FTP Hosting Service Selection
March 29, 2008 
22 Comments
If you’re irritated with the incapability to send and take delivery of large files via email, you’re not alone. Most businesses today are experiencing the same problem. As software programs evolve, the files they make are forever rising in size. Programs like AutoCAD, Adobe Photoshop, and a host of many more can create files in surplus 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 straightforward and effectual. Dissimilar 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 receiver 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 build up 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 give a sign 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 talk 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 give.
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 let 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 pleasure guarantee. It should let you to cancel within 30-days and pay nothing if you’re not entirely satisfied with the service.
In addition, seem for a service that provides discounts if you pre-pay for six or twelve months. You’ll be astonished as to how much money you can save by paying in advance.
4. Adequate Bandwidth:
Ask your “FTP Hosting” company how much bandwidth is obtainable 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 right, 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 limitless 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” allow 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 surpassed your storage space portion. 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 supplier 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. Bear in mind, sooner or later you will have a query or problem and you will want to talk with a live person.
Ftp is most necessary service for putting your site live..
there is firefox plugin also for upload file.. you can use that.
Wow, this is great stuff and I’m glad I ran across your blog. Keep it coming!
Very useful information and tips. I really find it interesting.
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 straightforward and effectual.
People would like to take the opportunity to say that SiteGround is a excellent hosting service. On the rare occasion that they have had to use their customer support, it was handled quickly and professionally. The server is up and running all the time.
You will find several FTP hosting service providers offering more or less same facilities to their clients. You have to select an FTP service based on many features. Anyway, Thanks for sharing this article.
FTP hosting service, you can transfer files between computers located in remote areas. You can create multiple FTP accounts with username and password. FTP user account that can access the server.
FTP hosting service is simple and effective. unlike e-mail for sending files from one person to another, FTP hosting allows you to download files of any size or type of a secure online storage.
The service is easy to use and support the transfer of files between Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems. Ask your ISP what any client-side software in order to transfer files and secure FTP.
FTP hosting service is simple and effective. One of the best ways to send large files via the Internet is by utilizing what is called an “FTP Hosting” service. FTP is most necessary service for putting your site live.
FTP hosting service is simple and effective. unlike e-mail for sending files from one person to another, FTP hosting allows you to download files of any size or type of a secure online storage.
FTP hosting service is simple and powerful. Odd e-mail where you send files from one person to another, FTP hosting allows you to download files of any size or type, a secure storage location on the Internet. Once you have uploaded your files, the recipient of files and then download them at will.
The service should be easy to use and support the transfer of files from Windows, Mac and Linux. Ask your service provider, if any, is required on the client software to transfer files to and from the secure FTP site.
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It is a good informative post. It is so effective 7 ways to selection of FTP hosting. I know that File Transfer Protocol hosting is an easy task. It is also easy to use.
I think you should take a trial of the service of FTP web hosting before getting their service. FTP hosting allows you to download files of any size. You must check the FTP service is easy to use.