FTP Client Overview

History of FTP

Before FTP clients were created, FTP existed as a communication protocol used by the U.S. Government. To transfer files using FTP, the user had to know a set of cryptic commands and associated options. In the PC environment, these were typed at the DOS command prompt.

Early FTP Clients were created in graphical operating systems to allow users a way to transfer files without having to know the workings of FTP or the commands needed to transfer files. A graphical interface listed local files on one side of the interface and server files on the other side. Point and click or drag and drop capabilities were now available to transfer files.

FTP Clients evolved to an “explorer-like” interface. This interface was graphical, and closely mimicked the functionality of Windows Explorer. These FTP clients fell short in that they could not perform common Windows file operations like “save as.”

The Next Generation FTP Client

The goal of FTP Client applications is to enable users to access and transfer files, without requiring much technical knowledge. While most FTP Clients do a good job of eliminating the need to understand FTP commands, they still require the user to learn a new interface – the FTP Client interface. South River Technologies’ WebDrive FTP Client eliminates this requirement.

By creating a virtual drive that maps to an FTP Server, WebDrive emulates all Windows file handling functionality. With WebDrive installed, a user can save a file directly to an FTP Server by simply selecting the drive letter that is mapped to it. There is no need to save the file locally, open the FTP Client, execute the transfer, and then close the FTP Client. WebDrive reduces multiple steps into one step. That step is one that users do daily as part of their local file operations.

More Information

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