Get started with sync

Use file sync to keep local files in sync with copies of those files on the server.

Restriction: Sync is currently only supported with Connections servers.

Use sync to keep selected files synchronized with exact copies on the server. This ensures that you always have the most current version of a file. When installation is complete, a new folder named Server-name sync is created under Favorites.

Attention: We do not recommend adding Microsoft Access files to the sync folder.

Sync works :

1. After successfully connecting to a server, we are notified that a folder named <Server Name> sync is added to the Windows Explorer Favorites folder.

   If we connect to more than one server, you will have a sync folder for each server.

2. Files that you add to the sync folder on your desktop are automatically copied to a corresponding sync folder on the server.

3. Changes made to either the desktop or server copy of the file are automatically synced so the files remain consistent.

4. In the event that changes cannot be synced, for example if you modify a local file that is locked on the server, we are warned that your local copy might not match the server copy. You are advised to take steps to correct the problem.

After the sync folder is established, we can interact with the folder and its contents in these ways:

• Drag and drop desktop files to/from the sync folder.

• Save new files directly to the sync folder from a desktop application.

• Rename and delete files in the sync folder.

• Right-click the sync folder, choose IBM Connections and choose an action from the context menu. We can:

  • View the sync status

  • View issues if there are any

  • Open the file's property page in the browser

  • Suspend synchronization with the server

  • Turn off synchronization with the server

  • View or change sync preferences

• Right-click a file in the sync folder, choose IBM Connections and choose an action from the context menu. We can:

  • View the sync status

  • View issues if there are any

  • Open the folder's property page in the browser

  • Lock or unlock the file

  • Share the file or view sharing details about who the file is already shared with

  • View previous versions if any exist

  • Delete the file from server

• Add a file to the sync folder
  Add a file from the desktop to the sync folder.

• Suspending or stopping sync
  We can suspend sync temporarily, turn off syncing for a sync folder, or disconnect from a site altogether.

• View and resolving sync issues
  When sync issues arise between files in the local folder and files on the server, we can resolve the issues from the Sync issues dialog.

• Manage versions for synced files
  Understand how versions are created. View and retrieve earlier versions of a file.

• Manage synced files from the Files application
  When file sync is enabled for the Connections deployment, we can view and manage files added locally the Sync folder from the corresponding Sync folder in the Files application. Or, we can add files from the Files application to the server Sync file and be able to access them from the local Sync folder.

Parent topic:
Use the plug-in for Windows Explorer