Understanding Local and Remote Sync

In a previous blog post, we have already discussed how the sync of DEVONthink and DEVONthink To Go basically works. When choosing a sync method, can decide between a local and a remote sync. Here is, how they differ.

Local syncing

A local sync is one that happens on your own network. A Bonjour sync is a direct device-to-device connection confined to your network. For Macs, using a local sync store on an external hard drive, stored on an NAS (network-attached storage), or even on another Mac via file sharing, is local. And if you’re using WebDAV services within your own network, e.g., running a server on a Synology in your basement, that also would be a local sync. We usually recommend using a local sync, because they are generally faster and certainly more private.

Remote syncing

A remote sync involves servers outside your own network. Using a Dropbox sync is remote since our application has to contact and interact with their servers. The same is true for iCloud or external WebDAV servers. Also, if you’re using a service that gives you “access over the Internet” like Synology’s QuickConnect, that is also a remote sync. These options present more variables like the responsiveness of those remote servers and the points on the network between them and your devices. These can make a remote sync difficult or infeasible. For example, if you’re in a rural area with very poor internet or iCloud is having an outage, a remote sync is more likely to present problems.

Also, since you’re storing your data on someone else’s server, it is less private than a local sync. Using an encryption key helps safeguard the sync data, but it’s still your data on someone else’s hardware. We usually recommend using a remote sync option only when it’s actually needed. Perhaps you’re traveling and need to send and receive database updates with an assistant or colleague. Or you’re using a shallow sync with DEVONthink To Go and need to download content on demand while away from your Mac.

We have a forum post on choosing a sync method. This information is also covered in our applications’ built-in Help or user handbook in the section In & Out > Sync. You can also find more blog posts on synchronization here.