Online backup vendor Mozy, part of EMC, announces this week the addition of file synchronization services called Stash to its lineup. The idea is to have agents on various endpoints that will automatically sync your files everywhere you have Mozy running, to make it easier to grab your files when you are away from your main desktop. The endpoints initially supported include all Windows from XP SP3 and Macs from OS 10.5 and iOS and Android phones, including the Kindle Fire.
After you install the Stash agent on your computer, it links a local folder with the Stash central repository. Any files copied to that folder will be copied to your other Mozy devices. Initially, you can upload photos and videos from your phones to Stash; eventually you will be able to upload other kinds of files too. Stash also sends these updates in real time, while the original Mozy client does its backups on a fixed schedule. It also shares the amount of your file storage allotment with the regular Mozy backups. It will only work with Mozy Home accounts initially, but eventually will work with the Pro accounts later this year. If you have a subscription with one of the earlier Home Unlimited accounts, you will need to set up a new account if you want to try out Stash. During the beta, you can have up to five different endpoints connected to Stash.
Mozy has always had a Web-based client, so your files are always available for downloading via that method Stash makes the sync nearly instantaneous, and puts Mozy on par with a number of other file sync services such as SugarSync, Syncplicity, Microsoft’s Live Mesh and numerous others.
You can sign up for the public beta here. Those who are accepted into the program before April 15 will have Stash added free to their existing Mozy accounts.
