When it comes to cloud storage, perhaps one of the most widely used web services include Dropbox, Ubuntu One, SugarSync and Google Docs. While the rest of the web services have efficient desktop clients, Google Docs has been deprived of a convenient client for desktop operating systems.Although, there have been a number of third-party applications that have attempted to fill this void, they have not done a very good job. Recently, a new web service known as Insync produced a Dropbox and SugarSync style desktop client for Google Docs. This services provides easy management of your Google Docs documents from the cloud and right from your local hard drive. It creates a local folder that is synced with your Google Docs account on a periodic basis. Just like other services of it’s kind (e.g. Dropbox), the synchronization starts whenever the client is launched.
All you have to do is to head over to the Insync website and login with your Google Docs account. This will enable you to download the setup for the Insync client software.
After downloading and installing the client, all your Google Docs documents will be downloaded and saved in a local Insycn folder. You can add and remove folders (from this folder), to sync them with your Google Docs account. In other words, all documents that are added or removed from this very folder, will be synchronized with Google Docs. This will help you avoid the hassle of using the default Google Docs uploader and management system, for uploading and managing your Google Docs files. Once the Google Docs client is launched, you can open the Insync folder, go to the the Insyc web interface (via your default browser), check for recent changes made to your documents, check error messages and required actions, as well as view account info from the system tray menu. Furthermore, you can set custom configurations for changing the default directory location, disabling pop-ups and set manual proxy settings (if required) from Preferences.
You can also manage your Google Docs within a simplified web interface using any device (such as a mobile device), by logging in with your Google account anytime (via the Insync website).
As mentioned earlier, the local drive can be used for all synchronization and management operations. Despite being an excellent Google Docs service, Insync seems to lack a desktop client for other platforms like Linux and Mobile platforms like Android, iOS , etc. Having said that, Insync is still a young service and is likely to grow in the near future. In fact some new features like Facebook feed integration is already in the pipe line and it is likely that Insync might also start providing support for other cloud storage services.
Insync works on the following operating systems, including:
- Windows XP
- Windows Vista
- Windows 7
- Mac OS X
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