Posted by Juan Rojas on Mon, Oct 25, 2010 @ 03:36 PM
No matter the size of the company, an increasing number of businesses need to be able to send files or receive files, either internally (among staff) or externally (with clients, contractors or field staff).
Smaller companies often don't have the resources to set up their own servers (either in terms of hardware and the IT staff to maintain it), especially in the earlier days of an enterprise. This limits their ability to use FTP (the traditional choice for sending large files) or network drives (the simplest solution for internal file sharing). Large companies also face similar limitations, especially in current difficult economic times. Let's face it: everyone's on a tighter budget these days.
(Photo credit)
While email is a common choice for sending files, it suffers from a number of downsides:
1. Lack of security: email is a very easy electronic media to access...in other words, it's easy to hack. This is a major concern for businesses that handle sensitive information, such as health care-related companies (insurance firms, doctor's offices, etc.), financial institutions, or law firms.
2. File size limits: most common email programs impose limits on the size of attachments that can be sent along with messages, generally in the range of 25MB. While this may not be an issue for many non-business users, many companies need to be able to send or access much larger files, such as contracts, architectural drawings, computer applications or patient files (among many possibilities).
3. Poor tracking: if a particular file (or set of files) is subject to changes from several people, email does not really give the ability to properly track changes made, who made them or who has accessed the files in question.
The inherent risks and issues involved in FTP were discussed in the previous post on this blog.
So, if neither of the 2 most popular methods of sharing files are the best way to go, what is?
A web based file transfer service.
Online file sharing solves all of the issues mentioned earlier. For example, FilesDIRECT offers:
1. Security: 128-bit encryption is used for uploading and downloading files (the same level of encryption used by banks and major online retailers like Amazon.com), and files are sent using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) cryptography. Combined with the ability to password protect downloads and uploads, this is a level of security that cannot be matched by other methods.
2. While the vast majority of email programs severely limit the size of files that can be sent (most to a max of 25MB or less), FilesDIRECT allows users to send files up to 2GB in size without downloading any software. Downloading the free desktop app allows for file transfers of any size.
3. FilesDIRECT's built-in file management includes automatic tracking of files, including the file name and type, it's size, and upload and download history.
Another benefit is that, once a company has an account, they can set up a (free!) upload page (aka: a dropbox) to allow others (such as clients, contractors, etc.) to upload files to the company for free...without having to open accounts of their own.
All of these features make big file transfer with FilesDIRECT a natural choice for businesses of any size in any industry.
Posted by Juan Rojas on Tue, Sep 14, 2010 @ 11:24 AM
Okay, so I may be exaggerating, but only a little!
This post is really to toot my own horn (so to speak) but what can I say: I'm excited, and the rest of the team here encouraged me to write a blog post about it, so here we are:
I am now listed as an "Expert Author" on EzineArticles.com, the Internet's leading article directory.
(Photo credit)
And yes, before you ask, I was almost as excited as a kid at Christmas.
Anyways, the article is titled: "Send Large Files Safely Online" (feel free to click the link) and it gave me the opportunity to discuss some of the knowledge I've gained over the past few months about sending large files, receiving large files, and online storage - specifically focusing on the security issues involved in online file transfer.
It's not an in-depth discussion of different security protocols, or a careful examination of different methods of cryptography (although, come to think of it, those are some petty good ideas for later articles...hmmm...) so much as a brief overview of the security issues to consider when choosing a file transfer service.
Feedback is welcome (just leave a note in the comments) but please - be gentle. :)
Posted by Juan Rojas on Mon, Aug 30, 2010 @ 02:46 PM
Healthcare organizations (including hospitals, claims administrators, doctors' offices, etc.) exist in a high-pressure, highly-regulated environment, and several of those regulations are about keeping and transferring patient data.
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Regulations like HIPAA demand that healthcare organizations keep personally identifiable health information confidential, and that they track and report on how that information is accessed.
The challenge is that the systems used must not only be secure, but be simple enough that any staff who need to access the information can do so easily and effectively.
Email, though widely-adopted and easy to use, suffers from a lack of security and an ability to transfer only small files (10MB or less). FTP, though commonly used by IT professionals, is very complicated to use and very insecure.
Example
A local hospital has a wide variety of staff, clients and partners, not all of whom are on-site. Doctors and nurses need to access and update patient information on the fly, while hospital administrators have to manage the access given to the hospital’s billing service, who is then in contact with patients' insurance companies. They had previously used email and FTP – but their FTP system lacked encryption abilities, and email was becoming less scalable and using increasing amount of server resources. To top it all off, neither system lets them manage workflow or enforce appropriate access to patient records.
The solution is online file transfer and storage. These services (like FilesDIRECT) let healthcare organizations store data offsite, which gives redundancy of important information and reduces server load.
FilesDIRECT’s “One-Click Send” system is easy to use; with a simple, customizable public upload page. This allows hospital staff and partners to use the system without time-consuming (and expensive!) training.
Our online file transfers use the same level of encryption as banks and major online retailers (like Amazon). This means healthcare organizations can rest assured their patient information is secure.
Simplicity, security, and built-in tracking means FilesDRECT is the perfect solution for HIPAA compliant file transfer.
Try it FREE today!
Posted by Juan Rojas on Fri, Jul 30, 2010 @ 03:13 PM
Trying to email large files is a process filled with limitations and problems, and even though it’s a popular method to send files, you shouldn’t risk losing your work to it. Low file size limits and a tendency for messages to disappear without any kind of notice are all reasons to switch to something new. Now, you can quickly and safely email large attachments to anyone, anywhere in the world with FilesDIRECT.
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Using one-click send and a secure SSL encryption, FilesDIRECT is the best and most convenient web based file transfer service available.
Whether you are a large enterprise business needing to email thousands of confidential documents or a small graphic design firm trying to get dozens of large Photoshop files to the printers, FilesDIRECT is the perfect solution. In addition, no FTP or tech knowledge is required, just click to upload your file and emails are instantly sent to both you and the recipient letting everyone know the files are ready to be downloaded.
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Have questions? Want to try FilesDIRECT? Sign-up for our FREE trial and start emailing large files right now.
Posted by Ross Mann on Mon, Jul 19, 2010 @ 12:05 PM
For thirty years, FTP has been the default method of moving files around networks, including the internet. It's no surprise that FilesDIRECT replaces FTP, but on what basis?
The real question is: on what basis does it not?
Security - For the past thirty years, plain FTP has ignored security concerns, passing its passwords across the net in plain text. In today's world that's completely unacceptable, especially with the huge rise in easily eaves-droppable mobile devices. Also, FTP plays havoc with firewalls, opening a new connection for every file, which makes your network less secure (especially when the firewall is configured out of desperation to allow FTP, but disallow better security.) FilesDIRECT is SSL-encrypted every time, and nothing passes in plain text.
(Photo: Dazzie D)
Usability - Timestamps on files aren't kept with FTP, leaving users lost as to what version of what file they're looking at after a transfer. Directory listings aren't standardized, meaning users can be stuck working with clumsy, incorrect information about what files are where. FilesDIRECT uses easy to read links and lists to display directories and timestamps are what they're supposed to be.
Simplicity - FTP clients are confusing, especially for new users. What thirty year old software technology wouldn't be? By comparison, if you can use email and a web browser, you can use FilesDIRECT.
Sadly, FTP won't be going away any time soon. The good news is you don't have to keep using it: now you can choose FilesDIRECT!
Posted by Juan Rojas on Fri, Jul 16, 2010 @ 03:17 PM
(Photo: Tanaka Juuyoh)
When you're trying to send your files, you assume that once you've sent them off, they arrive at their destination, right?
Not necessarily.
If you've tried using email to send large files, or to arrange file sharing via FTP, you know that (as the song goes) "you can't always get what you want". Maybe the file's too big. Maybe it got saved to the wrong directory. Maybe your account's been hacked.
Your data is too important to be trusted to "maybe".
FilesDIRECT offers solid architecture that ensures top-notch security and availability. Our secure North American servers make sure that you can both send and receive your files easily, from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. Unlike older, outdated models of transferring information, your files are sent instantly, stored securely, and constantly traced, so you always know who has access to your data. As the premium online file transfer service, FilesDIRECT offers you:
Instant email notification lets you know when your file has uploaded
Our system accepts any type of file up to 2GB in size
Includes free online storage for your files
Can be used with any browser or operating system
Industry-leading support for our clients, including live phone support (even for our trial users!)
All account holders can track their files & transfers in real time (by file, IP, email address & time)
All this and more through a simple "one-click" interface. Why leave your file transfers to chance?
Posted by Ross Mann on Fri, Jul 09, 2010 @ 10:41 AM
(Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives)
With everything from floor plans and schematics to 3D renderings and CAD files, engineers and architects have to send large files to various people and companies, often in different cities and even across the globe. Whether you are looking for the ability to send large architecture files or email engineering files, FilesDIRECT can solve all your file transfer problems.
With the ability to send files to anywhere in the world with our simple one-click upload and send, FilesDIRECT is the perfect architect and engineer large file transfer tool. Sign up now and start sending your files with:
1. 128-bit SSL encryption for maximum security
2. File sizes of up to 2GB - no email size limitations
3. Compatibility with all operating systems
4. No server setup or hassle from dealing with FTP's
With a new 30-day free trial, you can literally be sending your files in minutes.
Posted by Ross Mann on Wed, Jul 07, 2010 @ 12:00 PM
(Photo: Anonymous Account)
Whether you need to send confidential financial data or personal information, you can never be too careful when making sure it doesn't get in the wrong hands. With so many security issues caused by the vulnerabilities of email (easily hacked) and FTP (opens huge holes in your firewall), you need to make sure you keep your files safe with a secure file transfer service like FilesDIRECT.
At FilesDIRECT, every file uploaded to our secure servers is protected with 128-bit SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption so that your information stays secret. This is the same encryption protocol used by banks and major online retailers like Amazon.com. In addition, our one-click upload and send offers the easiest secure file transfer possible.
FilesDIRECT is perfect for: hospitals, health care providers, government agencies, financial institutions, universities, and anyone else sending sensitive information online.
Click here to see just how easy FilesDIRECT really is - try it FREE for 30 days!
Posted by Ross Mann on Fri, Jul 02, 2010 @ 05:02 PM
(Photo: Sorosh)
Whether you work in the commercial, TV, or film industry, FilesDIRECT can help you send large video files anywhere in the world. It can be a big bottleneck: between the set, producers, editors, and others all needing access to what's being created, you need an easy versatile solution that doesn't require more training.
With our simple one-click send, your videos will be uploaded and emails instantly sent to recipients for download. Not only that, but your files stay online as long as you choose for continued access.
Never again will you have trouble transfering large video files thanks to FilesDIRECT offering:
1. SSL Encryption for maximum security
2. None of the limitations of email
3. Compatibility with all operating systems
4. No server setup or hassle from dealing with FTP's
With eight different plans to choose from, you can sign up and start sending your files in minutes.
Posted by Ross Mann on Wed, Jun 30, 2010 @ 05:59 PM
(Photo: Herkie)
With the ability to upload, send, and store large files online in just one click, FilesDIRECT is the perfect solution for any print or design company looking to transfer large image files. Unlike FTP, FilesDIRECT doesn't require downloading any programs or worrying about setting up any servers - everything is done through your browser and can be used on any operating system.
You avoid couriering cd's back and forth, saving you and your clients time, money and frustration.
FilesDIRECT also uses SSL encryption so that you'll never have to worry about your files getting in the wrong hands. With a variety plans to choose from, FilesDIRECT is the most affordable site for anyone needing to email large images or any other type of media file.
Try FilesDIRECT free for 30 days and start sending your files today!