Microsoft Takes Peer-to-Peer to the Next Level with a New Synchronization Platform

Microsoft is working on taking peer-to-peer file sharing technology to the next level. An integer part of the P2P evolution is the release of a fist community technology preview of Microsoft Sync Framework. The Framework is designed to offer both technologies and tools designed to deliver roaming, sharing, and offline data access capabilities. The first CTP of Microsoft Sync Framework has been made available for download with a range of additional resources intimately connected with the project.

"Microsoft Sync Framework is a comprehensive synchronization platform enabling collaboration and offline for applications, services and devices. Developers can build sync ecosystems that integrate any application, any data from any store using any protocol over any network. The MSF provides a platform for taking web services and databases offline [and] optimized P2P sync of any type of file including contacts, music, videos, images and settings. The extensible framework includes built-in support for synchronizing relational databases, NTFS/FAT file systems, Simple Sharing Extensions for RSS/ATOM, devices and web services," Microsoft revealed in the overview of the Framework.

Concomitantly with the CPT, Microsoft also began offering the Introduction to the Microsoft Sync Framework; Sync Services for File Systems Whitepaper; Microsoft Synchronization Services for ADO.NET v2.0 CTP1; Introduction to Occasionally Connected Applications using Sync Services for ADO.NET and Sync Framework CTP Books Online.

Microsoft revealed that developers will be able to integrate sync support with new and existing applications, services and devices. In this context, the company has underlined the collaborative aspect of the Framework as well as the offline capabilities it will deliver. Sync ecosystems will be virtually independent of data stores, protocols or networking configurations, allowing all users to navigate and share information. "Ultimately the goal of the Microsoft Sync Framework is to allow any data sources to be integrated regardless of the participant type", the Redmond company stated.

Microsoft Sync Framework CTP1 can be downloaded from here.