Easy File Sharing for Small Business | Skip FTP
Streamlined File Sharing for SMBs
For IT professionals in small to medium-sized businesses, the need for simple and secure file sharing – encompassing both large and small files – with clients and colleagues is paramount.
Traditional methods like FTP, however, present significant security vulnerabilities and can be complex to administer effectively.
Introducing HostedFTP (formerly Single Wrench)
HostedFTP, a hosted service, offers a robust alternative. It delivers an encrypted and completely managed file sharing system accessible directly through a standard web browser.
This eliminates the complexities associated with maintaining your own FTP server infrastructure.
Key Features and Benefits
- Enhanced Security: Files are transmitted and stored using strong encryption protocols.
- Simplified Management: The service is fully managed, reducing the burden on your IT team.
- User-Friendly Access: Access is granted via a web browser, requiring no specialized software.
- Advanced Controls: Features such as storage quotas and automated notifications provide granular control.
- Flexible Pricing: A pay-as-you-go pricing structure ensures you only cover the resources you consume.
The platform’s pricing model is designed for cost-effectiveness, allowing businesses to scale their file sharing capabilities as needed.
For a detailed comparison between HostedFTP and FTP, and to learn more about the service’s capabilities, please visit their official website.
Introducing SingleWrench
This guide details the process of uploading files using the SingleWrench platform. Following account setup and login, users are presented with a straightforward and intuitive interface. To begin, simply select the Upload files option.
Upon initial access, a tutorial will appear, outlining the necessary steps and providing fundamental information regarding the Java Applet installation. You can disable this tutorial for future sessions by checking the corresponding box and then clicking Continue.
Once the Java applet is installed, a user-friendly toolbar will become available. Initiate the file selection process by clicking the Open button.
This action launches the Java explorer, allowing you to navigate directories and choose the files for upload. Alternatively, files can be conveniently dragged and dropped directly into the upload area.
After selecting your desired files, their names and corresponding sizes will be displayed on the SingleWrench screen. Confirm your selections by clicking the Start button.
The upload progress will be visually indicated. The upload process can be halted if necessary.
The upload has completed successfully! You can now browse your uploaded files or close the window.
SingleWrench offers several additional features worth exploring. File browsing is facilitated by an interface resembling Windows Explorer.
A robust search function is available, proving particularly useful when managing a large number of files.
The administrative setup process is streamlined through intuitive wizards. User management and the assignment of specific access rights are both simple and direct.
Daniel Frank, President of SingleWrench, generously shared his insights with us.
Let's begin by discussing your role at SingleWrench and your tenure with the company?
"As President of SingleWrench, I’ve been involved since its inception two years ago, bringing our service to the market. After just over six months of development, we incorporated a user group to guide the design of SingleWrench. With over a year of user feedback, we are highly confident in the features we provide.
The market demand was for a business-oriented FTP replacement that addressed key web service aspects: a subscription billing model, a web-based interface, multi-user support, and the elimination of hardware and software management. Essentially, a complete outsourced file sharing solution for businesses."
Could you describe your professional background leading up to the launch of SingleWrench?
"I have participated in several technology startups throughout my career, including a stock photography search engine and an online platform for managing truck fleets. These ventures were all subscription-based online services, at a time when such models were less common in those markets. I’ve been involved in multiple "software as a service" businesses and have observed the growing acceptance of this business model."
What is your vision for SingleWrench? How do you perceive its current state and its potential future development?
"Our vision is to deliver a secure, dependable, and user-friendly file sharing solution for businesses, resulting in cost savings and enhanced network security. SingleWrench enables businesses to replace costly and insecure FTP servers, or other informal file sharing methods used by employees.
The rise of cloud computing, where hardware and network infrastructure are provided as a service, is central to our future plans. We recognized early on the potential of integrating SingleWrench with other cloud-based services to create a comprehensive suite of online tools for businesses. Ultimately, businesses will be able to reduce their reliance on complex and expensive technology infrastructure as cloud computing matures."
What assurances can you offer businesses considering SingleWrench? Are uptime guarantees in place? Is data security a priority? Is there redundant data backup?
"Security, reliability, and ease of use are paramount when offering a file sharing solution. As previously mentioned, we operate entirely within the cloud computing infrastructure of Amazon Web Services. This means SingleWrench utilizes the same secure and reliable network infrastructure that powers Amazon.com.
Our files are stored using S3 (Simple Storage Service), Amazon's secure and redundant file storage service. Our website is hosted on servers from EC2 (Elastic Computing Cloud), Amazon's scalable and reliable computing platform. S3 guarantees 99.99% uptime, along with complete redundancy of physical storage across Amazon's multiple data centers.
Interestingly, SingleWrench does not own any of the hardware used to operate our service, which is unusual for a file sharing business typically assumed to have significant infrastructure. This outsourcing of our infrastructure allows us to confidently state that files stored with SingleWrench are both safe and consistently available."
Is there anything further you would like to share with our audience?
"We have strived to make it as simple as possible for businesses to evaluate SingleWrench. This is reflected in our different Editions – Personal, Group, and Enterprise – ensuring a suitable fit for businesses of all sizes, coupled with a straightforward pricing model based on usage. This approach makes SingleWrench a compelling alternative to FTP servers for businesses.
While numerous file sharing options exist, our focus is specifically on the business market, not the consumer. We do not rely on advertising revenue, allowing us to prioritize a superior product experience. This means concentrating on what matters most: saving businesses money and improving their network security."
Pricing Structure
Single Wrench utilizes a pricing model of $5 for each average gigabyte of data stored on their servers.
This means that temporary file uploads for one-time transfers won't incur a full month's storage cost.
Pricing Details Visualized
The following image, sourced directly from Single Wrench’s pricing page, provides a clear illustration of their cost structure:
Download Allowance and OveragesFor every gigabyte uploaded monthly, Single Wrench permits 10 gigabytes of free downloads.
Beyond this allowance, a charge of $0.50 per gigabyte applies.
This download limitation is implemented to discourage misuse of the platform for large-scale video distribution.
Minimum Monthly Fees
A minimum monthly storage fee is also applicable, varying based on the selected account type.
Account options include personal, group, and enterprise editions, each with its own associated minimum charge.
Final Thoughts
My experience with Single Wrench has been overwhelmingly positive. Its speed is remarkable, and the interface is both intuitive and visually appealing.
The assurance of 99% uptime, facilitated by the S3 network and redundant backups, provides significant peace of mind regarding data security.
Utilizing Single Wrench necessitates only a web browser capable of running Java Applets. This broad compatibility renders the service exceptionally well-suited for organizations with diverse operating system environments.
For those considering Single Wrench, a discount is available. A coupon code, MYG, can be applied during checkout to receive a 20% reduction on your purchase.
Alternatively, you can visit the Single Wrench website directly, where the coupon code will be automatically applied.
Visit Single Wrench
Editorial Note: This assessment pertains to a paid service. It is an unbiased review, and no financial benefit is derived from the provided coupon code; we simply endorse this product and are pleased to offer our readers a discount.
Complete transparency is a priority, and we only recommend solutions that have undergone personal evaluation and proven beneficial.