Serv-U FTP Server 15.0.0.0

Overview

Serv-U is a robust FTP (File Transfer Protocol) file server that utilizes industry-standard transfer protocols to facilitate secure and efficient access to a hosted content via a web browser.

Installation

At a file size of about 17 MB, Serv-U downloads in no time at all. However, given that this is a server-side software and not a basic OS-based application the installation process is a bit more complex than the typical Windows/Linux setup. Fortunately, an FTP server setup wizard is included and there is an in-depth user's manual available on the official website that thoroughly describes the process of setting up a file server with Serv-U.

Interface

There are three main Serv-U interfaces – Mobile, Web Transfer, and Administration – all of which are web-based. The mobile interface is ideal for accessing files via a smart phone or tablet PC, as it provides a handy viewing module that is compact and easy to use. The Web transfer interface is a bit more complex, providing access to thumbnail walls, file transfer details, integrated file viewers, neatly organized navigational panes, and other useful advanced features. The administration interface provides easy access to all of the administrative modules, facilitating the management of Domain Details, Users, Groups, Directories, Limits and Settings, Domain Activity, Server Details, Mobile Users, Global, Global Directories, Server Limits and Settings, and Server Activity.

Pros

• Capable of operating natively on both Windows and Linux servers – a feature that is not seen in many other Managed File Transfer servers. Users enjoy the same user-friendly interface and functionality regardless of the platform/operating system

• Allows for total customization of FTP Voyager JV/Web client login pages. Users can create custom login pages using CSS/HTML, personalizing every visual aspect (i.e. – design themes, colors, layout, and images) in order to create a specially branded front page for their clients

• Can automatically send out notifications to clients in the event of specific triggers. For example, if a client password is about to expire or their account is about to be disabled, Serv-U can instantly send out an alert e-mail.

• Lets you import/export IP access rules, helping you maintain complete security by limiting the IP addresses that can access your server

• Lets you administer your file server from anywhere there is an Internet connection via a browser-based interface

• Provides granular bandwidth controls that let you limit upload/download speed on a server-wide, per-domain, per-group, or per-user basis

Cons

• Support is somewhat lacking. However, the software does include adequate help documentation, so users can easily find answers to their inquiries independently.

• If you're a novice user and you fail to run the FTP server setup wizard after the installation, then it can be significantly difficult to set up the software manually.

Alternatives

There are several other open-source FTP servers available online, including FileZilla Server, CompleteFTP, Gene6 FTP Server, and BulletProof FTP Server. Of these competitors, FileZilla is the most popular, offering many of the same features as Serv-U, but with a larger user community and a longer-standing reputation. Even so, Serv-U's mobile interface and unique administrative backend make it preferable to many advanced users.

Conclusion

By providing a comprehensive administrative interface, convenient client-side access to files and directories, and a mobile browser-based interface that can be accessed via almost any device, Serv-U is a robust FTP Server solution that is ideal for small businesses and corporate enterprises like.