Cloud storage is the way to go if one is serious about storing files online. We’re already aware of services like Dropbox and SugarSync that uses this cloud based storage technology but here comes a new offering named as CX.com. CX offers free file storage, file syncing, accessing files from anywhere and on any device and share files publicly or privately.
CX is a new kind of cloud experience and offers features like: real-time syncing, secure storage, public and private sharing, interactive group collaboration and intelligent discovery.
CX offers 10GB of free storage space for everyone and if 10GB seems too less, then there are some more paid plans for which you will need to shell out some money e.g. 50GB online storage space costs $9.99 per month. The prices seem to be matched with Dropbox at this stage (which can be regarded as competitor of CX.com).
One more useful feature is collaboration between users. Every file has a comment stream. Share a file, and CX users can comment on it too. Create a new group or join existing ones and everyone can join the conversation, edit files or add new ones. Even free users are also allowed to create unlimited groups.
Setting up CX.com for First Time
Ready to get started and take advantage? Go ahead sign up and you’ll get 10 GB of free space. If you’re just starting out then this is the plan one should go for. After registration process is completed, you’ll be signed in directly and ready to upload and share files. Like Dropbox client, CX.com also offers clients for syncing local files to the cloud and vice-versa. Clients are available for multiple platforms – Windows, Mac, iPad and iPhone. Their website states that app for Android is coming soon.
This means one can always have access to all the files uploaded, regardless of the platform which he/she is using. What’s more, 10 GB storage space can be upgraded upto 16 GB by referring friends. Each friend that you refer earns you 300 MB of extra/additional storage space. One won’t have any problem in promoting something good, that’s worth sharing.
CX Desktop Client
After downloading and running the Windows client, it will prompt you to install Microsoft .Net Framework 4, install it and then setup will download 9.77 MB of files online. The setup file which we can download is an online installer, and that’s why it downloads additional files from the server. Complete the setup and then you’ll be prompted to sign in. Create a new account if you’ve not already have and sign in.
During the configuration process, you will need to decide where to place the CX Sync folder.
This is the folder which will be used to sync local files to the cloud online. By default it’s placed on the Desktop. You can change this folder’s location by clicking on “change folder”. More “web folders” can also be created from CX desktop client. Syncing can also be stopped for a particular folder at any time.
Setting up CX is complete. You’re now ready to start uploading and syncing files. This desktop client shows how much free space is remaining and also allows you to manage synced folders. Try copying a file to your sync folder and you can then see it via online interface.
CX Web Interface
To access your files online, login to your CX account from the browser. After logging in, you’ll be redirected to dashboard from where you can perform variety of tasks. Upload files, send invitation to others or change plan. Here’s a screenshot of the web interface.
Click on Upload Files button to start uploading files. After uploading completes, you have the option to download, rename, copy, move, trash, share a link (by creating a public link) and invite others to view the file and comment. When uploading a file, make sure that you upload it to CX folder and not in the root, otherwise sync process doesn’t completes (as per my testing).
Notice the “Groups” icon. Click on it and then you can create groups. Through groups, we can collaborate with others. When creating a new group, we’re prompted to name the group and file size for that group. The group creator can apply limit so that the size doesn’t gets increased too much. Users can also edit and leave comments in real time.
Who said syncing local files to online is a ninja stuff. CX makes life easy by storing, syncing, sharing files and working together. The client and web interface is minimalist and performs the task perfectly, just for what it is made for. There are many ways to get more storage space on Dropbox but for CX, it seems there’s only two ways – by referring friends or by opting for a paid plan. Only time will tell whether it can give Dropbox a tough competition or not.
Visit CX.com
Leave a Reply