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Allway Sync is a free tool that analyzes the contents of two folders simultaneously and updates both based on the latest content. Its bidirectional algorithm analyzes both folders for actual changes and synchronizes both based on your choice. An easy-to-master interface hides an extensive range of settings and options for manually and automatically synchronizing folders. Allway Sync works in 32-bit versions of Windows 2000 to 7; a 64-bit version is available, too.
Allway Sync's colorful interface displays source and destination folders in separate, identical fields. The program can access files and folders on removable drives, online sources, and other locations in addition to your main PC. We were able to schedule multiple synchronization jobs via the Job file menu or the tabbed interface. We could save, edit, rename, and clone jobs as needed. The best way to test a folder-syncing utility is to create a copy of a folder, alter it, and then see what the tool finds. We copied a folder, deleted a few files, and added some others. We clicked Analyze, and Allway Sync quickly returned our results under headings labeled New Files, Unchanged Files, and All Files. Checking the folders revealed synchronized contents. We accessed the program's extensive options, such as the Synchronization Rules. We could set the program to ignore one-hour differences, change the synchronization direction, select for security attributes, and more. We could also configure the Inclusion and Exclusion Filters, File Versioning Policy, and Error Handling; set the Default Profile, change the Event Log's behavior, and define Custom Actions.
Allway Sync also offers skins, interface language options, and an extensive Help menu with both local and online resources, support contacts, usage statistics, and more. For keeping files and folders in step between your desktop and laptop, networked PCs, and other such situations, it's one of the best tools we've tried.
Publisher's Description
From Allway Sync:
Allway Sync compares files in specified folders and copies the modified file to the counterpart folder, it synchronizes folders. Allway Sync uses a true bi-directional synchronization algorithm that does not depend on system clock accuracy, and also propagates file deletions correctly.
What's new in this version: Version 12.14.11 has added Latvian language support and fixed some minor bugs.
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All versions:
3.4 starsout of 65 votes
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Current version:
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My rating:
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"Could be a great product, but has bugs and poor support"
Version: Allway Sync 12.14.11
Pros
Design and usability is great.
Cons
Lots of aborts and apparent bugs in the automated processes (which for me is how I mainly use it)> Support seems to be non-existent. Does not support ftps which is now required by Yahoo. Was beginning to recommend to my customers until I found how unreliable it is.
Summary
If it worked it would be an awesome product. But I have found it to be very unreliable and with no support. Also I had it syncing files with my web site at yahoo and they switched to requiring FTPS(Not SFTP) and the product does not support it. If you are looking for an automated synchronization software, I can not at this time recommend it.
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"Best for the price"
Version: Allway Sync 12.12.13
Pros
Has every feature I need, which free programs did not.
Very reliable.Cons
Lots of options to go through when setting up a sync relationship
Summary
The free version is really more like a trial. However, compared to products with comparable features, this is one of, if not the, cheapest. I don't find the $20 price to be a reason to rate down the program.
I really like the advanced algorithms that help stop you from accidentally over-writing the wrong file in bi-directional mode. I use it to sync a 500+ GB music library and haven't had any problems. Also, it can propagate deletions without risking deleting files you want to keep, or manually clicking each time.
If you have a main computer on your network, you can get by with one copy as it can sync files on all machines, but I bought a second license for $9.95 for my music computer so that I could directly connect my backup drive to speed up the file transfers. -
"Easy to use and Free"
Version: Allway Sync 12.12.13
Pros
Nice user interface makes this much easier to use than many other Folder Sync programs. Setting a one way mirroring job is easily accomplished. Several scheduling options, and the free version is fully functional.
Cons
No cons so far.
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"Flexible, powerful and easy to use"
Version: Allway Sync 12.12.13
Pros
- Very flexible specification of what you need to sync/backup
- Very fast
- Shows you exactly what is going to happen before it does anything
- Allows you to create many "jobs" that further increase flexibility
- Works with WIN7 and 8Cons
- In Sync mode (bidirectional copy) often gives cautions about syncing files that are difficult to fathom.
- You have to be careful not to propagate deletions if that is not what you want to doSummary
Indispensable and cost-effective. Can't understand the moaning about having to pay a very reasonable cost for something that is well crafted and does what it claims to do so well.
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"Strict limits = sync possible only every few weeks"
Version: Allway Sync 12.3.3
Pros
It works as it should.
Cons
It imposes unrealistically strict limits on private users. For instance, I have hardly any music, not too many photos and otherwise just all kinds of articles and word documents that I synchronize, and I do so only once a month. However, already with such a rather limited use the software tries to force one to do a purchase: "Measurements indicate usage in excess of typical personal requirements. Please buy Allway Sync Pro or enter the license key if you already have. You will be able to continue to use the free version when usage statistics for the past 30 days return to moderate levels." >> As I said, I'd say one sync a month of files worth 320 GB is a purely personal requirement (and only a tiny fraction of which will actually have changed and need to be synced).
Summary
I'm currently on CNET to look for another program. I will then uninstall Allway Sync!
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"Worked well for a time, but hasn't worked for > a year."
Version: Allway Sync 12.3.3
Pros
Worked great while it did.
Cons
Cannot get it to work anymore, and contacting their Customer Service was a futile endeavor. Told them I wasn't very computer savvy, but their "Help" reply was still totally unusable.
Summary
I intend to delete this program and find something else that will work for me.
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"Absolutely Superb"
Version: Allway Sync 12.3.3
Pros
Pro version has worked flawlessly for last 3 years on all PCs on home network
Cons
None, except isnt available for Mac!
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"worth every penny"
Version: Allway Sync 12.1.1
Pros
I tried quite a few file-sync apps, and this was the most reliable. I've been using the Pro version for a few years now, to synchronize network folders between PCs, file servers, and a bunch of websites I develop. "Smart" handling of deleted/modified/changed files, relying on digital fingerprints rather than file sizes/dates. Lots of options for how/what to sync, error-handling, old-version archiving, and manual/scheduled/continuous sync. Supports lots of storage/transfer types, including LAN, FTP, WebDAV, Amazon S3/Cloud, Google Docs, Skydrive, smartphone Activesync, etc. Many-way sync (more than 2 folders) works well. Developers listen to feedback and update the software regularly.
Cons
Free version is limited to 40,000 files per month. If you have more than ~1200 files total to keep synchronized, you need the Pro version.
While the method allwaysync uses to transfer files is very reliable (everything is verified, interruptions don't corrupt files, etc.) it's also slower than a regular copy.Summary
Just make sure you follow the instructions when you set up a new sync. The FIRST time you run any particular sync, it has to copy ALL the files, even if they've already been synchronized using some other method.
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"Not free, waste of time setting it up"
Version: Allway Sync 12.1.1
Pros
Easy to use
Cons
It's not really free, I spent a lot time setingg up all the sync folders and less than a month, it says you use is too much and need to buy the pro version or it will stop working.
At least tell us up front, CNET should remove it from the free software list.Summary
I will not recommend this to anyone, if is not free, do not claim it.
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"Pro key is a trap"
Version: Allway Sync 12.1.1
Pros
Simple syncing programme
Easy to installCons
Used the program on a U3 stick for about one year now. Although it can be slow, mainly due to the U3 stick issue at my working place, this is a helpfull program. I purchased the Pro key because of frequent use.
Both increasing size of my syncing files as well as the U3 issue, urged me to start using the syn on a larger USB-type stick. After a few weeks a needed to buy the Pro key again. After contacting the company, it turned out that you only buy a Pro key for a storage type. So in my case only for U3 stick and not for ordinary USB sticks. Feel pretty disappointed on this!!Summary
Never change the storage type you are using the program and pay for it. Allway is not really allway
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