Filed under: Utilities, Windows, Macintosh, Commercial
FolderShare yanks Mac version amid bugs
by Marc Perton Nov 3rd 2005 at 9:21AM
I really like FolderShare. I've recommended it to friends, and even to you,
the readers of this blog. And one of the best things about it is that
it's cross-platform. If you have a Mac at home and a Windows machine at
work, FolderShare lets you effortlessly sync the two, so that you can,
for example, keep your iTunes libraries up-to-date on both machines, or
make sure that you always have your office documents at home if you
need to review them. However, it looks like that cross-platform promise
is in jeopardy. FolderShare recently removed the Mac version of the
program from their site, with the cryptic message
that "The Mac version is currently unavailable, but will be back up by
this weekend. More details will follow in the next few days." And while
there's no other info available via FolderShare, now-deleted support
forum entries show a number of bug reports,
including syncing glitches. After viewing the bug reports, I checked my
FolderShare setup, and sure enough, found some serious syncing
problems, including a folder that is meant to be synced up, but has
over 1,300 files on the Mac, and just 950 on the Windows machine. Very
disturbing. But what's more disturbing is the way FolderShare has
handled the problems. Not only are the message boards gone, but the
company's blog is as well. FolderShare seems to be engaged in a
campaign of obfuscation, pretending that the bug doesn't exist, and
hoping that customers won't catch on before a fix is released. That's a
poor policy under any circumstances, and is even worse when consumers
are relying on the service to sync important data. Come clean,
FolderShare, before your customers start deserting you for other
services.
So, just how good at time waster games are you? Think you've got the stuff? Well, The World's Hardest Game 2.0 doesn't think you do.
Yes, amazingly, it's possible to have a sequel to a game called "The World's Hardest Game". It doesn't seem logically possible, since if the first one was actually the world's hardest, how could another one come along and share the moniker? It made me doubt the name in the first place. That is, until I tried the game.
The mechanics of the game are very simple. You are a small red square, ...
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
watcher said 4:47PM on 11-03-2005
What really happened was that FolderShare has just been bought by Microsoft
Reply
Al Gordon said 3:02PM on 11-03-2005
Perhaps your answer is right here:
Microsoft Acquires FolderShare, a File-Synchronization Technology Provider
Deal aligns with Windows Live goal of connecting customers to the people and information that matter most to them.
REDMOND, Wash. - Nov 3, 2005 - Microsoft Corp. today announced it has acquired FolderShareTM, a leading service in the emerging space of file synchronization and remote access technology that helps customers access information across multiple devices. FolderShare customers will continue to be able to enjoy the service at http://www.foldershare.com. Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed.
Launched in 2002 and owned and operated by Austin, Texas-based ByteTaxi Inc., the award-winning FolderShare service saves customers the hassle of sending large files via e-mail, burning them to CDs or DVDs and mailing them, or uploading them to a Web site. Instead, it allows customers to sync important information, making it well suited for personal or small-business use. The FolderShare service also enables private, remote access to customers' own files from any Web browser.
"Our mission for Windows LiveTM is to enable customers to easily find the information, pursue the interests and deepen the relationships that enrich their lives," said Blake Irving, corporate vice president of the MSN Communication Services and Member Platform group at Microsoft. "I'm thrilled with the acquisition of FolderShare and the opportunity to offer this technology with Windows Live software and services. FolderShare technology will help customers access their information anytime, anywhere and on multiple devices, unifying their overall experience."
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
Reply
Marc Perton said 4:58PM on 11-03-2005
Thanks for the tips! I'll post an update.
Reply