Problems In Sending Large Files On The Internet

By Author: Emil Walker
Total Articles: 25
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Increased competition and globalization scenario have created a demand for synchronized business processes and sharing of information. Companies are now required to make faster decisions and a lot depends on the time taken to share information with people involved in the process.

A few years ago, people used email to share information. The type of data that was typically shared included spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations. But today, data is much more complex than spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations. In fact, some of these files are so large that even email cannot be used to deliver them. Common solutions to send large files include FTP, burning it on a CD and then sending it via snail mail, etc.

To the uninitiated, FTP refers to File Transfer Protocol or a system where the data can be stored on an external server. The system works like this- You log on to the site with a user name and password and then upload the file. A link to this file can then be sent to the recipient via email. The recipient can then log on to their account and transfer the file on their computer.

But this too isn’t without ...
... its shortcomings. FTP is one of the earliest protocols that were generated way back in 1973 and wasn’t really designed to address the complex security needs of today. Lack of security and time consuming processes are just some of the aspects where this protocol lacks. File exposure to wrong parties, the risk of password sharing, exposing vulnerable to real threats are real and scary. There’s also the problem of the process being cumbersome. Waiting to download and upload files can be time consuming.

Peer to peer networking like BitTorrent is another process used to transfer large files. Thus, data is distributed stored in pieces on several computers that are connected via Internet. The original files being stored over different locations helps in the transfer of data without interruption. In fact you can even interrupt and resume transfer. And when resumed, the transfer happens from where you left off. The only problem with this protocol is that both the sender and recipient should be online.

Some sites such as DropBox, ADrive and SendThisFile.com also allow you to store and share data. While some have a limit to the data that can be shared, SendThisFile does not have one. As for some systems like Sizable Send members have an option of sharing it on social networks like Facebook and Twitter.

Sending large files has become an important and integral part of business communication today. SendThisFile.com is one such important networking system. Click here to know more.