Ubuntu gets Web-based file sync and sharing

Canonical has begun beta-testing a file-synchronization service called Ubuntu One for its Ubuntu Linux desktop operating system.

The closed beta test began Monday for invited members of the Ubuntu user community, with further testers able to sign up by requesting an invitation, Canonical said.

Ubuntu One offers file synchronization for systems running Ubuntu 9.04, code-named Jaunty Jackalope, and is intended to be available to the general public in time for the launch of Ubuntu 9.10, code-named Karmic Koala, in October, Canonical said.

The system is integrated into Ubuntu's Gnome desktop software via a downloadable client, and once installed creates an Ubuntu One folder in the user's home directory, Canonical said.

When modifications are made to any of the files stored in this folder, the modifications are automatically uploaded to the Web service and propagated to the user's other computers, according to the company.

Users currently get 2GB of storage for free, or 10GB for $10 per month, although Canonical said this pricing could change.

Individual folders can be shared with a third party via a right-click contextual menu. Once the folder is shared, it appears on the recipient's desktop in a "Shared With Me" folder.

Ubuntu One also provides a web interface that can be used to manage and access files without the need to use the client software.

Unlike competing services such as Dropbox, Ubuntu One supports only a single operating system, although Canonical said third-party developers could adapt the Ubuntu One client to other platforms such as Mac OS X or Windows. Dropbox supports Windows, Mac and Linux clients.

Canonical said it plans to add more features, such as synchronization of application data and preferences, as well as support for the KDE desktop software.

Charles McLellan of ZDNet UK reported from London.

[timber2005]

It sounds like it lacks a P2P sync option al la Mesh, which is nice for syncing large (or small) folders from computer to computer directly without a cloud backup.

Does it have the direct sync (and therefore non-2GB limit)?

[paulej]

I would assume they're storing user files in the cloud as a backup, not merely replicating them to other machines. P2P would not work for that. Further, P2P is not useful for replicating files unless all machines are powered on at the same time.

[CrimsonCantab]

This can only help the Ubuntu cause. Go Jaunty!

I think the $10 per month is a reasonable fee, especially when the OS is free. How else can Canonical make money besides selling shirts and recycled mice?

[monkeyfun14]

Selling support is their main income.

[kcotham]

Yes, selling support, mainly to "enterprise" customers.

[Renegade Knight]

Not a bad way to suppliment the coffers. Thus far off site data services have been expensive. 120 a year? Might be worth looking into.

[kcotham]

Fantastic! Yet another reason to move to Linux.

[damiandennison]

wow, just like iFolder from Novell. If Novell just lost something else to Ubuntu. Novell, stop acting like Micro$oft, please?

[JMac26]

Why on earth would I use Ubuntu One when services such as DropBox offer 5x the space for the same price AND works with different OSes?

[RompStar_420]

great, been using Ubuntu for 2 years, forget windows, it's time has passed.

[monkeyfun14]

You guys have been saying that since the 90's

[t8]

And since the 90s Linux is now found in more devices than any other OS. It is even on Mars in the Rovers.
Linux runs the Internet, data centers, servers, phones, and now with the help of Google's Android, we may see a significant push into Nettops, Laptops, and even more phones.

[timber2005]

@t8... I almosted called BS on that but I checked first...
You are absolutley right. Linux drives the rovers! http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/7570

[matthewbulat]

Ubuntu is also now available as a cloud computing platform with Amazon EC2 API included. Hosted file servers need to pay for the server (real or virtual), storage and network volumes. The market will dictate if $10 per month is fair. Microsoft is also working on a cloud file sync project.
Cloud backup may work better using local providers for speed and network costs.
For more information on Cloud Computing I have written some articles.
http://www.matthewb.id.au/computer/cloud-computing-efficiency.html
http://www.nq.qld.acs.org.au/content/view/35/32/