| FTP, or File Transfer Protocol,
is a mechanism for transferring files across the Internet. It is frequently used to
download files from Internet web sites or for maintaining separate libraries of programs and/or
data files which can be retrieved using either an Internet web browser or a specialized
FTP program, such as CuteFTP.
EPI Internet Direct offers
six standard FTP site hosting plans ranging from our low cost Budget
program which provides up to 500 megabytes of monthly network traffic, all the way up
to our Platinum program which provides up to 250 gigabytes of monthly network
traffic.
Large Capacity, High Volume Sites
Clients with requirements for more than 250 gigabytes of monthly network traffic or
more should call EPI at (800) 689-9034
for a custom quotation. Standard pre-priced programs are available for up to
25,000 gigabytes per month. Requirements for larger capacities are also
available.
All prices quoted are for anonymous FTP site hosting using shared services
(services that are shared among two or more customers). Private, dedicated
services are also available.
Dedicated FTP Services
Dedicated FTP Services are available and may provide savings for clients
requiring services exceeding $600.00 or more per month. Only your EPI
representative can determine this. For information, call EPI at (800)
689-9034.
Secure FTP Sites
Secure FTP sites allow you to control who has access to
your data files. Private web sites do not support anonymous access.
To connect to your site users must be assigned a user id and password.
Secure sites are frequently used for storing information of a confidential
nature. For example, we have clients who use secure sites to store beta
(pre-production) versions of application programs, medical records, etc.
The ability to create unique security profiles for subdirectories
(folders) within your FTP site is available as a managed service. This
allows you, for example, to restrict specific users to specific folders
within your site, allowing access to some folders while removing access to
others.
Multiple FTP Sites
Multiple public or private "root" FTP sites
are permitted. Each additional private or public root FTP site (over and
above your main private or public FTP site adds $15.00 to your monthly
charge. Network traffic from all customer root FTP sites can be combined to
help you obtain the best network traffic rate available.
Multi-Site/Multi-Server Support:
Multiple Site support provides the ability of end-users to download data
files from two or more geographic locations. Multi-Server support provides
the ability of end-users to choose which server will process their request.
Both services are available to clients with high volume requirements. For
information, contact EPI at (800) 689-9034 or
write us at sales@epidirect.com.
Questions and Answers
I have a web site and I require the ability for
visitors to my site to download files. Do I need a separate FTP site?
No. All of EPI's web hosting programs include support for browser based
HTTP protocol download services. This means that you can, if you wish, store your
files in a folder within your site and provide links to those files from
your web pages using HTTP protocols. This is recommended if your download traffic requirements are
modest and if the total network traffic you generate stays within your web
site's network traffic allowance.
If you exceed your HTTP network traffic allowance then you will be charged for excess traffic,
which can get expensive. In this case, you should consider implementing a
separate FTP site account.
Web site based download services do not use FTP protocols, although you
can add this protocol to your web site for a small monthly fee. Either way,
your files cannot be accessed using programs that
provide FTP services, such as CuteFTP,
unless a separate FTP service is acquired.
I need to transfer some very large files, is
there a limit to the size of the files that I can store, send and receive?
No. As long as you stay within the disk space allotments that have been
assigned to you there are no specific file size limits.
Keep in mind that many visitors still use dial-up modems to connect to
the Internet. These visitors may not appreciate having to download files
that are excessively large. Consider zipping your files, or using other
methods to compress or reduce file sizes. Alternatively, consider breaking large files into two or more smaller ones so
that visitors are less likely to be affected if their Internet connection is
lost while transferring a file.
I require much more network traffic than you
have listed in your plans. What can you do to help me?
EPI has pre-priced plans all the way through to 25,000 gigabytes per
month. We also offer custom plans for clients requiring significantly larger
traffic volumes, as well as single-site and multi-site hosting
programs.
How often can I change plans?
You can change plans at any time. Changes take affect at the end of your
current billing period.
My network traffic requirement varies quite a
bit from month to month. Some months I need quite large amounts of network
traffic, other months very little. I don't want to over pay during slow
months. Is there anything you can do to help me?
Yes. If your average requirement exceeds 100 gigabytes per month, we have
custom plans available that can help spread out your costs, allowing you to
average your network traffic requirements over time. To find out more,
please contact EPI at (800) 689-9034 to
discuss your requirement.
How fast can I get a site up and running?
For regular (shared server) FTP sites, usually the same day.
For dedicated FTP sites, usually one to five business days.
For large (many thousands of gigabyte) sites, allow up to ten business
days.
|
