Let’s be honest: the old Google Drive Backup & Sync option (which still exists) is not reliable. That was at least my experience. It was constantly unable to sync hundreds of files and kept getting stuck every time I turned on my computer. Google Drive File Stream is much more reliable and works by “streaming” your files to you, unlike the Files app of a Chromebook. Now Google ‘unites’ the two solutions to reduce ‘confusion’. I assume they allow File Stream to devour Backup & Sync because it’s old news.
This does not mean that the ability to store your cloud files locally instead of streaming to you will disappear. The term ‘unifying’ is used because it really creates an all-in-one solution for those who prefer one over the other. Backup & Sync was built for consumers while File Stream was built for Workspace users. I have found that File Stream is a much better solution for me as a consumer and as a business user, which is why I opt for it over the old tool, thanks to the reliability and fast access to my files.
If you’re interested in seeing a preview of the Google Drive for Desktop beta and are a Workspace user, you can complete this test application to try and access it before it is fully introduced to everyone later this year. The purpose of this change is that IT departments no longer have to guess or work out which solution a customer uses before providing support – they will soon be one in the same.
The new ‘Google Drive for Desktop’, as it is called, will use the best and most used features of both software and combine them into one, improving overall performance and acceptance. Backup & Sync features and users will be automatically transferred to the new Drive for Desktop when ready. When the time comes, Google will provide organizations three months in advance so that they can prepare for the transition. If you want to see the full outline of what features will be taken from both and placed in the unified sync client, look at the list.
Workspace Essentials
Business Starter
Business standard
Business Plus
Enterprise Essentials
Enterprise standard
Enterprise Plus
G Suite Basic
G Suite for Business
G Suite for Education
Business for Education
Non-Profit Customers Currently Using Users with Backup and SyncAvailability of the beta for the unified client
