without limits

If there’s one thing Box.com is good at, it’s limits. In fact, Box has a wide array of limits designed specifically to hold you back…unless you pay more. Imagine choosing a cloud storage provider that intentionally stifles your biggest ideas, hinders your creativity, and paywalls your best work. That’s life inside the box. Here are the limits you need to know:

File size limits: Box imposes woefully inadequate file size limits on virtually every plan. For businesses just getting started, the maximum file size is only 2GB. A non-starter for most media files. Even at the top tier, limits range from 5GB to 15GB. Still not enough to get your best work done. Unlike Box, Sync doesn’t impose file size limits on any plan. Upload large files to your heart’s content!

File version history limits: Version history allows you to go back in time and restore older versions of a file. It’s a lifesaver if you get hit with ransomware. Box includes a maximum of 25 revisions on the Business Starter plan, which may not be enough to recover when disaster strikes. Sync offers unlimited revisions on all business plans. Sleep easy at night.

User limits: Perhaps the most unnecessary limit Box levies is a 10-user maximum (not minimum) on the Box Business Starter plan. Essentially, Box penalizes growing teams by forcing them onto a much more expensive plan just to keep working. Grow your team on your terms with Sync. Without nightmarish price increases down the road.

Performance that scales

Box reveals a surprising detail buried deep inside their documentation: “Box Drive is not suited for mass contents transfer.” AKA, Box is not suitable for large file sets. Got tens of thousands of files? Good luck trying to get them in or out of Box. Sync is optimized to support large file sets, which makes getting your data into Sync easy and scaling up even easier.

In the same document, Box plainly admits that they’re not the fastest. Large files open slowly and performance does not scale. Which means more wasted time leading to more issues down the line. Avoid all of this with Sync.

Truly unlimited unlimited storage

While Box does advertise unlimited storage, it’s not exactly as advertised. Not even close. What’s the point of paying for unlimited if you can’t upload large files or large file sets? Sync’s Pro Teams Unlimited plan includes unlimited cloud storage, unlimited data transfer, and unlimited collaboration. To infinity and beyond without all the limits.

Enterprise-grade security without the enterprise-grade price tag

By now there’s a familiar story shaping up. Everything at Box costs more. And that extends to the security of your documents and files too. From basic data loss protection to advanced admin controls to Box Shield, Box Governance, and HIPAA compliance, everything at Box costs more. Add it all up and it’s almost impossible to know just how much keeping your data protected actually costs, or whether your data is truly protected with the Box plan you choose.

With Sync data loss protection is included by default on all plans, HIPAA compliance is included on every Teams plan, ransomware protection with account roll-back and up to 365 days of files version history comes standard, and advanced access controls are built-in. Additionally, Sync is certified compliant with the most widely accepted security and privacy regulations worldwide, including SOC 2, SOC 3, and the GDPR.

Sync is designed to keep you safe. No premiums.

More features to love with less bloat

It’s no secret Box is bloated. With Box not only do you pay a premium for features you’ll never use, but you also end up paying for a long list of limitations that you will use on a daily basis. What’s oddly strange is that Box advertises these limits as features! If the B in Box stands for bloat, the S in Sync stands for simplicity. Because Sync includes all the file sync, sharing, collaboration, and backup features you know and love, without the bloat:

• Access your files from any computer or device
• Desktop apps and File Explorer / Finder integration for Windows & Mac
• Mobile apps for iPhone, iPad, and Android
• Web browser access
• Offline access
• Secure file sharing
• Secure shared folder collaboration
• Advanced share permissions
• File requests
• Selective sync
• Multi-user management
• Sync CloudFiles files-on-demand (similar to Box Drive)
• Microsoft Office and Office 365 integration
• Custom branding

Stellar customer service for all

If you’re okay with becoming the next Box customer support horror story, they have the perfect support team for you. Otherwise, if you’re looking for rapid response times from knowledgeable customer service experts, you really need to switch to Sync. With Sync, you get dedicated, personalized, in-house help whenever you need it.

Make the switch today

Sync takes what you know and love about Box.com and simply does it better. Say goodbye to the extortionate pricing, debilitating limitations, and sluggish performance that comes standard with Box. Say hello to a refreshingly simple file sync, sharing, collaboration, and backup solution, that works for you.

Join the thousands of businesses that have made the switch from Box to Sync and get more for less. Find the right plan for your business and fall back in love with cloud storage that doesn’t hold you back. Get your team in Sync with a better, faster, more affordable secure Box.com vs Sync alternative.

Think outside the Box!

The post All the Reasons to Think Outside the Box and Switch to Sync first appeared on Sync.com - Get in Sync.

Fast-forward to present day and there’s a new verb to consider: deGoogle. It’s the act of ridding yourself of all things Google. Advocates of the deGoogle movement argue that Google has become a sort of weapon of mass destruction in our personal lives. Here’s why:

• Google knows too much about us. From location history to doorbell cams to all the topics we search, everything is tracked and recorded as a data point.
• Google uses this data to monetize us. This means we are the product, not the customer, sometimes even when we pay.
• Google works with the government as part of the PRISM surveillance program, which means they may share personal data without consent.

For the record, Google has some great products, and they certainly changed the world by making access to information easier. But in modern times, we wish googling did even more good. Until then, deGoogle whenever you can.

Switching from Google Drive to Sync cloud storage is an easy first step because you get more features and better data privacy protection for less. So take a stand and get in sync for the win. Now that’s a verb we recommend.

Lower cost of ownership

Pricing is a no-win situation when it comes to Google because even if you purchase a product, they monetize you. Got an Android device? Turn off location history right now to stop at least some of the monetization madness.

Beyond blurring the lines between product and customer, Google Drive cloud storage is simply too expensive! Compare Google’s Business Starter plan at $6 per user, for a paltry 30 GB of storage space. Hardly enough room for more than a few video files. For the same price, Sync gives you 1,000 GB of storage space. Furthermore, if you have large-scale storage requirements, Google maxes out at $18 per user for 5 TB. Compare that to $15 per user for unlimited storage space with Sync.

More storage for less. DeGoogle your cloud storage and save!

And while we’re talking about cost, ask yourself: at what cost would you give up your right to privacy? Sync includes better privacy protection on every plan. Priceless.

Better data privacy protection

Google has such a bad track record when it comes to protecting user privacy there’s a lengthy Wikipedia article on the subject. To save you the 30 minute read, the gist is that Google collects far more personal data than anyone could ever imagine. Worse, it’s not always clear who has access, and what all that data is used for. What we do know is that they collect at least 40 data points, including:

• Documents you store in the cloud
• App usage
• Search history
• Interactions with ads
• Your emails
• Videos you watch
• Where you’ve been (your GPS location data)
• Information about other devices near you

Add it all up and Google knows more about you than you do, and by default, all that data is saved indefinitely. Sync on the other hand has a great track record when it comes to protecting user privacy. We do everything in our power to limit how much we know about you:

• Documents in the cloud are protected from unauthorized access
• App usage is not tracked
• Personal data is never monetized
• You are a valued customer (not a product)
• You have the right to be forgotten
• Sync is certified compliant with the most widely accepted data privacy regulations worldwide

Surely that’s reason enough to deGoogle your documents and files. Switch to secure cloud storage and file sharing that respects your privacy and take back control of your data.

Don’t let your files end up in the Google Graveyard

Yes, the Google Graveyard is real. It’s a scary-long list of hundreds of discontinued Google products and services. As consumers, we want to believe that established brands like Google are the safest bet because they’re too big to fail. But when it comes to Google, it seems like there are more failures than wins.

From Google’s Picasa cloud storage for photos that shuttered after 13 years, to Google+ and Stadia, it’s hard to ignore the reality that Google’s primary business is not cloud storage. With such an astounding track record of failure, putting your trust in Google for the long haul seems like a risky endeavour.

At Sync, we specialize in one thing: secure cloud storage. We’re committed to providing a safe space for you to store, access, and share your files. Trust the specialists to keep your files safe and secure in the cloud long-term.

Data loss protection 365 days of the year

Accidents happen. You delete a file. A collaborator overwrites your work. Your computer kicks the bucket. You get hit by ransomware. Stuff happens, and with Sync you get up to 365 days of file version history, deleted file recovery, and account rollback with unlimited revisions. With Google, you get 30 days max, and then your files are gone forever.

For worry-free cloud storage, Sync gives you complete peace of mind. Never lose a file again!

Better customer service

It’s no secret that Google doesn’t want to talk to you. Even their phone support is largely automated, with a series of time-consuming menu options that lead you back to the web for more information. Got a problem? Google it. Worse, Google doesn’t always support their products long-term. Planned obsolescence means that after just a few years, you may not be able to get any support at all.

With Sync, you get access to a dedicated in-house support team ready to answer all your questions. No chatbots, just real people helping you whenever you need it.

All the features you know and love

Just like Google, Sync makes it easy to store, share, and access your files from any computer, phone, or tablet. Which means you can easily deGoogle your cloud storage and continue to get all features you need. No disruptions, no learning curves, just pure syncing bliss.

Switch from Google Drive to Sync and continue to enjoy these great features:

• Access your files from any computer or device
• Desktop apps for Windows & Mac
• Mobile apps for iPhone, iPad, and Android
• Web browser access
• Offline access
• Simple file sharing
• Team shared folder collaboration
• Selective sync
• Multi-user management
• Online document editing
• File comments

Features you just can’t google

DeGoogling has even more advantages: you get more productivity features, more ways to collaborate, and a lot more storage space. Here are some incredible features you can only get at Sync:

• Password protection and expiry dates when sharing
• Custom branding (add your logo) when sharing
• Microsoft Office integration
• File requests and client file portal
• Better Windows File Explorer and Mac Finder integration
• People you share with don’t need a Sync account
• Up to unlimited storage space for all your files

DeGoogle your life today

It may seem like Google’s grip is impossible to escape, but there is a path to a peaceful and serene life with less googling. Get started with these alternatives that do good:

• DuckDuckGo for search
• Firefox for web browsing
• OpenStreetMap for maps and driving directions
• Tutanota for email
• Sync.com for secure cloud storage, file sharing, and collaboration

With so many great and secure Google Drive alternatives, taking a stand has never been easier. Switch from Google Drive to Sync today, not because you have something to hide, but because you’ve got something to protect.

The post All the Reasons to DeGoogle Your Life and Switch to Sync first appeared on Sync.com - Get in Sync.

1. Choose your business idea (and do your research)

Some entrepreneurs decide to start their own business because they already have an amazing business idea in mind, while others choose to start a business before they know what they’re going to sell. Either way, coming up with your business idea is just the beginning. 

Once you have an idea, figure out what niche market your business will serve. A niche market is a group of potential customers who are united by a common interest or shared demographic. Niche is closely related to industry, but they aren’t exactly the same. For example, if your business idea is a pet store, you’ll be part of the pet industry. But your niche could be as general as pet owners in Canada, or as specific as purebred cat breeders in Ontario.

It’s all about finding a niche that strikes a balance between being general enough that there is a large market of potential customers while being distinct enough that you’ll be catering to a portion of the market that is currently underserved.

You’ll also want to conduct market research to determine how viable your business idea is, who your main competitors will be, and who your ideal customer is. This information will come in handy when you do everything from designing your product packaging to writing your marketing copy since you’ll be better equipped to communicate what sets you apart and why buying from your business is the best option. 

It’s a good idea to write a business plan that contains all of this information, as well as your goals and how you plan to achieve them. Not only will this help you stay organized and make sure you have all your bases covered, but a business plan will also be a necessity if you’re going to seek out external funding like grants, investments, or bank loans. 

Your business plan should also cover what products or services you will sell, as well as how you’ll handle manufacturing, packaging, inventory management, shipping, pricing, and more. Will you manufacture your own products, purchase them from a supplier, or opt for print-on-demand or dropshipping? Each choice you make will impact your bottom line, so weigh the pros and cons and make decisions that align with your goals for your business.

2. Decide on your business structure

It’s a good idea to figure out your business structure early on in the planning process, since this will determine a number of other factors, including whether or not you will have to register or incorporate your business. There are three main business structures that you will likely be deciding between.

Sole proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is the simplest business structure. It is an unincorporated business that is owned by a single individual who is personally responsible and liable for all business decisions, profits, and losses. If you are operating a sole proprietorship under your own legal name, it may not be necessary to register your business. A sole proprietorship is taxed at your personal income rate.

Corporation

A corporation is a separate legal entity, meaning that the owner(s) of the business are not personally responsible for the company’s debts. Corporations have access to additional benefits including better tax rates and increased access to capital, but the process of incorporating a business is more time-consuming and expensive than registering a sole proprietorship or partnership.

Partnership

A partnership is similar to a sole proprietorship, but with two or more owners who share liability.

3. Create your business name

Coming up with a business name can be both exciting and challenging since your name needs to effectively communicate your brand identity and what you sell, all while standing out as unique and memorable. Once you have an idea for a name, make sure to check that it isn’t already in use by doing a NUANS name search, which will provide you with a complete list of registered business names and trademarks in Canada.

If your business name is available, it’s also a good time to purchase the associated domain name. Even if you’re planning on operating an entirely brick-and-mortar business, an online presence goes a long way in establishing your credibility and making sure that it’s easy for potential customers to find you. 

4. File the necessary legal forms

Once you’ve decided on your business name and structure, you have enough information to determine if you need to register or incorporate your business, in which case you will need to file certain legal forms with the government. Incorporation requires extensive paperwork, as well as ongoing administrative tasks to keep your records up to date. These documents can be difficult to prepare on your own, so consider using Ownr to start your business and take care of everything you need to stay compliant with Canadian laws.

In addition to filing to register or incorporate your business, you’ll need to apply for any business permits and licenses that are required at a municipal, provincial/territorial, and federal level. 

5. Open a business bank account

While a business bank account is only a legal requirement if you incorporate, it’s always a good idea to keep your business and personal finances separate. You can even get money back when you open an RBC business bank account within 60 days of registering or incorporating your business with Ownr, as well as access to free invoicing and accounting software to make keeping track of your finances that much easier.

6. Register for a GST/HST number

If your business does $30,000 or more in a given calendar quarter or in the four preceding calendar quarters, you’ll be required to register for a GST/HST number, charge taxes on all taxable sales, and remit those taxes to the government. Even if you haven’t yet met the $30,000 threshold, you still might want to register for a GST/HST number, because you’ll immediately be eligible to claim tax credits and refunds before you even have to start charging taxes.

7. Launch your business

With all of the administrative preparation out of the way, you’re finally ready to launch your new business! With that said, the most successful business launches are the ones with a clear plan for getting the word out and bringing in customers. Consider using free or paid advertising and optimize your website for SEO to make it easier for people to find you.

Also, don’t forget about setting up cloud storage to boost your productivity and make sharing easier. Being Canadian, you’ll want truly Canadian cloud storage like Sync.com to ensure your data remains safe, secure, and in Canada.

Once you’ve been in business for some time, take a step back and evaluate how things are going and where there is room for improvement. No matter how much time you spend planning each aspect of your new business, you may find that things don’t always work out as you’d planned, and that’s okay! As an entrepreneur, it’s important that you are willing to pivot and adjust your plans as needed for the long-term benefit of your company.

Starting your own business is a huge undertaking that requires a ton of hard work and resilience if you hope to be successful. But remember, you don’t have to do it all alone! Outsourcing those necessary but time-consuming tasks to a service like Ownr can help take the little things off your plate so that you can focus on the big picture.

Ownr has helped over 90,000 Canadians not only register but manage and grow their businesses. Business Link clients can unlock an exclusive promotion by registering their business with Ownr.

Save 20% on the cost of registering your sole proprietorship or incorporation when you follow this link.

The post How to Start a Business in Canada in 7 Steps first appeared on Sync.com - Get in Sync.

Productivity is a highly coveted state of being, and we all know that Twitter is the last place you should go in your quest for it. So I’ll bring Twitter to you. No matter what is hindering your productivity, these useful hacks will epically elevate your workdays and get your brain back in business.

1. Be the fearless hero

Productivity hack:

Listen to Hans Zimmer.

— Oliver Anwar (@theoliveranwar) October 7, 2022

Epic movie soundtracks can make even the driest of to-dos feel like the adventure you’ve been craving.

2. Got the need for speed?

My favorite productivity hack – watch Youtube videos on 1.5X speed.

— Sleepless Yogi (@sleeplessyogi) December 1, 2022

By consuming more information in a shorter period of time, you’ll have more free time…to watch more YouTube.

3. Eyes on the prize

My productivity hack is ignoring everything related to Elon Musk and crypto.

— Justin Welsh (@thejustinwelsh) November 15, 2022

To the moon? To Mars? Ground yourself for now, and don’t get distracted by fleeting trends.

4. Speak your truth!

Productivity Hack: Instead of saying, "I should do _____," start saying, "I'm going to do _____."

It's a minor change, but it can actually help your brain switch from intention to action.

— Jandra Sutton (@jandralee) December 20, 2019

“I am going to read all four hundred and twelve unread emails in my inbox!” and then do it.

5. Give yourself time to waste time

Productivity Tip:

Instead of trying to avoid distractions,
try putting them in your calendar.

You'll be able to let go and focus better.

— Jordan Parker | Success Frameworks (@JordanDParker_) November 17, 2022

10:30-10:35 – do the daily Wordle

2:24-3:00 – encase Dwight’s stapler in Jell-O

6. First the worst, second the best

The best productivity hack for me is doing the hard things first.

— Kushagra Oberoi (@copywithkush) November 29, 2022

Sometimes the most difficult thing in life is just getting out of bed. But once you’re up, you won’t believe how easy it is to get dressed!

7. Factory reset your brain

Nice little productivity hack: Take 5 deep breaths with your eyes closed when task switching.

It’s like a mental reset. Helps start your next task with a clear mind, ready to be filled with fresh ideas.

— Pedro Wunderlich (@pddro) December 7, 2022

When faced with a new task, be like George Constanza and shift into soup mode. Serenity now!

8. The dream team

Underrated productivity hack:

Keep your inner circle on board with your priorities and long term goals.

— Stephen Hanna (@stephenhanna_) December 4, 2022

With the right people, you won’t have to do [insert your goal here] alone. Where would Batman be without Alfred and Robin?

9. Work for the weekend

Productivity hack:

Take weekends off.

— Dylan Bridger | Email Marketer (@dylan_bridger) June 30, 2022

Climbing a mountain is so much more rewarding when you take time to rest and enjoy the view.

10. Pobody’s Nerfect

Productivity hack : Done is better than perfect

— Recozilla (@JoinRecozilla) July 25, 2022

Most times, something is better than nothing. So stop tinkering. It’s fine. Really.

11. Stop procaffeinating

i have an easy productivity hack that costs about the same as a cup of coffee:

ok, its a cup of coffee

— domm (@domm) December 22, 2020

(No, I didn’t make that up!) If you know what makes you feel more energized and focused, do more of that!

12. DND is so yesterday

Productivity hack: Throw your phone in a lake

— Mr. Burrito Bowl (@mrburritobowl) December 11, 2020

Any body of water will do.

13. Pick your battles

Best productivity hack:

When you’re about to explain to someone why they were wrong on Twitter…and then deciding not to

— Kirill Makharinsky (@kirill) November 11, 2019

Save your energy for more of the important things in life. Like debating whether it’s Natalie Portman or Keira Knightly in that one movie…

14. Maybe robots aren’t all evil?

My new favorite writing hack:
1. ask ChatGPT to "explain [thing]"
2. ask it "explain [thing] to a CEO"
3. ask it "explain [thing] to a third grader"
4. take key sentences from each, combine and rewrite

— David Demaree (@ddemaree) December 6, 2022

Brb while I use this hack to try and explain artificial intelligence and machine learning to my dear Italian grandmother.

15. It’s all bad news anyway

Boring productivity hack:

I turned off the news in 2015.

— The Intuitive Writing School (@JacqFisch) November 29, 2022

Get your news in a better, more exciting way: from nihilistic memes on social media made by Gen-Z.

16. Don’t settle for unsatisfactory solutions

I just switched from Dropbox to https://t.co/Mh2zSZr5bK. What a beautiful clean interface. And privacy. Love it.

PS, no not getting paid by them. Just passing on a tip.

— Grace Lidia Suárez (@gracels) April 15, 2019

The grass is greener on the other side. We promise!

Complete your quest

Hopefully one or more of these hacks from Twitter manages to shift your brain from idle to drive. Say goodbye to TikTok rabbit holes and hello to your most productive day ever.

Got a productivity hack of your own? Tweet it to us!

The post 16 Productivity Hacks According to Twitter first appeared on Sync.com - Get in Sync.

While document backup, file sharing, and team collaboration are certainly not new, more businesses are relying on all-in-one cloud storage solutions to keep their workflows flowing and their work safely backed up. Cloud storage is a business essential to help you get your best work done without slowdowns or downtime. As the saying goes, time is money.

Speaking of costs, some cloud storage solutions can get costly in a hurry–especially if you’ve got a large team, have complex compliance requirements, or simply have a lot of files. But not all solutions will break the bank, and this cloud storage review will outline the best all-in-one solutions to take your business to the next level.

What is cloud storage?

Cloud storage is a place to save your files and folders online ‘in the cloud’. You do your work on your computer, phone, or tablet like normal, and all your documents and files are automatically saved to the cloud and synced to all your devices while you work. Cloud storage is essential for keeping your files backed up, and makes sharing, team collaboration, and access from anywhere easy and secure.

For businesses of all sizes, cloud storage has proved to be a game-changer. From team collaboration, remote work, virtual data rooms, client file sharing, and document editing, the benefits are numerous.

When comparing cloud storage providers, you’ll notice free plans, personal plans, and business plans. Free and basic plans are good options for personal use, but for your business, you’ll benefit most from plans that include multi-user support and a full suite of business productivity tools.

What are the benefits of cloud storage?

Cloud storage helps you manage your documents and files across computers, devices, locations, and people. Using cloud storage is one of the best ways to streamline your workflows, which is beneficial when you’ve got a lot of file data to manage. Cloud storage will help you:

• Lower costs by replacing on-site servers
• Easily collaborate with coworkers and clients
• Back up your files safely and automatically
• Meet global data privacy and compliance regulations
• Share files of any size and maintain control while you share
• Access your files from any device at any time
• Get customer support help when you need it

We recommend moving to cloud storage, no matter how many files you have, and especially if you have files stored in a variety of places. Cloud storage consolidates all your data and secures it all in one easy-to-access place. Your whole team can access what they need from anywhere, and this makes sharing and collaboration easy.

Cloud storage is perfect for everyone, regardless of technical skill. Your team will love how easy it is to access, edit, back up, and share files.

The best cloud storage providers in 2023

Here is a complete list of the top cloud storage providers with the absolute best features for businesses and teams:

1. Sync.com

Sync.com is the best all-in-one cloud storage solution, used by over two million highly productive individuals and teams in small and large companies.

From instantly backing up files to easily sharing and collaborating, Sync is the ultimate cloud storage solution, with the Pro Solo and Pro Teams plans being the all-around best for business productivity.

One must-have Sync feature is team shared folders. You can easily create folders on your Windows and Mac computer, iOS or Android mobile device, or from any web browser, and give anyone secure access, with view-only or edit permissions, per user, per folder.

Working on collaborative projects, setting up centralized folders, editing files together, and backing up data securely is so easy with Sync, even when everyone is using different computers and devices, or working from different locations.

On top of that, Sync includes desktop, mobile, and web apps that enable file access anywhere, a files-on-demand feature called CloudFiles to save space on your computer, file comments to get client feedback faster, and Vault backup to keep your data super safe, secure, and private.

Sync really does have everything you need to get your best work done.

Sync.com key features

• File access from anywhere – with desktop apps for Windows and macOS, mobile apps for iOS and Android, and web-based access, you can access your files from multiple computers and devices easily
• Sync CloudFiles – a files-on-demand feature that allows you to save space on your computer by storing files in the cloud only
• Custom branding – put your company logo on full display when sharing, perfect for building trust with clients and customers
• Centralized folder collaboration – set up group access to folders and files with permissions such as view-only and view-edit, which makes document editing and collaboration with all of your team members easy
• Client file sharing – share files with clients easily, and the people you share with do not need a Sync account
• Multi-user administration – set up all your employees on Sync and manage access control to files and folders per user, all with centralized billing
• Automatic backup – keep all your company files backed up, including every version of every file, with quick and easy restore when you need it. Automatically backup videos and photos on your camera roll as well
• Microsoft Office integration – work on your Docs, Spreadsheets, and PPTs in Sync from the desktop, mobile apps, and the web
• Strong encryption – help protect your data from unauthorized access with end-to-end encrypted features and unique access controls that protect user privacy, without the need for additional software or add-ons

Sync.com pros

• Significant cost savings for businesses of any size compared to competitors
• Unlimited data transfer so you can share without surprise fees
• Up to unlimited storage options
• Strong encryption and data privacy compliance to keep your files secure
• Excellent in-house customer support
• Full suite of backup, sync, and sharing business productivity features
• HIPAA compliance for healthcare providers included on top tier plans at no extra cost

Sync.com cons

• Free plan doesn’t include all the business features
• Phone support limited to Unlimited plan

Sync.com pricing

• Free plan – 5GB for free
• Pro Solo Basic – $8 per month for 2TB
• Pro Solo Professional – $20 per month for 6TB
• Pro Teams Standard – $6 per month/person for 1TB
• Pro Teams Unlimited – $15 per month/person for unlimited storage
• Enterprise – contact for details

2. Dropbox

Dropbox is a popular cloud storage provider that offers a variety of plans for different use cases. Their business plans include a solid set of features for teams of any size. Dropbox integrates directly with your desktop, and includes mobile apps, and web access, making for easy file organization.

Dropbox key features

• File access from anywhere – with desktop, mobile, and web-based access for easy access to your files
• Password manager – store your passwords with Dropbox
• Dropbox Paper – a proprietary editing app
• Smartsync – files-on-demand allows you to save space on your computer by storing files in the cloud
• File tagging – add hashtags to your files to help stay organized

Dropbox pros

• Solid set of business productivity features
• Multi-lingual support
• Linux client
• Active user forums

Dropbox Cons

• Expensive for what you get
• Hidden bandwidth limits when sharing can result in additional costs
• Inconsistent customer support response times
• Bloated feature set

Dropbox Pricing

• Basic – 2GB for free
• Plus – $9.99 per month for 2TB
• Family – $16.99 per month for 2TB and up to 6 users
• Professional – $16.58 per month for 3TB
• Standard – $15 per month/person for 5TB
• Advanced – $24 per month/person for unlimited storage
• Enterprise – contact for details

3. Box.com

Box is an enterprise-focused cloud storage platform with a full suite of business productivity features well suited for organizations with thousands of employees or more.

Box key features

• File access from anywhere – with desktop, mobile, and web-based access for easy access to your files
• Box Relay – an automation tool that allows you to schedule workflows, such as sending and requesting files
• App integrations – connect your files with apps like SalesForce, Netsuite, Okta, and ServiceNow easily
• Insights – team administrators get built-in reports to track projects, users, and files
• Box Sign – document signing and e-signature support

Box pros

• Excellent for very large organizations and enterprise
• 1,500+ app integrations
• Active directory and single sign-on support
• Advanced compliance options including PCI-DSS

Box cons

• Very expensive, not suitable for small or medium businesses
• File sizes are limited, making Box a deal breaker if you work with large files
• File scanning can be slow with large file sets

Box pricing

• Individual – 10GB for Free
• Personal Pro – $10 per month for 100GB
• Business Starter – $5 per month/person for 100GB and up to 10 users
• Business – $15 per month/person for unlimited storage
• Business Plus – $25 per month/person for unlimited storage
• Enterprise – $35 per month/person for unlimited storage
• Enterprise Plus – contact for details

4. OneDrive

Next on the list is OneDrive, from Microsoft. OneDrive is a cloud-service feature integrated with Windows, that provides file synchronization, sharing and backup functionality. 5 GB of storage is included free on Windows, but you have to pay to access more storage or advanced features.

OneDrive key features

• File access from anywhere – with desktop, mobile, and web-based access for easy access to your files
• OneDrive Files on demand – save space on your computer by storing your files in the cloud
• Microsoft Office integration – being a Microsoft product, OneDrive has first-class integration with Office and is even included on some Microsoft 365 Office app plans
• Sharepoint integration – connect Sharepoint teams together easily
• Teams – get HD Video conferencing via Microsoft Teams

OneDrive pros

• Integrates well with other Microsoft products
• Included as a feature with Windows 10
• Differential sync transfers only changed parts of files

OneDrive cons

• Limited customer support options
• Bundled pricing forces you to make trade-offs or pay for apps you don’t need
• Microsoft account required

OneDrive price

• Basic – 5GB for Free
• OneDrive Standalone – $0.99 per month for 50GB
• Microsoft 365 Personal – $6.99 per month for 1TB
• Microsoft 365 Family – $9.99 per month for 6TB and up to 6 people
• OneDrive For Business 1 – $5 per month/user for 1TB
• OneDrive For Business 2 – $10 per month/user for unlimited storage
• Microsoft 365 Business Basic – $6 per month/user for 1TB
• Microsoft 365 Business Standard – $12.50 per month/user for 1TB

5. Google Drive

Under the umbrella of Google products is Google Drive. There is a free version which is good for personal use, and additionally, they have a number of paid plans with more business-focused features.

Google Drive key features

• File access from anywhere – with desktop, mobile, and web-based access for easy access to your files
• Integration with Google productivity tools – works well with Google Docs, Google Meet, and Gmail
• Chromebook compatibility – Google Drive is one of the only solutions that has a full suite of built-in Chromebook features

Google Drive pros

• Generous 15 GB of free storage
• Integrates well with other Google products, including Chromebook
• Built-in spamware, malware, and virus protection

Google Drive cons

• Company has bad track record of protecting user-privacy
• Limited business productivity features compared to Sync, Dropbox, or Box.com
• Confusing pricing and plan options that force you to purchase more than you need. Eg. Google One and Google Workspaces

Google Drive pricing

• Free – 15GB for free
• Basic – $1.99 per month for 100GB
• Standard – $2.99 per month for 200GB
• Premium – $9.99 per month for 2TB
• Business Starter – $6 per month/user for 30GB
• Business Standard – $12 per month/user for 2TB
• Business Plus – $18 per month/user for 5TB
• Enterprise – contact for pricing

6. Tresorit

Tresorit is a cloud storage provider based in Switzerland with a focus on providing a secure way to store files with end-to-end encryption.

 Tresorit key features

• File access from anywhere – with desktop, mobile, and web-based access for easy access to your files
• Integrations – AzureAD, Okta, and Active Directory support for larger businesses
• Custom branding – put your company logo on full display when sharing, perfect for building trust with clients and customers
• Strong encryption – protect your data from unauthorized access with end-to-end encrypted features, without the need of additional software or add-ons

Tresorit pros

• Strong encryption and data privacy compliance to keep your files secure
• Linux support
• Outlook plugin

Tresorit cons

• File sizes are limited, making Tresorit a deal breaker if you work with large files
• Confusing interface with a steep learning curve; what is a “Tresor”?
• Limited storage on paid plans, no unlimited storage options
• Expensive base pricing, and add-ons like Tresorit eSign cost more than the per-user base price

Tresorit pricing

• Basic – 3GB for free
• Personal – $11.99 per month for 1TB
• Professional – $27.49 per month for 4TB
• Business – $14.50 per month/user for 1TB
• Business Plus – $19.17 per month/user for 2TB
• Enterprise – $24 per month/user for custom storage

7. Internxt

A relative newcomer to the cloud storage arena, Internxt is another solution that puts a focus on data privacy protection with end-to-end encryption, with features designed more for personal use, but less for business use.

Internxt key features

• File access from anywhere – with desktop, mobile, and web-based access for easy access to your files
• Strong encryption – Internxt helps protect your data from unauthorized access with end-to-end encrypted features, without the need for additional software or add-ons
• Photo storage – Internxt includes dedicated storage to keep photos organized

Internxt pros

• Strong encryption that protects your privacy
• Good customer service and active Reddit community
• Linux support

Internxt cons

• Limited business productivity features, not ideal for business use or collaboration
• 20 TB plan is extremely expensive
• Prices in Euros only

Internxt pricing

• Free – up to 10GB for free
• €0.89 per month for 20GB
• €3.49 per month for 200GB
• €8.99 per month for 2TB
• €3.49 per month/user for 200GB
• €8.99 per month/user for TB
• €93.99 per month/user for 20TB

8. Filen

Filen describes their service as zero-knowledge, end-to-end encrypted cloud storage redefined. Filen is similar to Internxt in terms of features and their focus on personal use.

Filen key features

• File access from anywhere – with desktop, mobile, and web-based access
• Large file support – with advertised unlimited file sizes
• Document previews – preview documents before your download them

Filen pros

• Strong encryption that protects your privacy
• Linux support
• Unlimited bandwidth

Filen cons

• Many user reports of slow speeds
• Sparse feature set, not a good choice for business use-cases
• Limited support options, with very few how-to articles and guides

Filen pricing

• Free – 10GB for free
• Starter – €0.92 per month for 100GB
• Pro I – €3.99 per month for 500GB
• Pro II – €8.99 per month for 2TB
• Pro III – €17.99 per month for 5TB

9. Proton Drive

Proton Drive comes from the same company that created Proton Mail. This service offers web-based cloud storage with better privacy compared to Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive.

Proton Drive key features

• Strong encryption – protect your data from unauthorized access with end-to-end encrypted features, without the need for additional software or add-ons
• Email included – an encrypted email address is included to help close the privacy loop
• Open source – anyone can verify that the cloud storage encryption works as described

Proton Drive pros

• Includes cloud storage and email
• No size limit on shared files
• Swiss privacy adds an additional layer of protection

Proton Drive cons

• No desktop or mobile apps
• No integrations with other software
• Very limited storage space, not ideal for larger data sets

Proton Drive pricing

• Proton Free – 1 GB for free
• Drive Plus – $3.99 per month for 200 GB
• Proton Unlimited – $9.99 per month for 500 GB
• Mail Essentials – $6.99 per month/person for 15 GB each
• Business – $10.99 per month/person for 500 GB each
• Enterprise – contact for details

10. Jottacloud

Last on this list is Jottacloud, a cloud storage solution with headquarters in Norway. Jottacloud offers plans for individuals, families, and businesses.

Jottacloud key features

• File access from anywhere – with desktop, mobile, and web-based access for easy access to your files
• Photo backup – Jottacloud includes dedicated storage to keep photos backed up and organized
• Bulk pricing for business users – businesses don’t pay separately for individual user licenses like other providers. Rather, businesses pay for a tiered amount of users

Jottacloud pros

• Unlimited user plan for larger businesses
• Zero emission, sustainable energy consumption
• Apple TV app

Jottacloud cons

• Business plans limited to 1 TB of storage
• Bulk pricing for business users means you’re likely to be oversubscribed

Jottacloud pricing

• Free – 5GB for free
• Personal – €9.90 per month for Unlimited storage space
• Home 1 – €6.90 per month for 1TB and up to 5 users
• Home 5 – €13.50 per month for 5TB and up to 5 users
• Home 10 – €59 per month for 10TB and up to 5 users
• Home 20 – €115 per month for 20TB and up to 5 users
• Business Free – 5GB for free for 2 users
• Business Small – €12 per month 1TB for 2 users
• Business Medium – €18 per month for 1TB for 10 users
• Business Large – €49 per month for 1TB for unlimited users

Enhance your workflows with cloud storage

With all these reviews and information in mind, you now know how beneficial cloud storage can be for your business, and how critical it is to choose the best all-in-one cloud storage solution for you.

Some providers focus more on personal use, and some focus more on the storage, without the sharing and collaboration. In the end, the right cloud storage will make file backup, access from anywhere, remote work, sharing, and collaboration easy and secure.

If you’re looking to get started, try Sync free cloud storage and experience cloud storage that works for you. Get your business in Sync today!

The post The Best Cloud Storage Reviews for Business in 2022 first appeared on Sync.com - Get in Sync.

But how do you keep track of all your company’s documents and files when they’re scattered across different computers, devices, and applications? How do you ensure the right people have access to what they need when they need it? And most importantly, how do you keep your data safe, secure, and protected? The threats are real. Data loss or data breaches can shut your business down permanently.

Managing all of this might seem complicated, but it’s simple with Sync. With Sync on your side, your documents and files—companywide—are perfectly protected at all times. Sync makes it easy to:

• Protect and control your company data with real-time backups, document versioning, deleted file recovery, and powerful admin tools.
• Break down silos to ensure you never lose access.
• Maintain complete data privacy compliance in highly regulated industries.
• Use the productivity tools and applications to empower your team’s workflows from anywhere.

It’s not too late to take control of your valuable data with Sync. The success of your business depends on it.

Data governance

Data governance is the process in which organizations manage their data. An effective data governance plan ensures your company files are always available, protected, and remain in the right hands. And good news, Sync makes data governance super simple. Here’s how:

Data availability

As teams work remotely on multiple computers and devices to create and manage documents using a variety of productivity applications, ensuring that your files are easily accessible can be a challenge. However, with centralized access from anywhere, Sync solves your data availability problems instantly. Your company data is always safely available, from any location, computer, device, or app.

Data usability

Keeping your documents organized, searchable, and easy to share is no easy task. Especially when everyone has hundreds of files on their desktop. The centralized Sync folder provides a forcing function that helps your team stay organized because your super clean and accessible file and folder organization system is always synchronized to everyone.

Data consistency

There’s nothing worse than finding out that the document you are working on is not the most up-to-date version. But keeping everyone updated and on the same page doesn’t have to be difficult. With Sync, everyone on the team has access to the latest documents. And activity notifications ensure the team knows when a file is added or updated.

Data integrity

It’s no secret, hardware fails. So how do you keep your data safe for years to come even as you replace hardware and transfer it across platforms? Sync provides long-term, off-site data storage, ensuring your documents and files are always backed up and safe.

Data security

Data leaks, breaches, and unauthorized access are the number one threat to businesses today. Therefore, safeguarding your data from unauthorized access, and complying with data privacy rules and industry regulations is a big responsibility. Sync provides iron-clad security and privacy features that keeps your data safe. From end-to-end encryption to administrative access controls to GDPR, HIPAA, PIPEDA, and SOC-2 compliance, storing your data with Sync gives your business Enterprise-level data governance. No more worrying.

Break down the silos

When different business units, people, or teams use different productivity apps to store their documents and files, data silos emerge. Company data becomes scattered across devices and applications, and there’s no easy way to reconcile who has access to what and where it is. Data silos lead to document proliferation. This is dangerous because proliferations make your data more easily lost or leaked. And you’d have no idea it’s even happening.

Breaking down data silos is an essential part of a data governance strategy. Consolidating to Sync solves this problem. Your data is centralized, and your team can continue to use the productivity apps they know and love. You can finally use Slack or Trello or Microsoft Office 365, and keep your data stored in one spot: Sync.

Control your data as you scale

When implementing your data governance plan, it’s important to think ahead. As your team grows, it will get more and more difficult to keep track of all your data and stay in control. Getting your team in Sync solves this too. Sync provides powerful access permission features and insights to ensure you’re always in control of your data. Manage granular file access on a per user, per folder level, and onboard or offboard users easily any time. With your entire team working in Sync, your workflows won’t stall. You’ll be ahead of the game!

Take control of your data today

Your company data is a valuable asset, and with Sync as part of your data governance strategy, your data will always be protected. Unite your teams while meeting compliance regulations with Sync Pro Teams today!

The post Take Control of Your Data with Sync first appeared on Sync.com - Get in Sync.