Comparing Date Modified and Timestamps

[jwkoeberlein]

I am trying to setup a sync for a client of mine. 3 different physical locations over a WAN. All 3 offices are open 8-5 every day. I am trying to figure out if it is possile to use a filter to compare the dates and times modified for Word Docs and PDF files at all 3 sites when I start the sync. I use 3 separate script files to replicate the files between sites. Files are saved locally at each location and we want to sync files from say SiteA to SitesB and SitesC during the day. New files are not an issue, it's just files that are updated and modified. The problem is I need the the sync to take into consideration the dates and times the files are modified so I am not overwriting files that are newer and more updated with an older copy. I tested using a timestamp filter but that doesn't seem to work unless I'm not setting it up right. It simply looks at files and if they are XX seconds apart it syncs them. I can't seem to get my scripts setup where it will look at the date and times before it just overwrites or syncs. Any help or a point in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.

[Aaron]

Hello,

To clarify, you do not need the newest of the 3 sites to have that file passed on to the other two sites; you just need Site A to transfer to Site B if A is newer than B, and Site A to transfer to Site C if A is newer than C? If it is the later scenario, then a sync update:left->right from A to B and A to C should handle it.

Would it be possible to post or email the script you are currently using? You can email us here at [email protected]
Please include a link back to this forum post in the email.

[jwkoeberlein]

The latter scenario is correct, however, Site A may not always have the most updated copy of the document. The office might update it at Site B and then I would need to replicate that updated copy back to A and C sites. Also, it could be Site C with the most updated needing to replicate back to A and B. My problem is I can't figure out how to make BC look at a date\time stamp when I'm doing my sync's and "decide" on it's own if a file is newer and sync it if it is, but leave it alone if its not newer.

[Aaron]

BC3 does this by default when using the Sync Update command. By default, the comparison used is timestamp and size, and the file is only copied from Source->Destination during a Sync Update if it is newer than the destination. We would need your Support.zip and Script files to investigate which settings may have changed. Please email them to [email protected] and include a link back to this forum post and we can look through them for you.

A Sync Mirror command would always copy any differences from Source-> Destination. A Mirror makes an exact copy of the Source into the Destination.

Also, I strongly suggest testing script against test data and already backed up data. Commands taken during script are not undo-able, and script does not prompt or show a preview before performing certain commands.

[jwkoeberlein]

Aaron-
I just wanted to say thank you. I have been testing some new scripts all day and they are doing exactly what I need them to do. My script syntax was a little off but with your help they are now updated and working great. The only problem I forsee, is if by chance 2 sites are modifying the same file at the same time. I can deal with that however as the chances of that actually happening are slim to nil. Thanks again for all the information!! EXCELLENT SUPPORT!!