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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."

Author Biography:

Adam Hobach

Adam is a Network Engineer with "InstantFTPsites.com". You can learn more about "FTP Hosting" services online at http://www.InstantFTPsites.com

2006 InstantFTPsites http://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").

# posted by fdwvsmr944 : 7:55 PM