FTP Site Hosting - 6 Tips To Finding A Good Provider!
Choose for Top Host Guide
by Joe Goldrich
The following "6 Tips" will help you decided which service provider to choose when looking for a third party provider for your FTP Site Hosting and file transfer/storage needs. It’s a short quick list but it’s to the point.
First let’s define FTP: FTP simply means file transfer protocol. The FTP protocol was specifically designed to transfer larges files via the Internet. It’s the standard method used by all types of companies and individuals wishing to transfer and share large files over the Internet and do it quickly and securely.
How FTP works: With FTP, a file is sent (uploaded) to a secure computer on the Internet. After it’s uploaded, anyone that has access to the FTP site can download the file and/or upload their file to FTP site (the online file folder). FTP sites are usually password protected, are located on a secure server, and consist of many online file folders, of which you may only have access to a single one, depending on your password.
Most of the newer FTP site hosting services won’t require any special software to upload/download your files. They usually have built-in, web-based programs that allow users to do their uploads/downloads. When sending files via FTP, there is typically not a limitation on the size of file or number of files being sent.
The Six Tips:
Speed: Make sure the FTP Site Hosting provider has a network that can support your fastest connection speed. There are a lot of providers out there that will limit the connection speed (called bandwidth throttling) to 100K or 256K speeds. For some users, a 256K connection may seem fast but for most businesses it’s extremely slow, especially when your trying to transfer Gig’s of data.
When an FTP Site Hosting provider limits your connection speed it’s a "RED" flag. They limit your connection speed because they usually have an extremely limited connection speed to the Internet and they don’t want one customer to use all their bandwidth. Do not subscribe to a service that provides you anything less than a minimum of a 256K connection.
Storage Space: Make sure your storage limitations are "Soft Limits." Simply put, you should be able to exceed your subscribed storage limitation without having your file transfers stopped because you’ve hit storage space limit. Select a provider that allows you to exceed your space limits and also one that allows you to upgrade your storage space on the fly.
Money Back Guarantee: Make sure you can test the FTP Site Hosting service before you’re actually charged for it. A twenty to thirty day money back guarantee is what you’re looking for. It’s OK to submit your credit card information but make sure you have at least twenty days to decide if you like the service before your credit card is charged. After you sign up, make sure you test the service (speed) by uploading a few large files.
Secure Data Center: Review the providers data center and NOC (network operation center) information page on their website. Don’t subscribe to any service that does not give you a description of their data center or NOC. The reason being is that they most likely don’t have one.
A lot of FTP providers simply have a few computers running in their basement with a cable modem connecting them to the Internet. This is not what you want! You’ll be disappointed and your files won’t be secure. Regarding a secure data center, make sure that their data center incorporates firewalls, backup generators, adequate bandwidth to the Internet, etc.
Whatever you do, don’t choose an FTP Site Hosting service based only on their low monthly fee. You’ll get what you pay for.
Support via Email: Most FTP Site Hosting services and Web Hosting services now provide first level of support via email. This has become the standard. Don’t accept anything less than email support. Also, make sure the provider has a phone number you can call if you need to. You should test their email support before subscribing. Send an email to their support email address and see if you get a response. If you don’t get a response then think twice about signing up with that provider.
Free Web Based Upload/Download Program: You must make sure the provider has a free web based file upload/download program that anyone can use to transfer their files. By providing a web based program, you don’t have to purchase an FTP client software program to manage your file transfers. The biggest benefit is that you can upload and download files from any computer anywhere, as long as you have an Internet connection.
Well, it’s time to start your search for an FTP Site Hosting service. The best way to approach your search is via Google or Yahoo. Just type in the term FTP Site Hosting Service and you’re on your way!
If you would like to review more articles on FTP Site Hosting or if you would like to try our FTP Site Hosting service for 31-days, Free of charge, please visit us at www.FTPfast.com
About the author: Joseph Goldrich is a Software Engineer with FTPfast.com.
You can learn more about "FTP Site Hosting" services by visiting us at www.FTPfast.com
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