Why use Managed File Transfer to Send Large Files

Posted on September 23, 2011 by Alex

Managed File Transfer (MFT) is a technology used to send large files that offers many benefits over traditional file sending methods. While MFT has been in use for over a decade, awareness of the technology is relatively low. If you are a newcomer to MFT, you may have some questions.

To help out, here are six important advantages you can use to determine if using Managed File Transfer is right for you.

1. Consolidates file sharing applications to a single platform for your entire organization

MFT frees you from managing fragmented systems by unifying your user base into a single system. It also simplifies reporting and reduces management overhead.

2. Hardware free

There is no hardware taking up space that needs to be managed in your server room. You never have to buy or sell hardware again.

3. No special software is required

A computer without a web browser is like a bike without a wheel, that’s why a browser ships with every computer sold today. MFT uses the open standards of the Internet (e.g., HTML, SSL, HTTPS) used by browsers to send large files. So out of the box, MFT will work across any platform with a web browser.

4. Can easily scale to your business

MFT is a service and like any service it can scale up or down to meet your needs. It can also be started and stopped at any time without penalty. With hardware based solutions you are stuck with physical systems that represent a sunk cost.

5. Sets a high security standard by default

Business class MFT providers all recognize that file security is paramount. That’s why you will find high default security features such as 128-bit file storage encryption, 128-bit file transfer encryption, user authentication via email, and SSL sign-on for users.

6. Free trial for risk free evaluation

Hardware solutions require expensive up front cost. MFT is a highly competitive service, so many companies are willing to offer a free trial to potential customers.

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How to send multiple files at the same time

Posted on September 13, 2011 by Alex

An annoying aspect of sending more than one file is that you are required to either compress all of your folders and files into a single zipped file or you have to send files individually. Both methods add extra steps and hassle that can eat away your valuable time.

We recently enabled our new beta to eliminate this problem by automatically compressing your selected files into a zipped file before the file transfer process begins. Our service will even compress folders.

An extra benefit is that when you compress your files you are shrinking their file size. Sending smaller files will lower your bandwidth usage and save you money.

Here’s how it works.

First, make sure you have the beta enabled by clicking the link to the beta on the send files page and choose the ‘Enhanced’ experience. For now, only paid plans have access to our beta.

Next enter in your recipients email address in the ‘Choose Recipients’ section, then click the green ‘Select Files’ button. Allow the java applet to run if you haven’t done so yet and you will next see the file selection screen. Here you can either drag and drop your files and folders into the window or you can click ‘Browse’ to select your files and folders.

Once your files are chosen, our system will automatically compress your files and folders into a .zip format. As files are being ‘zipped,’ their progress is updated in real-time. Once compression is complete, your data begins uploading to our secure servers for distribution.

Try it out and let us know your thoughts on our beta feedback page.

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Intel improving computer randomness

Posted on September 7, 2011 by aaron

At SendThisFile we certainly take security very seriously.

Here is an article that provides a nice background over the “randomness problem” that has been a tricky one to overcome for the computer industry.

Looks like Intel is really stepping it up to deliver a low-cost-to-operate and pretty darn secure digital hardware solution to generate large random numbers.

http://spectrum.ieee.org/computing/hardware/behind-intels-new-randomnumber-generator

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Outlook 2010 plugin now has password protection

Posted on September 6, 2011 by Alex

We have enhanced our Outlook 2010 plugin to include password protection!

While it has always been easy to send large files with our plugin for Outlook 2010, you were not able to access our password protection feature in Outlook… until now.

Password protection requires those who receive your file enter a password of your choosing before they begin downloading. Without your password they will not be able to access your file. Requiring a password is entirely optional.

Outlook 2010 plugin options

To enable passwords, go to the “message transmit options” menu, check the password checkbox, and enter your password for each file you send.

Click here to learn more about our Outlook 2010 plugin.

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How to easily send files Mac or PC

Posted on August 30, 2011 by Alex

Whether you own an Apple or a Windows computer, SendThisFile has you covered.

Our new file sending beta allows you to send files completely from within your web browser on both Apple and Windows computers. There is no special software required. So you can easily send files using Safari just as easily as you can send files with Internet Explorer.

Now you don’t have to think twice about using SendThisFile on different computer platforms. It just “works.”

Try our new beta today (free for paid users)!

Click here to learn more about the SendThisFile beta.

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SendThisFile expands platform to include Outlook 2010

Posted on August 23, 2011 by Alex

SendThisFile works in even more places than ever before, and is now compatible with the latest version of Outlook for Windows!

Microsoft Outlook 2010 is one of the most popular email clients in use today. SendThisFile’s plug-in allows you to send large files directly from Outlook without having to switch to a different program or website.

Many companies and Internet web services limit the size of email attachments for cost and security reasons. For example, Google limits Gmail to files under 25 Megabytes in size and will not send files that exceed this limit. SendThisFile fills this need by providing an affordable and secure way to send large email attachments and files.

Here’s how the plug-in works. Once the plug-in is installed and running it automatically detects a large file in your outgoing email, uploads the file, replaces your file attachement with a download link in your original email, and sends the email to your recipient(s).

Selectable options include download receipt selection, email template selection.

You can even monitor the file(s) upload completion status.

Click here to learn how to download and install SendThisFile’s Outlook 2010 plug-in.

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Beta Feedback

Posted on August 22, 2011 by aaron

Please leave a comment to this blog article to leave feedback about our new file sending applet (currently for paying users only).

We’d like to hear how it worked for you, what features we are missing, and anything else you’d like to share.

Thank you for your feeback!

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Frustration free file sending with transfer resume

Posted on August 16, 2011 by Alex

Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of sending a large file to someone through a browser-based file transfer service is that your transfer can be interrupted, forcing you to start over. If your file size is really large, it can take hours with average internet upload speeds.

Even worse is that there are many activities that can unintentionally interrupt your file transfer. Things like power saving settings, power outages, intermittent internet service, and weak wi-fi signals. Any one of these items could force you to start over, losing you hours of transfer time in the process.

Fortunately, this problem has been solved with the new SendThisFile beta!

Our powerful new beta automatically keeps track of your file transfer progress and, when interrupted, lets you resume right where you left off. So if you lose power or internet connection, you can save hours of time by not having to re-start the transfer all over again. Even better, it is entirely browser based so there is no special software download required!

To resume an interrupted transfer, click the green up arrow to continue right where you left off.
At the moment this impressive new feature is available only to our paid plan users. Simply click the beta link that appears on our send files page to access the new SendThisFile beta. It’s just one of the many cool feature enhancements we have been working on to improve your experience.

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Send files easier with drag and drop

Posted on August 9, 2011 by Alex

Despite the enormous improvements of computer operating systems, interacting with the file system remains relatively untouched since its beginnings over 30 years ago.

A file system is what our computers use to organize our data and controls how we store, retrieve, update, and manage our data. Often, we are challenged to find our data amongst the sea of information that we have created.

SendThisFile’s file sending page uses the tried-and-true “browse” functionality to locate your files. While it is a familiar mechanism for finding files, it often dumps you into your folders hierarchy where you must begin to search for your file manually. This can be frustrating since you were just working with the file and have its folder already open. Thus, while ‘file browsing’ gets the jobs done, it also adds unnecessary friction to the user experience.

Now there is a better way to send large files in the browser.

SendThisFile has implemented an intuitive ‘drag-and-drop’ functionality to its new file sending page (currently in beta for paid accounts), and there’s no software required!

Once you are ready to upload your file to our servers, simply drag the file from any window or desktop into the send files  page. Our system will then automatically handle the file from there.  You can even drag folders!

We hope you appreciate the ease of use this feature provides. It saves both time and frustration, improving your workflow.

Drag and drop is in beta right now for paid customers on Windows, Mac OSX, and Linux operating systems. To learn more, click here.

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How to send files without special software

Posted on August 2, 2011 by Alex

Did you know most online file transfer services require installing special software on your home computer?

All of today’s web browsers restrict file transfers to less than 2 gigabytes. To get around this defect, most web-based file transfer services use special desktop application software that customers must download and install. Installing software creates a bunch of issues including admin access rights, updating, patching, and version support, just to name a few.

SendThisFile has solved two gigabyte problem!

SendThisfile customers can now send files over 2 gigs without the need for any special software! Our file sending page has been completely revamped to allow file sending of any size without having to leave your browser. There is no software to install or maintain.

This powerful feature is in beta right now for paid customers on Windows, Mac OSX, and Linux operating systems. To learn more, click here.

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