In my last posted I proposed the need for a Napster-like service to enable businesses to more easily exchange large files with other companies in their value chain. Business users are more frequently pushing gigabyte-sized files across infrastructure that was designed for kilobyte or megabyte-sized transactions. Fortunately, there are a number of new cloud-style vendors which have emerged to offer large file exchange services similar to the concept I proposed. A few of these new services – YouSendIt and LeapFILE were even included in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for MFT. However, one that is not receiving as much attention in the media and user community, but in my opinion should be, is DilbertFiles.com. You may be surprised to learn that Dilbert now offers cloud computing services, but this is no joke.
The DilbertFiles service is fairly robust. Users can send large files up to 2GB from any web browser. It can be accessed as a true cloud service without any software installed. Alternatively users can download a plug-in for mail clients such as Outlook. There is even a Windows desktop application option that includes checkpoint/restart capabilities.
Recipients of files do not need to be DilbertFiles customers nor do they need specialized software. The minimum requirement is an e-mail address to receive the link for the download. Using compression, recipients can download multiple files (100+) with one click.
I was also surprised to see the strong security and disaster recovery procedures in place. All communications are secured through 128 bit SSL encryption. And all files replicated to at least two servers in order to avoid losing data.
Dilbert Files offers a variety of packages for individual end-users and corporations. A large company can purchase a monthly subscription that includes access for 200 users to send up to 750GB for only $270 per month. That is effectively, $0.36 per GB of file transfer. DilbertFiles even allows for private label branding with your company's logo.
The fact that even Dilbert is now competing in the Managed File Transfer market means a few things to me:
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It reconfirms how ridiculous it is that technology vendors have not found a simpler and more cost-effective manner for business users to easily exchange large files. I can purchase a 50Mbps home broadband service from Verizon. I can buy a 16GB memory stick at the grocery store for $20. But sending a 1GB file to a business partner in my supply chain chokes the related IT infrastructure to the point of asphyxiation.
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It substantiates how large the market for Managed File Transfer has become. The market is poised for exponential growth in the coming years as applications such as electronic health records (EHR), computer aided design (CAD), telecom spend analysis and retail sales reporting all have the need for secure, high volume large file transfer. And everyone from powerhouses IBM and Microsoft to specialists such as Axway and Sterling Commerce are competing for part of the market.
Before closing, I should also point out what I found to be the best feature of DilbertFiles. Not only does the service provide large file transfer, but it also offers entertainment during the transmission process. Subscribers can read online comic strips while the file is uploading or downloading!
2 Responses to “Dilbert Does Managed File Transfer”
Funny how all these consumer options think they can gain something from this- http://www.thruinc.com have done this for the enterprise since 2002 and crush many- unsecured and cartoon characters are just more pop….
Not surprising that entertainment led the way here. It seems to be the harbinger of where business will go – eventually.
I agree it is nuts that moving files between (and within) businesses is often so fraught with challenges. It is about time the problem is tackled head on. There are even more file transfer solutions than data quality ones now. Just another focus on moving the information, not making sure its right.
Also, it occured to me that with all the MFT solutions, its time you author a “Long Tail of MFT” blog or two!