FileCatalyst Webmail is an enterprise-wide application that makes it easy for users to email large files. Webmail bypasses the file size restrictions of email attachments by sending a link to the file in an email, rather than the attachment itself. This is done automatically and seamless to the end user. Webmail can effectively replace traditional solutions that use alternative technologies to share files.
So the question is what are these alternative technologies that FileCatalyst Webmail replaces? Well there are three technologies that come to my mind and the issues associated with each. These are listed below:
Alternative #1 - Email Large Attachments: This is the most common method of sharing files with internet users. The Sender types the Recipient’s email address and attaches data files. This method is effective for small to medium sized files, but can be troublesome for large attachments (more than 10 MB). The problems associated with this alternative are:
- Reliability: Email servers are configured to handle email attachments of a certain size; up to 10 MB in a typical office environment. If email attachments exceed the set limit, then emails are bounced back to the sender. This adds a question of reliability, since the sender can’t guarantee delivery of the email. The cost of a bounced email is hard to quantify, especially when the email is of a critical nature.
- Cost of Archiving Email: Past emails are archived by the mail server. Large attachments add to the storage requirements of the mail server.
- Poor Network utilization: Email uses SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) for transferring mail and files. This protocol is not the most efficient protocol to transfer large files over a network.
Alternative #2 - Burn and Dispatch: Some businesses still burn data into a DVD and physically ship it to the recipient. This process is useful when there is either large data to transfer (terra bytes of data) or when there is poor internet connection between the two parties. But, this method has some drawbacks too, which are:
- Time Consuming:This is a labor intensive process that requires human interaction from burning DVDs to printing out mailing labels and shipping the disks.
- Courier Services: Depending on the urgency of the files, costs for using a courier service can easily add up.
- Timely delivery: Since physical delivery is involved, the process can take 1 to 5 business days to be shipped to the recipient. This usually is an unwelcome delay and is not feasible for time-sensitive delivery of data.
Alternative #3 –FTP Server: Some IT administrators setup a FTP server to be used for large file transfers. The primary issue with this setup is the learning curve involved in bringing users up to speed with a FTP client. These issues are highlighted below:
- Learning Curve: The average end-user is not familiar with FTP or FTP clients.
- Firewall and Security issues: Not all IT networks allow for FTP access across the board. So some users may not be able to connect to the FTP server.
- FTP Administration: IT administrators have to manage end-users on the FTP server and provide support and maintenance to the FTP server.
FileCatalyst Webmail Advantage
FileCatalyst Webmail offers a solution that overcomes all the issues with the three alternatives to provide an easy-to-use file transfer system that guarantees delivery. FileCatalyst Webmail offers feature rich features to track the file delivery process, password protect downloads and encrypt the file transfers. What’s more is that FileCatalyst Webmail uses patent pending FileCatalyst acceleration technology to speed up file transfers between two nodes by 100x faster than traditional FTP. Such speed gains as well as the other advantages offered by FileCatalyst Webmail make it a strong alternative to the methods listed above. If you are looking to replace any of those methods you should have a closer look at FileCatalyst Webmail.