Moving Elephants Down Mouse Trails

Several times over the past few months, we have needed an easy, inexpensive and secure way to move very large (elephant) files (100 Mbytes to 350 Mbytes-plus) from one location to another across the mouse trail we call the Internet. Instinctively, we wanted to use an FTP server. However, due to the content in the files, we needed a more secure solution.

So we started looking for a few alternative ways to transfer these files. After a quick search, we were glad to find that there were a huge number of options that did not include FTP.

Like FTP, all of the services require you to create an account, log in and transfer the file to a secure server, and then you need to provide a link or some other access to the file for the recipient to download. Most of the services tout the ability to provide security and encryption.

For free accounts, each service limits the file size and the number of users. The prices are pretty similar for paid accounts, ranging from $3.95 a month for a single user with limited file-transfer sizes to $99 a month for unlimited users with unlimited file-transfer sizes. This is a bit steep since storage usage is only temporary, but we believe prices should drop significantly as more players get into the market.

Just about all of the services leave your files on their servers from 7 days to 14 days. A couple of the services leave the file indefinitely. We certainly don't think this is a great idea. Almost all of the options also allow for a free 14- to 30-day trial with up to 500 Mbytes of file transfer.

We chose to use Skoot (www.skootit.com) because they had all the features we desired, offered competitive pricing and went the extra mile by offering a 60-day free trial. Sixty days gave us more opportunity to evaluate the service.

Like most support companies, we frequently need the file-transfer capability, just not on a daily basis. So, the 60-day trial was a smart marketing strategy that just might work for us.

After all, whatever it is we evaluate, if we have been using it and like it, then typically we will buy it. Using Skoot, we have successfully transferred files ranging from a few Kbytes up to 500 Mbytes without a hitch. A great feature is the ability to resume any transfer right where it left off without starting over again when a connection is lost or severed.

If, like us, you are looking to move elephants down mouse trails easily, securely and effortlessly, there are a lot of secure alternatives to the FTP server.

DARREL BOWMAN is CEO of solution provider AppTech, a service-disabled veteran-owned business in Tacoma, Wash., and a member of the CRNtech advisory board. What's on Your mind? CRNtech welcomes letters and feedback. Send your submissions to JohnLongwell, executive editor, at jlongwel@cmp.com.