How to Sync Files Across the Web

Often, when you wish for a new technical solution, a quick Google search will reveal that your wish has already been granted.

I'm a big fan of Microsoft OneNote. I use it for all the scraps and notes that don't belong anywhere else. It's not a web based tool but I wished there was a way to sync my files at work with my netbook at home.

Sure enough, I've found two solutions! (if you keep searching you'll probably find more) Dropbox and Syncplicity are two very similar services. They both work as an installed software that 'watches' one or more folders for new files or changes to files and synchronizes these to a website as well as to folders on any other computer where you have installed the software. They work in the background and sync up the folders on both machines as well as maintaining a copy of the files on the web. Both services are free to use up to a certain amount of data with subscription plans beyond that.

An feature of Syncplicity is that they have the ability to sync files with Google Apps. You can keep your local files and Google folders synced automatically. Google only allows access to this API feature to paid Apps customers, so this feature should not work for free Google Docs accounts. I tried it anyway and I did see files replicating into my computer, so these API rules may recently have changed.

Security Concerns

As useful as these tools are, they're also potentially dangerous. In an organization, security policies could be undermined. There would be little control over data once it was replicated outside the firewall. If employees home computers were infected with viruses, these could be instantly replicated back onto the company network.

Syncplicity offers a management system that allows central control over file and folder sharing, but I have not tested this. I think this would work well for groups that do not handle sensitive or confidential data. At Space Database I don't feel comfortable using a system like this for client data. For now, the technology will be limited to my One Note scraps and notes.

Industrial Building Measurement

Industrial building leases are based on area. Accurate drawings are essential in determining rents as well as in building valuations. Up-to-date drawings are an important support for leasing activities - especially for multi-tenanted industrial buildings.

Because of their large open interiors, the measurement of simple industrial buildings and warehouses can be surprisingly affordable.

Colour coded drawings and spreadsheets make it easy to understand area calculations

We use a highly automated ISO 9001 registered measurement process to create an accurate set of CAD files of your building. From this data we provide you with an integrated set of documents: colour coded management drawings, clear marketing drawings for available space as well as area summary spreadsheets. In addition we can also produce marketing collateral such as video walkthroughs and photos as well as high quality industrial park maps.

Space Database provides a complete marketing system for industrial portfolios

Once we have created drawings and data for you, we make sure that it stays up to date. Our Tru-Measure hosting and update service ensure that your drawings are always up-to-date and easily accessible.

Office Building Measurement

Accurate CAD drawings are used by office landlords to deliver three important functions:

• To facilitate the leasing process by distributing marketing drawings and by developing 'test-fit' proposed layout plans.
  
• To calculate areas to determine precise rent charges.
  
• To support and speed up the tenant improvement and build-out process.

Creating and maintaining an accurate set of surveyed CAD files for an office building is a challenge. The building interior is not static - at least not for long. A significant percentage of space is reconfigured each year; demising walls between tenant spaces are added and removed. The configuration within the demised space may be completely altered by each successive tenant.

Space Database addresses these challenges in two ways. First we create a highly accurate set of survey drawings using our ISO 9001 registered measurement process. We provide you with a set of colour coded documents that explain the allocation of area. Then we provide you with the tools and services to cost effectively maintain the accuracy of these drawings as the building changes over time.

Marketing, CAD and management documents are kept up-to-date through our ISO 9001 work order system

Once you have a complete and accurate set of drawing and area data, we leverage your investment through our online marketing tools such as automated data driven stacking plans and 2D and 3D marketing drawings.

Space Database leverages your drawings and data to build compelling marketing collateral