Using a FTP Website



An FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a method of remotely transferring a file from one host to another. This is achieved through a network (most commonly the internet, but can be through a LAN, etc.)  It is considered the easiest and most secure way to quickly transfer a file, and can be an immediate transfer between networks, or a download from an archive of stored online data.

Originating in 1971, it came about as a way to execute an efficient file transfer, through a series of simple commands. The importance being that this transfer allows two computers to receive a file without the operating system or file name interfering. FTPs have become increasingly common as more and more business is conducted online as a quick, secure way to ensure a document reaches its destination. Files are either streamed live, byte-by-byte from host to host, or first broken into parts by the FTP and sent in pieces.

In initial stages of development, the issue of security was important, as an FTP offered no encryption, and therefore opened clients to several forms of data theft or server “sniffing.” Because of this concern, many FTPs now offer secure transfers in several forms including:

SFTP: which provides file access over a reliable stream, designed to work with SSH or a Secure Shell, which assumes that the client server has already been proven secure.

FTPS: which allows encryption of a network where transfers are occurring, or Transport Layer Security.

File sharing can be executed entirely within a browser, with either an account that has server space set up, and accessed through username/password, or increasingly as an anonymous transfer where one requires no validation (generally just an e-mail address) to send individual files. Online FTP often appears in a form similar to other web addresses, which one can type into their browser to begin a transfer or access stored files.

Many desktop applications have been developed to work across all operating systems, meant to solve problems commonly associated with the method. These give the user abilities such as drag and drop (or copy/paste) file adding, proven security, remote file editing and synching, stopping/resuming/fixing transactions in progress, previewing browser appearance and URLs, and perhaps most importantly: simple, intuitive interaction.

At Duggal most files arrive via FTP. For clients who are uncomfortable with using an FTP we also provide an uploading process though our files direct page. (www.filesdirect.com/duggal) This is where an individual or company can directly transfer work and all necessary information in one transaction. From here it is sorted, and delivered to the respective department for production. It can be tracked at any point in the process or moved from one department to another.

For more information on Duggal’s FTP services contact us at it@duggal.com. If you would like to upload a file through our website you can do so through Submit a Project Online. For additional websites that allow you to send large files check out the links below.

http://filezilla-project.org/ free transfer across all platforms, storage for windows

http://fetchsoftworks.com/ application for mac, cost depends on amount of licenses

open-source application for mac

http://www.smartftp.com/ application for windows, costs depends on licenses

http://www.coreftp.com/ free application for windows

www.mediafire.com free online file hosting

www.yousendit.com online FTP offering higher security/fewer limits, price varies

www.webcargo.com online FTP offering higher security/fewer limits, price varies