The synchronization process is based on the concept that the repository will publish messages when events happen that may be of interest to the clients. The clients then request the relevant events and use the information to stay in sync with the repository.
The Alfresco repository communicates any changes made to the files, folders, subscriptions and device registrations via a queue. The Sync Service reads the messages in the queue and persists the changes in the database. It determines and records whether the device copy of a particular file differs from the repository. The device makes a GET change service request to the Sync Service to get an update on any resources that have changed since the device was last synced. The Sync Service communicates the changes (if any) to the device. The device then uses CMIS and the changed data from the Sync Service to bring the client and the repository in sync.
The desktop can register and synchronize content directly to the repository.