GWS Backup vs Synology Photos

GWS Backup is self-hosted software for backing up Google Workspace Gmail, Drive, Shared Drives, Calendars and Contacts. It can send backups to Google Drive, local disks or NAS, Amazon S3, and Azure Blob storage. After its initial full backup, it transfers only new mail and changed files. Restores can cover a workspace, account, folder, email or file, including transfer to a different user or download. Deleted source items remain in backup for one year; operators can configure version history and vault pruning. A live monitor shows transfers, and an audit trail records actions and backup results. Security options include 2FA and separate administration and restore roles. The maker says backups stay in storage controlled by the customer and do not pass through its infrastructure. Deployment options include Windows, Linux, cPanel and Docker. GWS Backup requires Node.js 22.5 or newer and an activated licence key. Its plan is free, covering up to 10 client workspaces and unlimited accounts, with one running installation per licence key.

Synology Photos is a photo and video management service in DSM for browsing, organizing, searching, sharing, uploading, and previewing media. It requires a Synology NAS for private photo storage, and its mobile app can back up photos and videos to that NAS automatically. Users can share individual items or albums through links with passwords or expiration dates. Shared Space lets selected users collaborate, with access and editing rights assigned by folder. Organization tools include custom and conditional albums, automatic grouping, and facial and object recognition on supported NAS models. RAW files are supported; previews for HEIC/HEVC files and compressed videos require Synology Image Assistant. Mobile apps require iOS 16 or later or Android 11 or later; TV apps support Apple TV and Android TV. Chrome and Safari are recommended for web use. Synology Photos is free, with no paid premium tiers listed.