Sending Big Files

By James Krouse on November 24, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Organization, Technology, Workplace

Computer technology is funny. The smaller, faster, and cheaper things get, the bigger, slower, and more problematic they become. It used to be that sending a 1MB file took forever and was likely blocked by the recipient.   Today 1MB is child’s play, but that 300MB PowerPoint presentation…that’s still a problem.

Some may shrug and continue to hit send on big files.  Email may still go through but even modestly large files are problematic for several reasons:

1. Cumulative Size: This stuff builds up in your send box over time and a big “sent” folder can impact your PC performance.
2. Uncertainty: Did they get it?  Did they not?   If you’re sending over 5MB you don’t know.
3. Immobility: Large files don’t translate well onto Blackberries and iPhones.

Fortunately there are services out there can help.   Here are a few that each approach the problem differently:

Pando –  This works more like a hosting/streaming service.  For sharing video and photos, however, it’s a great way of ensuring you’re only sharing with a small private audience (unlike, say, YouTube).  It’s probably more involved than the occassional user but worth a look if sharing video and photos are often in your daily routine.

Send6 and Yousendit — Both are very really simmilar services.  We like Send6’s interface a little bit better, but they both offer essentially the same functionality.  These are good in a pinch because they are web-based and allow you to instantly send something.  They also offer upgrade service that help you add functionality if you need it.

Tonsho – This is an application that lets you send files from your regular account and magically takes care of the rest.  There is nothing to download or install.  As the website explains: “You send email as normal, all the clever stuff happens on our servers, recipient clicks link in email to download file.”   This would have the distinct advantage of getting around spam filters which is a danger of Send6 and YouSendIt.  However, having a program hover over ALL your email may be unnecessary and could cause some unforeseen problems with your system.  If you have time, give it a try.  But don’t if you’re in a hurry.

TransferBigFiles – Got something bigger to send?  Send it here.  You can send a file 2x bigger than other free services, but it has less functionality although password protection is an option.

Considerations

So which are the best?  Before we get there, you really should look at how you’re going to send a file.   Are you going to create an account or just use the service when you need it?  Are going to send a file or just a link to the file?  Is there a file that you regularly send that you would be better off hosting and sending a link?  Does your company have a policy on this kind of thing?

Finally, many companies already have in place FTP servers which get around the issue by taking on the hosting, uploading and downwloading essentially inhouse.  If this is what you have, you should take another look at if the FTP system is convenient and easy to use.  Some of these outsourced options may be a better choice.

The Bottom Line

For most casual users, YouSendIt and Send6 are going to be the best options.  However, Tonsho seems like a good option if you’re going to put some thought into the whole process.  It may be something to bring to management so a company policy can be created.  Finally Pando is interesting in the age of video where sending a video presentation to a small group of users is possible in just about any work environment.

There are literally hundreds of sites and applications out there that deal with this issue.  If you have a resource we haven’t listed here, let us know.  Also, if you’ve had an experience, good or bad, with these services (or not using one) comment below!