Exchange large files securely without installing applications. A purely German solution that was created in no time at all thanks to AI support. WeTransfer and Microsoft can stay outside.
Introduction
Sending large files by email is out of the question. In the past, many people used the free web application WeTransfer. Since the upheavals in the USA at the latest, US-based companies or those that use US servers to store data are a questionable alternative.
In addition, there were reports that WeTransfer wanted to exploit the uploaded data of users a little more than before, or that there were relevant quantity restrictions for uploads.
A secure, attractive, installation-free solution for exchanging large files with maximum independence from third parties.
The idea of a data protection-friendly, secure app for exchanging larger files had been in planning for some time. But then last week, in an ongoing project, there was a need to exchange internal documents. The sender is located at a data protection publisher and suggested exchanging via FTP or Microsoft product. FTP was ruled out because it was too complicated organizationally. Microsoft was not a good choice for other reasons.
Why not quickly develop the file transfer app yourself? It was important that even a non-technical user can use it and doesn't have to install anything.
That's exactly what happened, thanks to AI. Computer scientists can now use AI to quickly build very powerful customized apps that look very pretty (very pretty 😉 ).
Some remarks on the Optics:
In the last five AI projects, there has not been a single customer who has made any negative comments about the appearance of the user interface. On the contrary: all (often very high) expectations were met. One customer reported back on his own initiative: “It's really mega!”.
The WeTransfer alternative
The app does not need to be installed. It is available immediately. The app runs on its own server in Germany, without Microsoft or similar. The app was developed entirely in-house.
The picture in the article shows how to access the app.
The main function is to transfer files from one location (sender) to another (recipient). In general, several recipients are also possible, although a single recipient is probably the most common case.
To be on the safe side, the sender must confirm their e-mail address before uploading:
After confirming your e-mail address, the upload can begin.
The main image for the upload is as follows:
The recipient is specified by their email address. Workspaces that allow teams to easily exchange large amounts of data with each other are currently being developed.
A password is mandatory. The app generates a secure password that the recipient must enter to download the data.
The upload is possible by drag & drop or by selecting the files to be shared.
After the app has received the files, the user receives a confirmation.
The recipient will now receive two separate e-mails:
- Download Link for retrieving files:
- Password required for download:
The password can optionally be transmitted by means other than email (2FA = two-factor authentication).
The recipient of the data now enters the password in the web app:
Once the authorization check has been successfully passed, the intended recipient can retrieve the sent data:
Done!
Not quite. The files are automatically deleted from the server after a few days. In addition, the download link is only valid for a limited period of time.
SSL is used to secure the application. Emails are sent transport-encrypted.
The application is protected against CSRF attacks and uses rate limits to prevent brute force attacks.
If required, a load balancer ensures that the solution is fail-safe and available.
Conclusion
A secure, visually appealing solution for exchanging large files was presented. Independence from non-German providers is 100%. The only German provider involved is the provider of a server (“rental server”). However, this server could also be located in its own data center.
The solution was developed quickly in line with demand. It shows that concrete solutions for acute needs can be implemented in practice in a very short time. In contrast to some other solutions, nothing needs to be installed here. This is not only practical in itself, but is more of an obligation than a useful feature for any group of people.
Because no UI/UX designers are required and programming is very quick thanks to the corresponding project experience, proven infrastructure and AI support, the solution is cost-effective.
US hyperscalers and US providers of free apps are a discontinued model. At last!
What works for file transfers also works for other tasks. Here is an excerpt:
- Ticket system, tailored to specific needs (incl. AI support).
- Support widget for websites to relieve support staff.
- API for querying your company documents with AI.
- Global calendar with synchronization on all end devices via standard applications (Office, Mail, calendar apps). With optional AI processing.
All of this already exists, but is either unsafe (US providers etc.) or expensive or not suitable for the requirements.
All solutions for your company can run on your own servers!
Just for the sake of completeness: solutions that do not yet exist can be developed just as quickly and efficiently. Here is an excerpt of completed AI projects:
- Invoice analysis (extracting data from complex invoices, delivery bills and weighing slips) including report generation in Excel format.
- Item reconciliation (reconcile invoice lists of creditors and debtors).
- Analyze project documents (contracts, contract negotiations, negotiation protocols), find discrepancies and automatically update project documents.
What do your solutions look like and what is still missing?
My name is Klaus Meffert. I have a doctorate in computer science and have been working professionally and practically with information technology for over 30 years. I also work as an expert in IT & data protection. I achieve my results by looking at technology and law. This seems absolutely essential to me when it comes to digital data protection. My company, IT Logic GmbH, also offers consulting and development of optimized and secure AI solutions.
