How Would You Send Large Files In an Ideal World?

When it comes to relatively small files such as text files or graphics saved as jpgs or gifs, it's easy to send them over the internet as email attachments. However, when one needs to send large files, such as 3D CAD files or digitized blueprints, the send/receive process becomes more problematic. Architects and engineers employed at large firms frequently find it necessary to transfer big files weighing in at several tens or even hundreds of megabytes. Unfortunately, the use of traditional FTP (file transfer protocol) methods can be highly unsatisfactory for a couple of reasons.

First of all, the time required to upload files of those sizes can be considerable. Even a dedicated FTP site can require several minutes, and in some cases it can take an hour or more to send files online with these methods. That's just the upload file
types that are that big can also be a problem on the receiving end, and one has very little control over what system or software is being used by the recipient.

This is another problem when one must send large files. FTP requires specific software, and these applications are far from being standardized. Furthermore, they can be complicated and difficult to use, particularly for those who have limited experience with computers and the fine points of internet technology.

Finally, large companies that must transfer big files of a confidential nature can experience serious security problems when it comes to more traditional FTP methods. Files sent via old-fashioned FTP, even specialized FTP web sites, can be subject to interception by unauthorized third-parties as well as malicious hackers.

So, in a perfect world, large architectural, construction and engineering firms need way to send files online that:

- takes little time to upload files larger than 10 MB
- is user-friendly
- has multiple layers of security

Fortunately, in recent months there are a few very reliable online services that can perform these functions for a nominal fee. These fees are quite modest when compared to the alternatives, which consist of courier services or delivery services such as UPS, FedEx or the U.S. Post Office. Although these "real-world" services are usually quite reliable, they can be very expensive when blueprints or other documents must be delivered overnight (and of course, immediate delivery of physical documents isn't an option). A quick internet search will bring up excellent alternatives that allow for fast, easy and secure ways to transfer big files.