Transferring large files

[Ian Blundell]

We sometimes needs to have the ability to send and receive files that are too big for email and are looking for the best solution.
We have used services like yousendit in the past but that is only really good when we what to send somebody else a file.  If they need to send us a file then most of these services would require that the sender sets up an account first don't they?

What I would like would be something that we could put a link to on our website so that the sender would click on, maybe enter a code we would give them (to control who is sending us stuff) and then an email is sent saying that the file is available for download, with the link expiring after a set period.  Ideally, there would also be a (different) link on our internal home page for when we want to send large files to people outside of our organization.

What solutions have others out here come up with?  I guess that an alternative solution would be for us to do it ourselves and set up an FTP transfer option on one of our servers but that would probably involve hiring somebody to set that up and I see possible security issues in allowing outsiders to download files to our servers.

[Lance Bateman]

We're looking at the ShareFile from Citrix.

[Bob]

I agree with Lance!  What's nice it's not just some shared FTP site, each client and company situation is unique with encryption and separate credentials to access.

[JohnGage]

We like ShareFile but decided against it once we realized that we would not have an exact record of the attachments.  For better or worse we archive every message sent/received.  To that end archiving a message with links to ShareFile that couldn't be followed years later leaves us with a message but not the attachments. 

Since we don't have a better solution I wish we would have purchased the service, but then I'm not sold on archiving "everything forever" procedure in the first place.

[Jim Jensen]

I currently use Logmein.com. The paid version allows secure file sharing. Logmein creates a link that I can email to the recipient and they download the file directly from my computer. I can set limits on the time and the number of downloads that are available. The downside is that I have to have the file on one of my physical drives, not a network share drive.

[Conan_Ward]

Another alternative might be Globalscapes secure FTP solution, it should be able to handled limited use secure sites. It should be possible to create random user/pass combinations that expire after a set amount of time (like 2 weeks). Not sure if thats exactly what you need, but maybe...I've only got experience as a user of it, so i can't speak to the setup.

http://www.globalscape.com/eft/

[Billy Welsh]

From what I understand (seminar info - have not yet personally researched) Sharefile allows you to set up a custom portal with 2-way file transfers and email notifications.  I believe it started out with CPAs and is now branching out with the purchase by Citrix.  No idea on pricing.  The other user would need an account, but you would control it.  You could certainly link it on your site.

A more simple solution would be Dropbox or similar, but you would need accts on both sides and not really a fit for what you want.  Could be done, but you would not want a public link on your site to the file/folder, and I don't believe you'd get the email notifications.

[Lance Bateman]

Billy is correct - and the cost is significantly less than other solutions, at least at this time.

[Cindy Russo]

Hi All,

We use a YouSendIt site drobox www.gregoryappel.com/dropbox.  This accomplishes most of what Ian is looking for.  We use it internally as well as externally.

The dropped file notifications are routed to our receptionist who then forwards the link to the appropriate employee.  When using it internally, the employee puts their name in the Subject field, uploads the file(s), our receptionist receives the email notification, forwards the email with the link to the employee who can cut and copy or forward the link.  For our external clients, it's the same workflow except once our employee receives the link it doesn't typically need to be forwarded.  You can set how many days until link expiration and you can also control the number of downloads instances if desired.

Last summer to get a branded site dropbox we had to order the minimum 2 user plan $29.98 (which we don't use) and pay the Site Drop monthly fee $29.99.   At about $720 a year it's well worth it to us.  Hope this helps.

[Jim Jensen]

Welcome Cindy - glad to see you here! Haven't seen you much since Usenet groups - missed your presence. Hope it's wetter on your side of town than ours 

[Cindy Russo]

Thanks, Jim!  I decided I was overdue to participate, and will make a better effort to contribute going forward.

Anyway, thanks for the wishes, but not a drop here either and none predicted in the near future!   Cindy

[Ian Blundell]

Thanks Cindy
What is the monthly bandwidth allowed for your $60 per month?  ShareFile seems to have a $30 per month 2 user / unlimited clients plan.  Comes with custom branding and 5 GB (effectively 2.5 GB if every uploaded file is downloaded once) bandwidth.

Hi All,

We use a YouSendIt site drobox www.gregoryappel.com/dropbox.  This accomplishes most of what Ian is looking for.  We use it internally as well as externally.

The dropped file notifications are routed to our receptionist who then forwards the link to the appropriate employee.  When using it internally, the employee puts their name in the Subject field, uploads the file(s), our receptionist receives the email notification, forwards the email with the link to the employee who can cut and copy or forward the link.  For our external clients, it's the same workflow except once our employee receives the link it doesn't typically need to be forwarded.  You can set how many days until link expiration and you can also control the number of downloads instances if desired.

Last summer to get a branded site dropbox we had to order the minimum 2 user plan $29.98 (which we don't use) and pay the Site Drop monthly fee $29.99.   At about $720 a year it's well worth it to us.  Hope this helps.

[Ian Blundell]

Thanks Conan
Their website isn't the most informative.  It looks like they want you to contact them with questions and a sales person will talk to you.

Another alternative might be Globalscapes secure FTP solution, it should be able to handled limited use secure sites. It should be possible to create random user/pass combinations that expire after a set amount of time (like 2 weeks). Not sure if thats exactly what you need, but maybe...I've only got experience as a user of it, so i can't speak to the setup.

http://www.globalscape.com/eft/

[Ian Blundell]

Jim
GoToMyPC also has the file transfer option.  I don't think that I want people connecting into my computer to send or receive files.  I would then get involved with helping computer illiterates find the file on their system.  Not a place that I want to go.

I currently use Logmein.com. The paid version allows secure file sharing. Logmein creates a link that I can email to the recipient and they download the file directly from my computer. I can set limits on the time and the number of downloads that are available. The downside is that I have to have the file on one of my physical drives, not a network share drive.

[Cindy Russo]

Our plan (enterprise) is 200GB/month download.  Upload isn't counted in that allocation.

Another option you may want to look at is www.zipsec.com, however that solution only takes of outbound needs.

Cindy