Selecting an "FTP Hosting" Service - Seven Tips!
If you're frustrated with the inability to send and receive
large files via email, you're not alone. Most businesses today
are experiencing the same problem. As software programs evolve,
the files they create are forever increasing in size. Programs
like AutoCAD, Adobe Photoshop, and a host of many more can
create files in excess of 5MB to 300MB.
One of the best ways to send large files via the Internet is by
utilizing what is called an "FTP Hosting" service. FTP stands
for "File Transfer Protocol."
How does it work? An FTP Hosting service is simple and
effective. Unlike email, where you send files from one person to
another, FTP hosting allows you to upload files of any size or
type to a secure storage location on the Internet. Once you've
uploaded your files, the recipient of the files can then
download them at will.
So how do you go about selecting the best "FTP Hosting" service?
We've come up with a list of seven tips that will help you in
the selection process.
1. Good Track Record & References: The provider of the "FTP
Hosting" service should have a solid business track record.
You'll want to select a company that has been in business at
least 4 to 6 years.
Remember, you're entrusting the "FTP Hosting" company with
proprietary corporate information. Make sure they are a
legitimate company. These days it's easy to develop a website
and call yourself an "FTP Hosting" company. Avoid any company
that looks like a "Fly-by-night" operation.
Ask for references! If the provider is good, they'll ask you how
many references you would like! Also, their web site should
provide an indication of their length of time in business and
references, if they have any.
2. Phone Number: Make sure the "FTP Hosting" company provides
you with a phone number to call, preferably a toll-free number.
If you have any problems at all you'll want to speak with
someone.
You'll also want to call the number they give you and verify
that someone answers the phone and can talk intelligently about
the service they provide.
Avoid any company that does not answer their phone during normal
business hours, as they most likely won't answer it when you
have a question or problem.
3. Guarantee or Trial: Look for a service provider that
guarantee's their service and will allow you to test it before
you subscribe. Ask for a 30-day free evaluation period. If
that's not available then ask for a 30-day, unconditional
satisfaction guarantee. It should allow you to cancel within
30-days and pay nothing if you're not completely satisfied with
the service.
In addition, look for a service that provides discounts if you
pre-pay for six or twelve months. You'll be surprised as to how
much money you can save by paying in advance.
4. Adequate Bandwidth: Ask your "FTP Hosting" company how much
bandwidth is available for file uploads and downloads. Avoid any
company that limits the amount of bandwidth available for
transferring files.
If a company puts limits on available bandwidth, they are either
an extremely small business and won't be able to service you
properly, or they may charge you for bandwidth in excess of a
given amount per month. Either way, you won't be happy at the
end of the day.
Look for a company that can provide you with unlimited bandwidth
and does not charge you for it.
5. Ease of Use: The service must be easy-to-use and support
file transfers from Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
Ask the service provider what, if any, software is required on
the client side in order to transfer files to and from the
secure FTP site.
Make sure you're not required to purchase a vendor specific,
proprietary software program to transfer your files. You should
be able to use any off-the-shelf, downloadable FTP client
software program such as CuteFTP, WS FTP, SmartFTP, Fetch, or
FTP Voyager.
6. Storage Space Limitation: Most "FTP Hosting" services are
available on a month-to-month subscription basis and their rate
is set according to the amount of storage space you require.
Make sure your monthly storage limitations have what's called a
"Soft Cap."
A "Soft Cap" allows you to exceed your storage limitations
without incurring an additional fee. More importantly, it allows
you and/or your customers to continue uploading/downloading
files to your FTP site after you have exceeded your storage
space allotment.
In other words, you can continue doing business without worrying
about your FTP service provider shutting down your FTP site.
7. Technical Support Via Email: Avoid any provider that only
responds to technical problems via email. There are a lot of
providers out there that have great prices but they lack the
support you may need. Remember, sooner or later you will have a
question or problem and you will want to speak with a live
person.
Choose a company that provides you with a technical support
phone number, not an email address. Call the number and ask for
help! Make sure they answer the phone and provide the type of
you support you're looking for.
Now that you know the questions to ask and what to look for in
an "FTP Hosting" service, you're ready to go out and find one.
The best place to start looking is Google
(http://www.google.com). Just type in the phrase "FTP Hosting"
and work your way through all the selections. The "Seven Tips"
outlined above will assist you in quickly finding the best
providers of "FTP Hosting."