Cadalyst - November 2007 - (Page 50)

spatialtech Solutions for Sending Large Digital Files GIS technologies are becoming key to managing services and resources. By James L. Sipes I n this day and age, patience is no longer considered a virtue, at least not when it comes to sharing digital information. When we hit send on an e-mail message, we expect it to be zapped across the country in the blink of an eye. E-mail works great for simple messages and text documents, but it’s not a viable option for the large files typically associated with CAD, GIS, and imagery applications. These types of applications use highresolution aerial imagery, detailed terrain models, and robust databases, and the increased detail and resolution produce larger file sizes than ever before. How, then, do we share large CAD and GIS files in a way that is fast, simple, secure, and affordable? One option is to burn a CD or load files on a portable drive and then send the files via traditional mail or overnight delivery. But no self-respecting consultant or professional would make a client or colleague wait three or four days to receive information using snail mail, and FedEx gets to be pretty expensive. One problem with trying to send large files via e-mail is that the person on the other end may be using an e-mail server that can’t handle larger files. For example, at EDAW, my colleagues and I routinely send and receive e-mails with attached files as large as 10 MB. We have a client, though, that has a maximum file size of 3 MB, and it’s easy to lose track of this detail when sending files. If we send a message with an attached file larger than 3 MB, the e-mail bounces. FTPs Traditionally, one technique for sending large files involves using a file transfer protocol (FTP) server. FTPs use the Internet’s TCP/IP protocol to transfer files between computers. An FTP site is an efficient, affordable, and secure way to share digital data. One problem with FTP sites is that they are not an effective way to transfer large files quickly. FTP sites are great if you can send files during the night and the person on the other end has time to download them. FTPs also require special software client and server administration, and they don’t automatically notify receivers when a file is sent or provide status tracking. An E-Mail Approach It’s difficult to transfer large files using e-mail. All e-mail accounts set a cap for the largest file you can send or receive as an attachment. For most, that cap is typically 10 or 20 MB. Most e-mail messages also lack encryption because both parties would have to use the same encryption system. File-Transfer Approaches Several applications seek to simplify the transfer of large files. The basic idea behind most of these programs is the same. You upload a file onto a service, e-mail the person you are sending the file to with a link to the file, and the recipient then downloads the file. Most services allow senders to drag and drop files into a browser window then simply type in an e-mail address as a destination. With these types of applications, e-mail is used only to deliver the secure link, so the limitations of the e-mail provider are not an issue. The process is much faster and more efficient than using an FTP site. Most programs have a file-tracking and notification service, so senders can keep track of the status of files. Most also automatically resume uploads if Internet access is interrupted. Some file-sharing programs provide a basic version of their software for free. As a general rule, free accounts are intended for use by individuals; they typically do not provide the capabilities needed for businesses. A word of 50 November 2007 | cadalyst | www.cadalyst.com http://www.cadalyst.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Cadalyst - November 2007

Cadalyst - November 2007 Contents Editor's window Cad Central Conceptual Inspiration for Less Than $200 From Any Angle - Publish and Share Your 3D Designs NX 5, Part 1 - CAD/CAM/CAE Software Newforma Project Center Fourth Edition - Software for Project Information Management CAD Manager's Survey 2007 Sharing and Collaborating with Your Team To BIMfinity and Beyond! Solutions for Sending Large Digital Files Cad Cartoon Issue Indexes Cad Fidential

Cadalyst - November 2007

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