How To Utilize File Providers
The File Provider mechanism was introduced by Apple in macOS 11 (Big Sur) and refined over subsequent OS releases. In macOS 13 (Ventura) it is the standard mechanism used by 3rd-parties to integrate their cloud storage services with macOS. Major services such as Box, DropBox, Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive are implemented as file providers. Apple has made it clear that this is the only approved mechanism for offering this capability, so eventually all cloud storage services will be implemented as file provider extensions.
ChronoSync 11 supports these cloud services through the File Provider Extensions ‘Connection’.
To help customers utilize this feature, we have prepared several documents.
First, the ChronoSync 11 Download DMG includes a “What’s New” PDF that explains how to use this new feature.
Second, we have a Tech Note explaining issues with Apple’s File Provider Mechanism and the quirks you might encounter with each service.
And finally, a Guide to setting up a Sync Task that uses File Provider connections.
Each Cloud service has to add specific support for File Providers.
If you are using Dropbox, you might need to install an update to your Dropbox Service Software. Learn more about the Dropbox Cloud Service File Provider support at this web page: https://help.dropbox.com/installs/dropbox-for-macos-support
If you are using OneDrive, this web page discusses File Provider for OneDrive: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/save-disk-space-with-onedrive-files-on-demand-for-mac-529f6d53-e572-4922-a585-e7a318c135f0
If you are using the Box service, this web page discusses File Provider Extension support and how to use it: https://support.box.com/hc/en-us/articles/4407737091219-Using-Box-Drive-on-macOS-File-Provider-Extension-FPE-mode
If you are using Google Drive, this web page discusses File Provider for Google Drive: https://support.google.com/drive/answer/12178485?hl=en#zippy=%2Cconfirm-if-youre-using-file-provider
Note: Keep in mind that a ChronoSync Sync Task that backs up to a cloud service via the File Provider Extensions will wait for items to be copied to the cloud servers. This can result in periods of inactivity while ChronoSync waits for items to be processed. This feature ensures items are indeed stored in the cloud when your Sync Task completes and prevents filling the local hidden cloud service cache folder and possibly running out of disk space on your Startup Disk.
