ANTenna Blog -- Internet/Web

The need to send large files can stop many smaller businesses in their e-mail tracks. Suddenly, it's going to take at least a day to get those large files -- podcasts, videos, or just lots of data – to where you want it to be and that it involves dealing with a local delivery service. Ugh. But there are web-based delivery services that can get your large files -- up to 2GB -- sent in a few minutes. I just used one and I'm ready to say goodbye to my DHL guy forever.

I had to get a podcast over to my editor – Ben Tomkins. Sending these podcasts and videos previously involved mailing the hard drive because our system couldn't handle their size. (this podcast is nearly 17000 KB.) I had recently received a pitch from someone at YouSendit – which they called a "Web-based FedEx" – so I figured it was worth a shot.

The experience from my end couldn't have been simpler: YouSendit's home page lets you immediately send files under 100MB without signing up. I didn't choose any extra features – like a return receipt, certified delivery with tracking, or password-protected delivery which would have required me to sign up – so I just filled in my e-mail address, Ben's e-mail address and I filled in the (optional) subject line and message. I then selected the file and clicked on the Send it button. It took all of a little over a minute for me to get this message: YOUR UPLOAD WAS SUCCESSFUL!! How cool is that?

I was given the option of sending a message to Ben using my own e-mail system because of Spam filters, which I took. Ben ended up getting two messages regarding the file. I was also immediately notified that the file was sent. A nice feature of YouSendit is that they keep the file around for seven days.

There are more delivery options that include sending up to 2GB with basic tracking, 14-day expiration and unlimited downloads. Those cost money but all the plans come with 14-day free trials.

According to Ben, his experience was equally as smooth. He clicked on the file from the email:

A browser opened, and he clicked to begin the download, which he says took about 25 seconds.

His default audio player, iTunes, opened and the podcast began playing.

His assessment: "Easy, fast, simple, and intuitive. Nothing confusing or complex about it."

All I have to say is ditto.

I'm not surprised YouSendit is getting investors to open their wallets, although customers like me are not paying their bills. But I'm happy to take a free ride when I can.

Have you used YouSendit or any other file uploading service? Tell us about it in the comments.