Other mechanisms for large file transfer, including FTP and SCP, require significant infrastructure and often a fairly high learning curve relative to email. For this reason, these solutions may not be ideal for all users.

ParcelPost is a web based service, similar to a bulletin board, that permits authenticated University members to initiate large file transfers with colleagues both within the University and external to it. By operating entirely within the web browser, ParcelPost is intended to be as simple to use as any web site, while offering the same universal availability of email. Removing large file transfers to this environment reduces the load on the email servers, reduces the possibility of users exceeding their disk quotas, and reduces the burden on the Postmasters.

In order to initiate a large file transfer, a University member must visit a well know URI, eg: http://postoffice.columbia.edu. They will be prompted for a UNI and password, and then presented with a screen of options, including:

1. A local filename to upload, or an indication that their intended recipient(s) will be uploading the file first.
2. An option to delete the file after n days. (A mandatory time limit will be imposed if this is not selected.)
3. An option to delete the file after n confirmed retrievals.
4. An option to allow recipients to reply by posting a modified version of the original file. A maximum number of files or disk usage will be imposed for replies.
5. An option to directly notify recipients, with an optional text message, about the availability of the file. This avoids the need for a separate email communcation.
6. An option to require a PIN to retrieve the document. This PIN can be transmitted out of band, eg: over the phone.
7. An option to restrict access to the file to the University community, to specific members within the University community, or to specific groups within the University community.

Upon submission, the file will be posted to the secure web server (to ensure encryption of the file in transit), and upon successful store each recipient as well as the originator will receive a unique URI to retrieve the file with.

Recipients of this URI, upon clicking it, will be presented with a page of options, according to the initial options selected by the initiator. These include the link to download the file, an option to confirm receipt of the file, and an option to reply to the original posting. Replies will only be visible to the University member who posted the initial file.

• Post Mockup
• Retrieve Mockup