Without large scale tests, it is not realistic to estimate how much resources our users will consume in the cloud. In particular, the frequency of interactions between users’ databases and the central service. Therefore we will be doing extensive scalability testing before we make an announcement regarding possible costs for the service.
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I’m sure the question on the mind of many readers is: when will I be able to play with Things cloud sync first-hand? As it happens, the integration of cloud sync with the Mac version is a little further ahead of its counterparts on iOS. We have therefore decided to start with a beta of Mac-to-Mac sync first.
Initially, the cloud sync beta will be invite only. Everybody can subscribe, but we will activate accounts on a first come, first served basis as we gradually scale up the beta. We will be starting with a small number of beta testers at first – the idea is to iron out any kinks on the server early on – we will then slowly add more people in order to test our system under increasing load. iOS devices will join the fun once we are confident with everything server-side.
When will this happen? We are expecting to start sending out invitation emails on May 2.
So, it’s coming as a closed beta, for the Mac version only, in a month. Oh, and it might cost money once it is a finalized feature. And if you join the cloud sync beta, it’ll break Bonjour sync, meaning to beta test, you won’t be able to sync the iOS copy of Things at all. Oh, and the signup page keeps going down.
Pathetic.