Your help file on how the sync works I believe needs some more information regarding both directions.

What does the Sync do when there is more than one user who has edited the file in a share between sync's or not closing the app to get the new changes??

ie:

1. excel doc shared to users.
2. users sync and view/edit -- you also edited the doc and saved.
3. syncs occur -- in any sort of schedule.

Whether it's real time or scheduled how does it handle that it has been changed at multiple locations and who wins? (Overwrite Direction)
It looked to go into the sync cache folder in the 2nd user to sync folder? However I would of had no idea that other changes occured on re-opening or that my changes never actually went up??
I haven't seen anywhere or a prompt or something to indicate what that _Sync_Cache_ folder was for until I did this test and guess.. I would think an initial prompt if this kind of senario comes up described what happene

I know this is a classic case of how do you handle concurrency in this senario -- I just want a through explaination of how it works with DriveHQ before rolling out to users.

##Side note: why can't I copy and paste in this forum!! 

cheers
PC

If you have multiple users who need to collaborate on the same file (at the same time), then folder sync may not be the best solution, and it applies to any sync solution (not just DriveHQ's).

For example, if USER1 and USER2 are editing the same file at the same time. If USER1 saved his change, the updated file cannot be synced to USER2 because the local synced file is already open (and locked) by USER2.  USER2 must close the local file for the new version to be synced to his computer.

If USER1 opens a file in his local synced folder, the local file will be locked. However, the lock has no effect to the cloud file. Other users can still edit the cloud file. If multiple users edit the same file at the same time, they will overwrite changes made by other users. ( Fortunately, DriveHQ supports file versioning; if a file is overwritten, you can still get the previous version. )

In your case, you need a "cloud file server". Instead of syncing files among multiple users, you can directly edit the files on the file server. Enterprise users are very familiar with local file servers. Employees can map the same network drive(s) and collaborate from there; it works just like a local drive.

DriveHQ's Enterprise WebDAV Drive Mapping service is a Cloud-based File Server. You just need to install our Drive Mapping Tool, then logon and map a drive. With this solution, if USER1 opens a Word document, the file is locked on the server. If USER2 opens the same file, he/she will be notified that the file is locked and can be opened in read-only mode. Once USER1 closes the file, USER2 will be notified (by MS Word) that the file is no longer locked. For more information about our Enterprise WebDAV service, please visit:

http://www.drivehq.com/help/features/WebDAV-Drive-Mapping.aspx?service=all&from=all

>>> ##Side note: why can't I copy and paste in this forum!! 

It works fine. However, it might work differently on different browsers. Try right-click and then select Paste

WebDav as much as I like it is probably out for what we are trying to do.. I'd prefer to have a copy on our servers at all times and acknowledge to our users that once out in a cloud senario concurrency is never garanteed. I just need the users to know how it works, before hand.

It would just be useful if the user was prompted(that you can turn off)/logged  that during the sync if it noticed that they can't be synced due to some reason (editing at either end) a warning and location to the previously edited file could be found. Wouldn't you agree?

Can you point me to (if it exists) the server oriented service that can do the sync to multiple different locations of folders, that is a true service (ie: no need to log in to run it). Not sure if this is an enterprise only, though I have asked for a trial, and I'm not sure that it went through since on the 2 step on clicking next it sent me back to the account I was logged into and never gave me message that it worked?. I did try this a few times though not when I wasn't logged in.

>>> Copying
Thre is definatly something wrong .. in chrome it sometimes doesn't load this entry box, therefore I can't post .. and a reload might change that state, when I do a copy of something it goes in and then quickly dissapears & might remove more text that I've written (wierd), when you try the context menu Paste chrome prompts simularly that your cannot access the clipboard directly. in IE it prompted that I need to give permission to use the Clipboard.. I think your editor it trying to be too fancy!

>>> WebDav as much as I like it is probably out for what we are trying to do.. I'd prefer to have a copy on our servers at all times and acknowledge to our users that once out in a cloud scenario concurrency is never guaranteed. I just need the users to know how it works, before hand.

I believe WebDAV is a much better option than folder sync if you are mainly working on Office documents. If you have not tried it, I would strongly recommend to give it a try. Also, please note all DriveHQ services share the same backend storage. So you can use Drive Mapping, folder sync, FTP and web browser at the same time. If you want a copy of files on your local server, you can sync your cloud files with a folder on your local server.

>>> It would just be useful if the user was prompted(that you can turn off)/logged  that during the sync if it noticed that they can't be synced due to some reason (editing at either end) a warning and location to the previously edited file could be found. Wouldn't you agree?

FileManager records the detailed sync events in the Event Log. To access it, click on Tools --> Manage Synchronization, then click the Event Log button. If FileManager encounters an error, you will see an error icon in the System tray notification area ( at the bottom-right corner of your screen).

>>> Can you point me to (if it exists) the server oriented service that can do the sync to multiple different locations of folders, that is a true service (ie: no need to log in to run it).

I am not completely sure about your question; it seems you want to sync multiple folders? With DriveHQ FileManager, you can sync any local folder with any cloud folder; moreover, you can create multiple sync tasks to sync multiple folders. After you create one sync task, just right click on another folder to create another sync task.

DriveHQ FileManager supports one-way sync. So if you use DriveHQ cloud as your main file server, you can use a Server-to-local sync task to backup files on DriveHQ cloud to your local server. The current version FileManager is a desktop program. If you log off your computer, it will stop running. So don't log off; you can lock your computer screen. (FYI, DriveHQ Online Backup runs as a background service).

>>> Not sure if this is an enterprise only, though I have asked for a trial, and I'm not sure that it went through since on the 2 step on clicking next it sent me back to the account I was logged into and never gave me message that it worked?. I did try this a few times though not when I wasn't logged in.
 

The enterprise free trial is usually offered to new users who need over 100GB + 20 user licenses. If you believe you need an enterprise service, please feel free to call / email DriveHQ customer support directly about your needs and request a free trial. You must have a business email / web domain to qualify.

>>> Copying in the support forum page:
>>> Thre is definatly something wrong .. in chrome it sometimes doesn't load this entry box, therefore I can't post .. and a reload might change that state, when I do a copy of something it goes in and then quickly dissapears & might remove more text that I've written (wierd), when you try the context menu Paste chrome prompts simularly that your cannot access the clipboard directly. in IE it prompted that I need to give permission to use the Clipboard.. I think your editor it trying to be too fancy!

It seems there is a bug in Chrome. If you access the support forum page using HTTPS, the rich text editor will not work. You can change the URL to HTTP. On Internet Explorer 11, it works fine. When you copy and paste, it will ask for permission to access the clipboard, make sure you click Yes. We will fix the problem ASAP.

>>>> Can you point me to (if it exists) the server oriented service that can do the sync to multiple different locations of folders, that is a true service (ie: no need to log in to run it).

>>I am not completely sure about your question; it seems you want to sync multiple folders? With DriveHQ FileManager, you can sync any local folder with any cloud folder; moreover, you can create multiple sync tasks to sync multiple folders. After you create one sync task, just right click on another folder to create another sync task.

DriveHQ FileManager supports one-way sync. So if you use DriveHQ cloud as your main file server, you can use a Server-to-local sync task to backup files on DriveHQ cloud to your local server. The current version FileManager is a desktop program. If you log off your computer, it will stop running. So don't log off; you can lock your computer screen. (FYI, DriveHQ Online Backup runs as a background service).

Sorry I'll try to explain what I'm wanting to do: We have local network file server that has some shared drives for the organisation (Pretty normal). There are specific folders in here that we want to be shared out to contractors in the field.. Since sharing in the network with third parties has it's own risks, and dropbox/driveHq solutions are becoming popular and normal, though with there own level of risks -- if they could get access to just these folders through DriveHq via the "both direction" sync, we would be happy enough with the outcome..
The contractors will still mostly be the only ones editing the files therefore syncing should be enough (they are used to the drop box type of sharing also). 
Based on your last response, I'm thinking you don't do the "both direction" sync when it's configured on the server?
Since it's our local network folder, it would be the primary working folder for the organisation, that gets backed up through normal practices,
I agree if I wanted the cloud to be the primary storage, I would probably use a webdav share, in this case I dont primarly due to geo circumstances. 

I find it strange that none of the cloud storage sharing solutions that I've looked at doesn't have the bi-direction sync that runs under a service that can run on a server without being logged in?! Is this something on your product road map.

>>I am not completely sure about your question; it seems you want to sync multiple folders? With DriveHQ FileManager, you can sync any local folder with any cloud folder; moreover, you can create multiple sync tasks to sync multiple folders. After you create one sync task, just right click on another folder to create another sync task.

DriveHQ FileManager supports one-way sync (and of course two-way sync). So if you use DriveHQ cloud as your main file server, you can use a Server-to-local sync task to backup files on DriveHQ cloud to your local server. The current version FileManager is a desktop program. If you log off your computer, it will stop running. So don't log off; you can lock your computer screen. (FYI, DriveHQ Online Backup runs as a background service).

Sorry I'll try to explain what I'm wanting to do: We have local network file server that has some shared drives for the organisation (Pretty normal). There are specific folders in here that we want to be shared out to contractors in the field.. Since sharing in the network with third parties has it's own risks, and dropbox/driveHq solutions are becoming popular and normal, though with there own level of risks -- if they could get access to just these folders through DriveHq via the "both direction" sync, we would be happy enough with the outcome..  The contractors will still mostly be the only ones editing the files therefore syncing should be enough (they are used to the drop box type of sharing also). 

You will find DriveHQ's folder sync is much more powerful and flexible than other services. Not only you can create multiple sync tasks that syncing different folders, you can also use our group account service. Instead of asking your contractors to sign up, you can create guest accounts for them. Different contractors can logon using different username and password. By default, they cannot see any files in other users' accounts. From your main account, you can create different folders and share them to various guest users. A contractor can only see the folder(s) you shared to him/her. Whether you use DriveHQ FileManager or WebDAV Drive Mapping, you (and your contractors) can directly edit cloud files. So folder sync is not necessary. 

>>> Based on your last response, I'm thinking you don't do the "both direction" sync when it's configured on the server? 

Sorry I created the confusion for you. Of course we support two-way sync; but we are the only(?) service that supports one-way sync.

>>> Since it's our local network folder, it would be the primary working folder for the organisation, that gets backed up through normal practices, 
I agree if I wanted the cloud to be the primary storage, I would probably use a webdav share, in this case I dont primarly due to geo circumstances. 

Many companies are replacing local file servers with cloud-based file servers. If you have multiple office locations, then the cost-savings will add up even faster. Since all offices will access to the same DriveHQ cloud-based file server, it is much easier to manage your data, user accounts and access permissions. Also, many companies use a local file server for file sharing within the same company, and use a cloud-based service for sharing files with external clients.

>>> I find it strange that none of the cloud storage sharing solutions that I've looked at doesn't have the bi-direction sync that runs under a service that can run on a server without being logged in?! Is this something on your product road map.

FileManager was originally created as a desktop app just like Windows Explorer or Mac Finder. It was designed for everyday use. (On the other hand, DriveHQ Online Backup was designed to run as a background service.) We do plan to launch a service version FileManager. In the meantime, there are many ways to work around it.

>>Sorry I created the confusion for you. Of course we support two-way sync; but we are the only(?) service that supports one-way sync.

So how do I do the two-way sync on a server that will noone will be logged into?

The Backup software doesn't do this. The DriveHQ FileManager requires you to be logged in.

 ?? Hello ?? - Did I hit a snag.

 ?? !! ??

Thank You,

Team DriveHQ  

 Thanks for replying.. I was trying to workout if the features offered could do this, since it was mentioned that it could where it certainly doesn't without a logged in user.

It'd be nice to know if you are thinking of doing this two-way sync as a service since again this is a feature that no other cloud provider that I have seen does. You also seem to be the closest provider who might actually do it.

Anywho, I'll send them a message.

Cheers

P

 Just as a clarification, two-way folder sync is absolutely possible with our FileManager service. The point made above was simply to express the limitation that you do indeed need to be logged on to the client in order to schedule the synchronization tasks. In the scenario of the server, you would simply install FileManager and logon to your account to setup your two-way sync tasks. Our support email will be able to answer any other questions you have regarding this.

Team DriveHQ