Alternative to FTP

[Measuring Man]

I've been trying to setup software to replace our ftp system for file transfers with clients. We use a public folder for no critical stuff, and have a series of private directories we allocate for certain jobs, but we don't go through the hassle of setting up ftp access for each client, as we'd have to do it ourselves and managing it becomes ungainly after wards when done. Not to mention teaching people about ftp.

There is software out there called 'PHP Transfer Manager' that comes pretty close to doing what we need. It allows peopel to create their own secure user and upload/download files from a browser. Is anyone out there using this software? I corresponded with some studios (I think here) years ago that were.

Here's the problem. The current version does not allow private directories for users. There was a mod for an older version that did. The designer has recently(ish) revamped their website and had some sort of troubles that forced their forums to be shut down. So I can't get any of these old versions and mods.

So if anyone is running this and has that mod for private directories, if they could get in contact with me that'd be amazing.

Otherwise, if anyone out there is using some similar system I'm all ears. We use sendspace, and I've tried drop box. But this php system allowed users to create their own accounts locally, and then we had administrator access to go in and get files, and put files. Very convenient and all from a browser.

I'm all ears for suggestions at this point. How are you all dealing with, what I presume is an increased for everyone, web transfer activity with clients?

[adamgonsa]

Which system for "e-mastering" file transfer?

web hosting for client upload/downloading of masters

+1 for Rumpus. It's easy to configure and maintain. The Web File Manager feature provides a nice ftp-free interface for file transactions.

[Mark D.]

www.FilesAnywhere.com is my favorite, by far. Least expensive, never a corrupt file. Assignable drop boxes. Secure log-in.

[Thor]

Rumpus here too.

You can give new or seldom users anonymous access so they can use it like a dropbox for uploads.

Cheers,
Thor

[Franco]

Curious as to what you didn't like about DropBox?

I've been using it for about 5 months now, the only problems I've had is that often times it corrupts .zip files (had that problem using FTP occasionally also). What I like most about it is that you can manage files via a browser, the desktop program (which is nice because it alerts you when something is delivered/deleted) and they also have an iPhone/Android app (not fully featured at this time).

[Thor]

Dropbox is slow.

Our ftp server is on fiber optic.

:-)

Thor

[MASSIVE Master]

I had Encodable make me modified versions of their FileChucker and UserBase systems.

For the Win.

[Franco]

Originally Posted by Thor

Dropbox is slow.

This is true. It takes almost a whole day to deliver an album (24bit files).

Uh...it's still better than the post office!

[Adam Dempsey]

DigiDelivery™ here. Fast, secure, works a treat.

[Thor]

Takes about 5-7 minutes here, depending on size of DDP.



Also, with Dropbox everything is synced, so if someone deletes a file one place, it gets deleted everwhere. And files there take up space everywhere on all machines that are synced to that box, which is a pain. I could go on...

Thor

Originally Posted by Franco

This is true. It takes almost a whole day to deliver an album (24bit files).

Uh...it's still better than the post office!

[luddite]

Presumably you have a internet connection that you upload to someone else's server. Then you client downloads from there right?

Well if you want a free solution get wamp then setup up your own server - you need a pc that is always on and connected to the internet.

Its free and comes with unlimited support(you).

Yes this is all a little harder and you need a static IP from your ISP but its also free for the cheapskates out there.

Limitations are that the client download speed will be your upload speed.

[reflexon]

I use jfile upload. It was the only reasonable java ftp client. I dont have to explain ftp to people and it has been a godsend. They can give files to me and download s well right from my website. Pretty cool, but it doesnt work great with firefox on mac for some reason. Safari, IE and firefox on win works great. Anyway it works for me.

[Measuring Man]

What I like about this File Transfer PHP system is that users make their own accounts. I don't have to regulate it, except to delete after confirming the job is done. After posting this, I found an old version on a website I designed for someone years ago. So I'm testing that as it's the version with private user directories.

All these other solutions appear to need pre-maintenance. I don't want to have to be responsible for setting up accounts for users. I'd like them to do it themselves. But.....I want that to be as idiot-proof as possible. I looked at RUmpus, but it appears to be local network only?!?(If I got that right after watching the demo.) I also have a server we use for hosting and transfers, but it's a remote virtual Linux box so I can't really muck with it except to use it's static IP and and FTP services, as this PHP does.

I'm going to try this older version I found. If I have no issues with file sizes, then it'll probably do the trick.

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone.

[Thor]

Rumpus is not local network only, nor is it FTP only (it supports HTTP and WebDAV connections as well, so people can use a regular browser, or mount the server on their desktop if they prefer).

It doesn't have (afaik) user created accounts, but it does support public/anonymous access that can be set up as a dropbox, so that clients can access other's material but can upload their own stuff.

Rumpus requires Mac OS X, but the hardware and software requirements are really quite minimal. If you only have Linux, your PHP solution might be a better option.

You can access our server and try it out at: sonovo.serveftp.net

Cheers,
Thor