Article
Carson Systems’ DropSend is a great way to move large files
Late last week (while here in the U.S. we were recovering from Thanksgiving dinner), U.K.-based Carson Systems launched DropSend, a new way to “email large files easily and securely.”
The problem
DropSend elegantly solves the seemingly age-old problem of how to get big files from point A to point B. Here’s a review of that problem, on the off chance you’re unacquainted:
- Email, as the animation on dropsend.com so cutely points out, is not great for moving files. Big files can get caught going out or coming in (occasionally overfilling one’s inbox and putting an account out of order), there’s no great way (Gmail aside) to archive the files you send, and email isn’t secure enough for some people’s needs.
- File transfer over instant message is slow, unreliable and (yet again) insecure.
- Accessing a web server over FTP or WebDAV is tough for some people, and you still have to manually send the recipient a link or at least point them in the right direction.
To be fair…
DropSend is not the first (or the last) to solve this problem. Services like SendThisFile, Files Direct, YouSendIt, Dropload, and Files2U address it directly. StrongSpace, NetMass, .Mac, and others provide services that indirectly fill the need.
But DropSend has that certain something that makes it the right tool for the job — and my new favorite way to send large files.
What I like about DropSend
In no particular order:
- Great interface design: DropSend is super easy to use, and the interface is a big part of why. I love it when applications explain themselves, and DropSend does this well. Check out the tour for a peak at DropSend’s clear, usable interface.
- Smooth desktop integration: Carson was thoughtful enough to create a desktop application for Mac and Windows. This is a godsend for me — I leave DropSend in the dock and just… um, drop files on it. Then I can send them or upload them.
- Online file storage: Save files as you send them, or upload for safekeeping. DropSend provides up to 25GB of online storage (with the $19/month plan), and that’s a lot. Seriously.
- An easy-to-love brand: Sure, I can use applications that have no personality, but it’s no fun. DropSend (the brand) is laid-back and friendly, but a big help when needed. Just like that co-worker everyone likes :-)
All in all, I think Carson has a winner on their hands with DropSend. And I’m not just saying that because I think Ryan is a great guy. (He is, by the way.) I look forward to seeing how the app evolves… and what else Carson can cook up.