Vendors such as Apple do not allow 3rd party apps to sync via cable/iTunes.  In our initial design goal we needed a way to synchronize data between Logbook Pro Desktop and our new line of Apple iOS and Google Android apps, and the upcoming Microsoft Surface tablet and Windows Phone devices.  Syncing over the cloud provides the easiest user experience without having to become a networking expert and dealing with Wi-Fi home networks and pairing devices to listeners such as a Desktop app.  That's harassment!  Syncing over the Internet "cloud" is the best option.  And syncing is not just a transfer of data from A to B, the data actually has to synchronize (mesh) such as when you add a few flights, sync, add or edit flights, sync again, that data has to be stored properly with each sync until synced down to Logbook Pro Desktop.  The same applies at Logbook Pro Desktop, if updated data comes in then it has to handle that without duplicating data with every sync.  So we offer a very powerful system that's transparent to you, the user, when all you have to do is add/edit data and tap sync which takes all of about 2 seconds.

Cloud Sync IS required.  We give you the app and all updates FREE.  You don't have to worry about keeping up with the latest software which keeps up with the latest operating systems for devices, or fixing bugs, etc.  We take that worry out of the equation for you by giving you the software free.  In addition, with your one cloud sync subscription you can use any device that supports cloud sync.  There is no need to purchase an iPhone app, an iPad app, an Android app, etc.  With your cloud sync subscription you can use any and all supported devices as the app is free for iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, Kindle Fire's, and NOOK tablets.  The small annual fee which comes down to about $2/month is the smallest subscription fee you'll probably ever pay a company.  It is in place to help fund continuous development and updates, server resources for web and cloud requirements, data center (servers/rack space), storage and backup systems, people and office space.  There are costs to doing business, we can't do it all for free, cloud sync is a small price to pay for a huge array of mobile offerings for you to enjoy.

If you have any further questions regarding our cloud sync system and our free mobile apps, feel free to contact us at sales@nc-software.com and we'll gladly answer any additional questions you may have.