BitTorrent has released a beta version of BitTorrent Sync, a tool that uses BitTorrent technology to sync data across devices.
The new version incorporates feedback received regarding the alpha version that debuted in April, including the availability of a new Android app, with an iOS version soon to follow. Native versions for Mac, Windows, Linux, FreeBSD and NAS are also available.
"Sync is a response to what we see as real, fundamental challenges to personal data movement: the limitations on speed, size, space, privacy and security that come with cloud dependency," the company says on its blog. "BitTorrent Sync is free, unlimited and secure file-syncing. It's designed for fast file transfer: between users and machines; between editors and collaborators."
Aside from the headline update of mobile capability, the beta version includes one-way synchronisation and archiving, an improved Linux WebUI, as well as the option to exclude certain files or directories from synchronisation.
The BitTorrent protocol, which sees each connected device acting as a client and server at the same time, synchronises files using a direct connection between devices. Where available, LAN may be used rather than an Internet connection.
"Sync was born out of a very practical problem," says BitTorrent. "One of our engineers wanted to share photos with his family securely, simply, quickly and without getting hit with fees as the folder size increased. There was no such solution available, so he decided to create one."
The choice to develop a solution that did not rely on cloud-based servers was based on various factors, including the fact that the product could not remain entirely free, for all file sizes and storage volumes, if a cloud environment were to be supported. The security problems associated with the cloud were a further concern, as was the lack of control.
"Access to your data can be limited or even revoked for commercial or political reasons. And data stored in the cloud is more susceptible to large-scale attacks. We wanted to build a way for you and your data to sleep safely at night. In the BitTorrent Sync model, users own their own data," the BitTorrent blog reads.
Because files are stored only on personal devices, says BitTorrent, the service offers better security, since there is no storage on cloud-based servers. This also enhances the speed of transfer, as there is no routing via the cloud, and the only limit is the speed of the Internet connection. Further, security is boosted by the encryption of all traffic between devices.
The service aligns with the core values of BitTorrent, adds the company, these being decentralised computing, user control, privacy and scalability.
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