2. PowerFolder

PowerFolder

Powerfolder is a remote backup synchronization tool that has some interesting features. As opposed to a scheduled backup or synchronization, Powerfolder is closer to a continuous data protection system, where anything that changes gets backed up or synced.

In order to actually get PowerFolder set up, you can either backup to their online servers, or have a remote PC connection. In the remote scenario, as was the case with FolderShare and BeInSync (from our first synchronization software review), the remote machine needs to have the synchronization software (PowerFolder) installed.

What is different with PowerFolder-and also somewhat annoying-is that instead of simply seeing the other PowerFolder PC though a dashboard connection automatically, you need to send and open an “invitation” file. The send by email feature is lacking, though, because it relies on the user to have an email program, as opposed to using its own SMTP mail server. You can get around that issue by simply saving the invitation file and then opening it on the second PC, though, if you have some kind local or network connection between the two PCs that will be synced.

PowerFolder also has an online backup component with 1 GB of storage available as part of the free offering (with more on the paid side). The only problem with the online backup is that signup for the service isn’t as secure as it should be: it lacks an SSL/HTTPS interface. This is just a small oversight by the PowerFolder developers, but one they really should fix.

While PowerFolder looks like it’s just for remote backup and synchronization operations, it can also be used for local backups as well-though that’s easier said than done. In fact, if you do a search on in the (otherwise very helpful) help documentation for local synchronization, the search directs you to a paid manual . That’ right-you’ve got to pay to figure out how to do a local synchronization!

Surprisingly, PowerFolder does not automatically set itself up to run when you start (or restart) your PC. A related problem that also occurred intermittently is that even after a manual start of PowerFolder on the two PCs that were synced, one side could not automatically detect that the other was online. An extra step of clicking on the icon for the synced PC and manually choosing the “reconnect” option was necessary. Sure, it’s a minor thing, but it’s a nuisance nonetheless.

Overall, Powerfolder is a competent piece of software, but it doesn’t quite have the overall ease of use that BeInSync or Foldershare exhibited during our tests.