DIGIPENDENCE - declare yours!

In the last few years, file-sharing sites have grown in popularity and the recently-launched Upload Robots service is a ‘new breed’ among file sharing services, and once it becomes more well-known, it’s going to be a huge hit. It’s all part of what’s known as cloud computing. Think of Upload Robots like a virtual thumbdrive that can’t be lost.

Most people who need to share files want to do so quickly and easily with a minimum of fuss. Sometimes, it’s just not practical to email a large file, or one runs up against file-size restrictions or account timeouts. And not everyone has an FTP program on the computer they’re using which may not even be theirs - they may be using a work or school computer, or even be at a public library - let alone server space to which they can upload a file. Additionally, it can be a hassle to keep setting up secure FTP accounts just so friends, family or clients can grab a file.

Visually pleasing and easy-to-use, UploadRobots.com offers two account flavours: Regular (free) and Pro ($5.00 a month). Both offer SSL Encryption, no advertisements and uploaded files don’t have expiration dates. The Pro account’s additional features include the ability to create subdomains, increased monthly storage space, up ten gigs, and users can upload a file as large as 250 megs which is substantially more than the ten megs limit offered with a free account.

People around the world have a variety of connection types, from dial-up to high-speed. Upload Robots promises to maximize connection types for maximum efficiency. In other words, however one connects, the company will do their best to make it a pleasant and speedy experience. They’re able to do this because they host the site on dedicated servers.

A major distinction which elevates Upload Robots - and separates the service from its competitors - is the ‘no-wait’ feature. Most file-sharing sites require users who are not members or who are not logged in to wait before the file they’ve requested begins to download. This delay can be anywhere from thirty to ninety seconds. Also, if a visitor wants to download a second file, they’re often forced to wait as long as fifteen minutes between downloads.

Currently, for uploading, Upload Robots works best when accessed from desktops and laptops, but an inquiry to their 24/7 support department on compatibility with handhelds elicited a fast response which explained that an iPhone application would be forth-coming for use with Pro accounts. In the mean time, a few quick tests showed that it was possible to download a file from the site using an iPhone, an iPod Touch, an Android phone and a WindowsMobile-powered Pocket PC simply by entering the download link into the browser.

Download this post as an .mp3 file (3m18s, 3.02 megs) from the Upload Robots site. Links of interest: Feature Tour, Blog, Sign Up, Twitter: @UploadRobots. And here is a video tour: