The key difference between sync and backup is that sync copies files in both directions whereas backup pushes files in one direction. Losing data from your electronic device can be terrifying. Syncing and backing up your device can save a lot of stress. But there is a distinct difference between sync and backup. Let us take a closer look at both the terms and see what they have to offer.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Sync
3. What is Backup
4. Side by Side Comparison – Sync vs Backup
5. Summary
What is Sync?
Data synchronization will ensure that data leaves a system storage entity, and will not fall out of harmony from its source. The purpose of synchronization is to modify and update data. If the data is modified on the application, you should make sure that the changes are communicated to the other systems that use the same data. Data synchronization creates consistency and harmony with all the other systems that have access to the data. Every business has the potential of benefiting from data synchronization. Data synchronization has also become very important due to increase in the use of mobile devices. Synchronization of personal data such as emails and other operational data is useful for businesses to function effectively since it assists in preventing conflicts between data. Security is an essential feature of synchronization, compliance, trustworthy data and operational functions. Organizations that have synchronized data will enjoy high performance, cost efficiency, and reputation.
Figure 01: Windows Live Sync
What is Backup?
Data backup is a process of duplicating data. This duplicated data can be recovered after a data loss. Today, there are many types of data backup services. Data backups help organizations and enterprises to ensure that their data is secure and critical information can be retrieved after a natural disaster, theft or other types of emergencies.
In the early days, PCs backed up by downloading the data from the hard drive onto floppy drives. The floppy disks were stored in physical containers. Since technologies like solid state technologies, wireless technologies have taken over, IT managers have the option of backing up data remotely or downloading large amounts of data onto small portable devices. Easy remote storage is facilitated via cloud service, making data secure even when an entire location or facility is compromised. Mirror and raid technologies are able to provide backup automatically.
In addition to the above backup methods, there are new methods like failover and failback systems which operate automatically by switching data when the primary data is affected negatively. These methods help to protect data securely. As governments and businesses become more reliant on stored data, data backs have become more important than ever.
Figure 02: External Storage Devices
What is the difference between Sync and Backup?
Sync vs Backup |
|
| Synchronization is the action of causing a set of data or files to remain identical in more than one location. | Backing up is the action of making a copy of a file or other item of data in case the original is lost or damaged. |
| Direction | |
| Sync copies files in both directions. | Backup pushes files in one direction |
| Time | |
| This process is quick. | This process takes time. |
| Operations | |
| Operations include copy and delete. | Operations include copy. |
| Both Locations | |
| Both locations will consist of identical files. | Both locations may not have identical files. |
| Process | |
| This is a two-way process. | This is a one-way process. |
| Content | |
| Content is the same across devices. | Content is saved in another location. |
| Frequency | |
| Synchronization occurs frequently. | Backing up occurs less frequently. |
Summary – Sync vs Backup
From the above comparison, there is a significant difference between sync and backup although they seem to work with the same function. Their use will also vary according to the application and device they support.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Windows Live Sync” by Amit Agarwal (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
2. “DVD, USB flash drive and external hard drive” By Santeri Viinamäki (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia