Businesses generate a massive amount of data to be shared across different internal and external teams or individuals. Unfortunately, conventional methods like Dropbox or Gmail restrict businesses from transferring big files over the internet due to size and storage limitations. To overcome such limitations, organizations often seek help of third-party services, paid services, and commercial tools to share massive volumes of critical data. These tools not only offer plenty of space, security, and sharing features for sending and receiving files but also meet compliance and data transfer security standards. Let’s look at different ways of transferring big files easily.
Cloud Storage Devices
One of the simplest ways to send and receive many files is using online storage services. Most of these services are based on utility storage models. They offer flexible, scalable, pay-as-you-go pricing and subscription models.
Dropbox
Dropbox stores crucial data to the cloud, making it more accessible. It includes group file-sharing features with which you can send and receive multiple files. The synchronization feature syncs your data across your computer, smartphones, and tablets. Moreover, Dropbox encrypts data using SSL encryption (during transmission) and AES-256 protection (during storage). Only authorized organizations or users can view and access the designated files. Although the service is free for the first 2GB, this isn’t enough for organizations to transfer or upload a massive amount of data. A subscription of $9.99 per month is required to get up to 1TB.
Google Drive
Gmail is another cloud storage service through which attachments up to 25MB can be emailed directly. However, if files are too large, you can use Google Drive and generate a link for easy sharing. The free tier offers a storage space of 15GB for users to share files and folders up to 10GB in size. Google Drive helps you edit documents in real time, view edit history, and share files to public and private groups or individuals through links. Premium plans start from $1.99 per month for 100GB storage.
OneDrive
Microsoft OneDrive has become one of the most competitive solutions for storing and sharing data online. With its cross-device and cross-platform feature, you can create, save, and access files on any device. Windows 10 users get an advantage to secure their OneDrive data using BitLocker encryption. The files on-demand feature makes it easier for teams to view and access files without downloading them on their laptops, smartphones, or PC. The free storage capacity is up to 5GB. To increase the storage and daily file sharing limit up to 100GB, a subscription of $2 per month is required. For an increase of up to 1TB, it’s a $7 a month package. If you’re already subscribed to Office 365, you get 1TB of free storage as a part of your subscription plan.
File Compression Software
File compression software works exactly like a zip file. It compresses several files and creates a zipped folder you can easily share via email, keeping it within the attachment size limit. A zipped folder can be downloaded and extracted on any operating system (Windows and Mac) without additional software. File compression software like 7-Zip also provides encryption features for enhanced data security.
Cloud-Based File Sharing Service
Another option to transfer large files is to use a third-party site like WeTransfer for more flexibility. Unlike Google Drive or Dropbox, it doesn’t require signing in to your account. Just enter your email, recipient’s email, add files, and hit the transfer tab. The site sends a link to your file, which the recipient can download. WeTransfer allows you to share files up to 2GB for free. Choosing a subscription or paid options increases the file sharing size limit.
Top Tools to Transfer Large Files
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) Server
FTP is one of the oldest standard file transfer methods for moving files between a client and a server on a network. The FTP network protocol helps share large files over a TCP/IP-based network (internet). Organizations use FTP tools for transferring files, webpages, and web application files across different geographical locations. SolarWinds® Serv-U® FTP server is an easy-to-use and safe solution for file transfer via FTP, FTPS, and HTTP. With its intuitive web and mobile device interface, you can easily view, upload, and download files. The tool encrypts sensitive files using SSL/TLS protocols to prevent leakage, tampering, or exposure during transfer. You can also control settings such as storage, bandwidth, access, and permissions to avoid throttling and storage consumption risks. You can try out the 14-day free trial version of Serv-U FTP server to get an idea of how it works.
Managed File Transfer (MFT) Server
SolarWinds Serv-U Managed File Transfer is an extended version of FTP. It facilitates fast, safe, and reliable file transfer using FTP, FTPS, SFTP, and HTTP/S over IPv4 and IPv6. It offers additional features like file encryption, peer-to-peer file transfer from the web and mobile devices and running concurrent sessions of file transfers. With MFT’s centralized web-based console, you can automate file transfer administration and management tasks. You can also design your own Serv-U web interface by adding advanced custom CSS template, logo, and text. MFT secures data in transit and facilitates compliance with HIPAA, PCI DSS, SOX, and FISMA. Try out its 14-day free trial to see the differences from other file transfer methods and services.
Which Tool Should You Choose?
There are plenty of ways to transfer data over the internet. However, commercial tools like SolarWinds Serv-U FTP or MFT help you do so in a fast, safe, and reliable way. Their features and offerings are designed with specific business requirements in mind. These tools can be used as an alternative to file transfer solutions with limited storage and bandwidth capacities.