File Upload from Clients

ddunlow

Member
I was curious to hear how other companies are receiving large files from their clients. We have an FTP server that works great, but some of our clients are reluctant to use it. Most of the time this is due to lack of FTP knowledge. I spend plenty of time on the phone giving my clients help, some appreciate it, and others really don't want to learn.

Are any of you using file upload scripts through your website? If so, are you happy with it? Did you write your own script or purchase one? My concern with file upload is security.

Thanks!
 
File Uploads

File Uploads

We got a script for clients that are not so knowlegeble in FTP apps. The more we used it the more we liked it. Files are sent to our internal FTP site. E-mail notifications are sent with all the info we need from the client. One thing to consider, spend the money and get some one to write script for progress bar. What a life saver. Customers can see percent and bar move as the file is sent. No questions on whether it's going or not.
 
Most of the clients/customers have no idea about computers. They are trying to upload to your ftp server using all kind of browsers, but NOT a ftp client, like FileZilla. Therefore, most of the have problems uploading the files.

Security?
/incoming - write/resume only - the idea behind this is that never ever customer X can see what customer Y is uploading (or whatever jobs you have from other clients).
/pub - read/resume

Or you can use (for lazy customers) something like www.yousendit.com

Zombie
 
Thanks for everyone's input. I would like to have the clients upload through the website, in a process that as "dumbed-down" as possible. And as mentioned above, a progress bar seems like a must.

bruceprint, did you buy a ready to install script (w/ email notification) ? If so, would you mind sharing where you found it?
 
Rumpus! Its the best files transfer server i have seen.
It gives you a web site where your clients can login and upload and download files. You can set it to send you emails on uploads and or downloads.
The page is pretty client proof. Even mine can do it!
 
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OnTimeProof

OnTimeProof

We have a nice solution for file upload as part of our OnTimeProof product. It is a very simple web interface that you can easily create accounts for your clients. They simply login and select the file upload option. They have the choice of using the very nice Java upload tool or a standard browser based file upload. The java tool is digitally signed and has a nice target zone that the user can drag and drop files from either their desktop or from a left panel file browser section. Any number of files can be added to the list and once file transfer begins they receive nice progress bars for each file and total time.

Once files are uploaded then the user fills out a simple web form to provide you with production info. The uploaded files can then be routed directly into your production workflow automatically. The system can be installed with our TaskForce workflow whic includes ripping, trapping, and high resolution zoomable proof creation. These zoomable proofs enable your clients to view their jobs in complete detail.

This entire system can also be connected to our TribalSketch Web2Workflow storefront, with online pricing, shipping, sales tax, shopping cart, project management, credit card and PO checkout and order management.

Pricing of this entire system is unbelievably low and it is very easy to install and try out.

David Lewis
 
Digital Express

Digital Express

There's a small company out of San Antonio, CSS Group Inc., with a product called Digital Express. We've found it's about the most user friendly, practically fool proof method of file delivery
Digital Express
Might want to check that out.
 
CSS Group DigitalExpress users can use Mac/PC apps with Web pages, or just web pages to handle their uploads. Each upload supports a Upload ticket, with email going to sender and host site. The apps auto-compress the files before transporting, and the Host site automatically decompress the files when received, Uploads are managed through a host site web page, Thumbnails are generated, and viewable. Work flows can be added to hot folders (preflighting or other) and all files can be accessed on disk, or through the web portal. All magic mac bits (fonts, resource forks) are all properly compressed and decompressed, so never any "damaged" files. Designed for simplicity, but can expand into a full blown Graphic warehouse. Price start at 5k for all the package.
You can try both the Web page upload or get a copy of the apps at Home Page

Steve MacKenzie
 
Has anyone used Crush FTP? I'm trying out the demo right now and it seems to do a decent job. Just seeing if there are any opinions about it.
 
We have built our own system in our portal. There's an on-the-fly-preflight checking all PDF:s as well. Our customers like it alot!

Screenshot:
 

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Simple, low cost solution

Simple, low cost solution

I'm a developer that has made available a simple, low cost solution that is easy for users to upload or download files and makes it easy to administrate as well. Designed to be used by printers, graphic designers, etc.

See www.Simple2FTP.com, download the free trial app and see if it works for you.

Best regards,
Steve
 
We simply use a CGI script that has a web link, it asks the uploaders name, their e-mail their phone number and some other information. Click the browse button and upload the file. It sends a designated person an e-mail with all the file specifics.

It's almost idiot proof but there seems to be a new lower standard for idiot every hour.
 
We had an ftp onsite but customers were mostly befuddled so we switched to Sharefile to host our ftp.
 
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[EDIT] The link appears to be working properly now. 6-12-11; 8:26 AM
 
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