We have been using Rsync for nearly 20 years here at Clustered Networks. Rsync is an excellent tool to synchronize data between a computer and a server or from server to server. RClone on the other hand has some unique features that make it a very useful utility. At Clustered Networks we use both RSync and RClone in our scripts that we run on a daily basis.
RSync
Rsync is a fast and extraordinarily versatile file copying tool. It can copy locally, to/from another host over any remote shell, or to/from a remote rsync daemon. It offers a large number of options that control every aspect of its behavior and permit very flexible specification of the set of files to be copied. It is famous for its delta-transfer algorithm, which reduces the amount of data sent over the network by sending only the differences between the source files and the existing files in the destination. Rsync is widely used for backups and mirroring and as an improved copy command for everyday use.
RClone
Rclone is a command line program to manage files on cloud storage. It is a feature rich alternative to cloud vendors' web storage interfaces. Over 40 cloud storage products support rclone including S3 object stores, business & consumer file storage services, as well as standard transfer protocols.
Rclone has powerful cloud equivalents to the unix commands rsync, cp, mv, mount, ls, ncdu, tree, rm, and cat. Rclone's familiar syntax includes shell pipeline support, and --dry-run protection. It is used at the command line, in scripts or via its API.
Users call rclone "The Swiss army knife of cloud storage".
| RSync Features | RClone Features |
|---|---|
| - RSync is used for syncronization between two Linux/UNIX Computers / Servers | - RClone is primarily used for backing up into Cloud Storage such as Google Drive or BackBlaze |
| - bi-directional sync A to B or B to A | - uni-directional sync A to B |
| - support for copying links, devices, owners, groups, and permissions | - Rclone stores each file you transfer as a native object on the remote cloud storage system. |
| - support for anonymous or authenticated rsync daemons (ideal for mirroring) | - Rclone supports copy or Sync commands |
Conclusion
Rsync and RClone are both really nice tools that you should become familiar with. As security becomes more of an issue, and Ransomware Attacks increase your data is going to become a resource that you are going to want to protect. Remember the 3 -2 -1 Rule of Backup's. Three copies of your Data, Two copies on two different media types on your local network and 1 copy in an off-site location (remote office or in the Cloud).
Clustered Networks
Located in Edmonton, AB Canada, Clustered Networks was Incorporated in 2001 and has offered Network / Internet and IT Consulting services for over 20 years. We offer personalized service! Call Us Today! - Click Here for our Contact Info
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