syncplicity-logo1It looks like there’s a real business need for file synchronizing services — at least, that’s what Syncplicity is hoping, since it’s announcing a new business version.

The San Francisco company follows SugarSync, which launched a small business version last week. The basic goal of both products is the same — to allow users to access folders and files on multiple devices, with changes to a file on one computer reflected on all devices. Not only does this keep your files up-to-date across different machines, but it also means your key data is backed up if, say, your desktop computer dies or your laptop is stolen.

The business case for this type of service seems obvious — if anything, it seems even more essential for a team to share and collaborate on files than it is for a single user who just uses lots of computers. That’s especially true for Syncplicity, since it emphasizes intelligent “conflict management” when multiple users are editing a document, as well as a smooth transition when moving documents from the web in Google Docs to your desktop on Microsoft Office, and vice versa.

The new, business-specific features include a central console for IT administrators, and the possibility of paying for accounts with unlimited file storage. Chief executive Leonard Chung showed me how administrators can create accounts for employees and and determine their access levels (so one employee could read and edit a folder, while another could only read it, while a third wouldn’t have access at all). One downside: The company is still developing its Mac service, after releasing a version earlier this year and withdrawing it after being dissatisfied with the results.

Pricing starts at $45 per month for three years and 50 gigabytes of storage.

The company has raised $2.35 million from True Ventures and others.