Although it is possible to offer a file for download using a simple HTML interface, this approach has serious drawbacks. It is much better for every site to use FTP hosting instead.

Easily Adjusted Security

An FTP hosting solution means that you can set up different levels of security for files as needed. This makes it possible for you to set specific permissions for individual files or for entire folders. It therefore becomes easy for businesses to password protect their information resources in strategic ways. You can allow new customers access to certain files while long-standing customers have additional permissions. You can even set up a vendor area on your FTP site that is reserved for resources that business partners need to access.

Automatic Record-Keeping

FTP hosting also allows you greater ease and flexibility in seeing exactly how the information you store online is being accessed. The FTP host can log all activity including attempted commands that are not executed due to security restrictions. This means that if an employee, customer, or business partner is attempting to rename or delete your files and does not have the proper authorizations to do so, the system will not only prevent the action but will also record the user’s login and IP address along with the time and date of the event. This information can be invaluable because it will allow you to adjust permissions to keep that individual away from your important files in the future. The same kind of functionality is not nearly as accessible when hosting files without a true FTP server.

Download Managers

Anyone who has spent much time downloading files has run across the frustration of having a connection fail in the middle of a large download. Without excellent software managing the process, the download must be started over again from scratch. FTP hosting can eliminate this problem for your employees and customers.

When they access files via an FTP program, they can take advantage of download management functions that allow them to resume a download from the point at which it was interrupted. This saves valuable time and gets your files to the people who need them with as little delay as possible.

Every business or individual with an online presence can make that presence more secure and user-friendly by looking for and FTP hosting solution today.