Mirror directories and synchronize files between PCs and servers

Allows laptop users to access files from the server when away from the office

Retains a backup and history of all modified, moved and deleted files

Recovers (reinstates) files and directories as necessary

Supports automatic & unattended operation

Source code available*

Why is our product a better option than other file synchronization or directory mirroring utilities?

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Most file synchronization utilities just synchronize data between directories. Our software goes one step further and assures complete data protection, backup and flexibility when properly implemented with the following benefits:

1. Our software creates backup copies of any file deleted in a relation on each computer running the software. 
2. Our software creates incremental backup copies of any file that is updated on each computer running the software. This allows you to recover files as they were before they were updated.
3. Our software allows you to reinstate (or recover) a file or directory that was previously deleted and place it back onto the synchronization as if it was new. 
4. Our software verifies the root paths exist before any file is removed; try pulling the LAN cable from your laptop while running other synchronization software and you may lose data.

How does it work?

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IDAutomation File Replicator is a directory mirroring, file synchronization and backup utility that synchronizes data files between 2 or more directories on laptops, desktops and servers. The synchronization application runs in Windows and can replicate directories that are accessible by common UNC naming conventions. This utility also keeps a complete history of all updated files and creates backup copies of any files that are deleted or moved. 

This product is commonly used in the following configurations:

• Users with laptops replicate to the server when they are in the office, so they have access to all necessary files when they travel. For example, a laptop user replicates their "My Documents" folder with their Home Directory on the server when in the office. This also ensures that all local files are available on the server and that old copies of updated or deleted files are available on the laptop if they are needed.
• A user at a small business or home office creates a replica on a laptop as a means of data backup and it also becomes an off-site storage device for disaster recovery.
• As a SOHO synchronization and backup utility, replicas are created on 2 or more PCs without the need for a dedicated file server.
• Internet Explorer favorites are synchronized between two or more PCs.

Why did we create it?

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We created IDAutomation File Replicator to satisfy our own internal need for a utility that would do the following:

1. Backup large amounts of data without the use of a tape drive.
2. Keep a complete revision history of all updated files.
3. Store files off-site for disaster recovery.
4. Provide complete copies of all data on the file server, laptop and desktop PCs.

It is especially important for us to be able to replicate files to our laptop PCs because we often find ourselves working from home or on the road. This product worked so well for us, we decided to market it.

File Replicator Features:

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• Synchronizes and mirrors directories to create exact replicas
• Creates backup copies of any file replaced or deleted
• Reinstates files and directories as necessary
• Supports automatic and unattended operation
• Can be programmed to run multiple relations without user intervention
• Can synchronize files on one direction and create backup copies of revised files
• Writes critical errors and completion status to the Windows Event Log after each replication
• Can be used as backup and disaster recovery by replicating data to a laptop that a user takes offsite
• Supports UNC naming conventions for source and remote paths
• Supports hidden sharenames such \\ntserver1\securedata$
• Created in Microsoft Visual Basic .NET for performance and stability
• Uses a single database file for each replica to track file changes
• Verifies the root paths exist before any file is removed
• Custom modifications to the application may be made for customers purchasing site or multi-site licenses.
• The source code can be provided with the purchase of a Multi-Site License and a signed Source Code License Agreement.

Software and Hardware Requirements:

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Our file synchronization software requires Windows 98 and above (including Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows 2003) with the Microsoft .NET Framework 1.0 or above and Microsoft MDAC 2.6 or later. The .NET Framework and MDAC are important components of Windows that may be downloaded and installed for free by running Windows Update or from here. Minimum hardware requirements are a Pentium or equivalent processor at 300 MHZ, 128 MB RAM and enough hard drive space to store the data being replicated.