Beyond Compare has proven to be a highly effective tool for WashU IT, especially in bridging the gap between Filezilla and Box Shuttle for data migrations. This tool excels in comparing similarities and differences between source and target locations through a user-friendly graphical interface. Its robust capabilities ensure seamless data transfers and generate visual reports that highlight file and folder similarities and differences.
This functionality is particularly valuable compared to Filezilla, given past experiences where Filezilla showed inflated file counts on Box after large uploads. Such discrepancies raised concerns about the accuracy of file counts between the source and target locations on Box using Filezilla, with limited options to verify that all content was present and nothing was duplicated.
WashU IT has found Beyond Compare to be versatile and supportive of various scenarios, including local directories, UNC paths to network shares, and C$ paths to remote computers. Additionally, it incorporates a built-in FTP client that seamlessly works with Box. Beyond Compare version 4 is compatible with PCs running Windows Vista to Windows 11, as well as MacOS 10.11 El Capitan and later. It offers the flexibility to be installed locally on a computer or run discreetly from a technician’s computer, depending on the preferred approach.
Key features of Beyond Compare, such as source/target file/folder comparisons, syncing a source to a target location, or merging two source locations to a new target location, have been crucial for WashU IT. These features are frequently utilized. Other capabilities, such as comparing two computer registries and using UNC pathing over the network in the background, enhance its overall utility. During data transfers, Beyond Compare allows for throttling the speed, enabling the adjustment of network and drive usage to minimize the impact on in-use computers.
It’s worth noting that WashU Box has a file size limit of 150 GB. Beyond Compare was tested with a 170 GB file upload through its FTP feature to Box. Although the individual file encountered an error and was logged and reported, the rest of the upload completed without interruption. For larger files, alternative storage options, such as network shares, or the use of tools like 7-Zip to split files into sections, may need to be considered.
Through the implementation of Beyond Compare, WashU IT has significantly improved the accuracy and efficiency of its data transfers, showcasing the tool’s effectiveness and reliability in handling complex migration tasks.