Tips for Transferring Large Files Via the Web
An essential skill for all media professionals who want to expand their business and work with clients globally is the ability to send large files over the internet. Geography becomes irrelevant when one is able to send large data files and folders across the world via the web.
While transferring large files is certainly not a novel idea, there are different methods used by producers video editors and a quick run down of the best methods is in order.
1. FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, is a very popular way to deliver files over the World Wide Web. With any FTP software users gain access to protected folders by providing a user name and password and then have the ability to easily upload and download data. With server size being the only limit to file transfer size, FTP has proven to be one of the most utilized methods for file transfer.
2. With access to an FTP server, one can also create URL links to files, such as large .wav files, that can be downloaded with the right click of a mouse. For example, you would create a URL such as http://www.websitename.com/projects/music.wav for a file named music.wav in a projects folder on your site.
3. A variety of Peer to Peer software called P2P allows the transfer of large media files stored on each participants computer without uploading to a third party site. Both participants need similar software installed which will allow the transfer of files. There are no links to click on and files are easily downloaded through the software.
4. Software as a Service, know as SaaS, is generally hosted on a particular server as an application available to member users. This type of software allows users to upload single files up to a certain size such as 100 MB and then provides a link for downloading. Service plans allow the uploading of larger files, multiple files, and folders for a monthly fee.
As you become adept at the above file transfer methods, geography will no longer limit the growth of your business. Rising able geography will let you work for clients throughout the world as easily as in your own city or town.
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