Looking for an efficient and secure mode of transferring information over the Internet? File Transfer Protocol (FTP) comes with necessary features to facilitate large files from one computer to another through Internet connection. FTP hosting service allows the users to upload copy of the files in a FTP server (commonly known as FTP Site). People who are authorized to access that FTP server and have valid user names and passwords can download the copies of the uploaded files from the FTP server. This is the way in which information are exchanged through FTP hosting.

Necessary security measures come with FTP hosting to protect the information and restrict unwanted users to access the files. Each FTP users (end clients as well as vendors) will have unique FTP account with separate user name and password. Thanks to the design of File Transfer Protocol, now you can exchange information between two nodes (computers) irrespective of operating system and hardware configuration. FTP protocol provides two programs – Server Program and Client Program. FTP Server application that runs on the host computer supports remote users to transfer files between client and host computers. FTP Client on the other end allows clients to upload or download files from FTP server.

Registering for FTP Service

The first step is to apply and register for an FTP service. You can easily find several FTP Service providers in the Internet. It is recommended to make through research on FTP services, features and their values. After selecting a FTP service provider you need to apply for a service. In the registration form you have to mention contact information, billing information, User Name and Password for FTP admin control panel, payment terms and FTP Hosting package.

The service provider will allocate a separate space for you in the FTP server and allow you to activate the your FTP profile. FTP profile has four major parts:

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 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.”

Mike Jewson is a Network Engineer with “InstantFTPsites.com”. You can learn more about “FTP Hosting” services online at www.InstantFTPsites.com

© 2006 InstantFTPsites www.InstantFTPsites.com You may reprint this article online and in print provided the links remain live and the content remains unaltered (including the “Author Biography”).

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is an authentic and secure communication protocol designed to exchange information from one computer to another over the Internet. Irrespective of business volume, sharing information or exchanging files on the World Wide Web is a common phenomenon in every business process. Most of us are familiar with Email to share files and other information over the Internet.

The importance of FTP hosting service increased remarkably for smooth and secure business communication. File Transfer Protocol can restrict unauthorized users to intervene in the business process. If you are running a small business and looking for a secure as well as efficient communication protocol then register for a FTP hosting service. FTP hosting service will provide you a secure network with a FTP server and a Client server to exchange information over the Internet.

Selecting an FTP hosting service for your Small Business

Internet is the right place to make sufficient research on FTP hosting service providers and service charges. Free hosting services do not provide the facility of File Transfer Protocol, most cases you have to pay for this secure file transfer service. First you have to register for a selected FTP hosting service. It is recommended to select your primary domain name and secondary domain name based on the name of your company. During the registration process you have to select the period and other facilities for FTP hosting service and based on that service provider will allocate a separate space for your small business in their server.

FTP hosting service to ensure a secured network in Small Business process

FTP hosting service allows you to share all types of files (text, image, audio, multimedia etc.) to targeted FTP account holders. FTP service providers will allocate FTP accounts with unique user name and password. Therefore you can create multiple FTP user account under the registered FTP site. FTP hosting service will allow only authorized account holder to access the server that is allocated for your business. Through your FTP account you can upload copies of the files in the server. Only authorized clients, vendors or end users can view and download selected files from your FTP site through their account.

Security of digital information is necessary in Health Care Services. If you are running a small business where you have to share medical report, research papers and other types of private document then it is recommended to go for Standard FTP. Standard FTP comes with the feature like encryption, which is not available in general FTP hosting service. In this process the system will encrypt the content of the file before uploading the file in the server.

Features of FTP hosting services for Small Business

For small business you can go for basic FTP hosting. Following are some features of basic FTP hosting:

Sufficient space in the FTP server to store any types of files. You have to select the storage based on your business volume.
Web-based Control Panel

Sufficient Sub-FTP accounts for clients, vendors and employees

Daily statistics of the activities along with daily backup facility

Directories, which are protected by Password
Additional security features like – Secure FTP or SSL. These features are optional and are not available with general FTP hosting services.

Based on the requirement of your small business you can enjoy additional disk space and/or additional monthly file transfer through FTP server by paying reasonable amount per month to the service provider.

Cost factors

For small business money matters, therefore it is important to select the right FTP service provider. It is observed that, some special software is required to utilize this unique file transfer service. Since you have to pay the bill for FTP hosting service throughout the period therefore it is better to select the an FTP hosting service that does not require any extra software to support the process of exchanging files over the Internet. By this you can save some extra cash for your small business.

Values of FTP hosting services are quite affordable for small business operators. So register for FTP hosting service for your small business and experience an efficient and secure process of transferring files from one location to another.

Mike Jewson is a Network Engineer with “InstantFTPsites.com”. You can learn more about “FTP Hosting” services online at www.InstantFTPsites.com

© 2006 InstantFTPsites www.InstantFTPsites.com You may reprint this article online and in print provided the links remain live and the content remains unaltered (including the “Author Biography”).