BitTorren is launching its BitTorrent Sync service which enables users to synchronize personal files across multiple devices.
File sharing network BitTorrent announced via a blog post Thursday that it is launching its BitTorrent Sync service which enables users to synchronize personal files across multiple devices.
Currently in the pre-Alpha stage, the service is actively accepting volunteers to test it out.
The announcement comes a few days after Megaupload founder Kim Dotcom launched a new file storage and sharing site, which enables file encryption through an Internet browser with only the user having the key to unlock the file.
With the new BitTorrent Sync will compete against the Mega service, as well as popular cloud storage services like Dropbox, Amazon, and Google.
“We’re hoping that users like you can help us build something sick,” BitTorrent said in a blog post. “If you’re comfortable using early, incomplete software, and if you’re committed to helping us figure out a better way to sync, we want to hear from you.”
BitTorrent is limiting the number of testers for the pre-Alpha program to an unspecified number, and those individuals who are interested in trying it out can nowfill out the online application.
A BitTorrent spokesperson said that Sync will use peer-to-peer technology to sync files between devices without any cloud caching via native apps for Mac OS, Windows, and Linux, as well as native NAS integration. The files will also be encrypted.
“We like it when things work together,” BitTorrent said in its blog post. “So we’ve been working on a new distributed syncing product to help manage personal files between multiple computers.”
BitTorrent has stayed relatively tight-lipped about the details of Sync. A quick glimpse at the screenshot of Sync included in the blog post shows a small mobile phone icon under “Devices”, which hints at the service’s compatibility with mobile devices.
Talk back: Are you interested in using BitTorrent Sync service? As a hosting provider, would you be interested in reselling BitTorrent Sync? Let us know in a comment.
About Justin Lee
Justin Lee has been a staff analyst with theWHIR since 2004. He writes about a range of web hosting and IT-related issues facing the industry on the WHIR website, as well the print version of the WHIR magazine. Follow him on Twitter @Justin_theWHIR.
