The Shepperd website

We now use AjaXplorer to allow our clients to download project files. We’ve been very happy with this solution and best of all it is opensource.

This is how we upgraded to the latest version of AjaXplorer 2.5.5

1) Create a new directory e.g. files_new and upload all files.
2) Edit file /server/conf/conf.php
3) Change the admin password and fill in the rest of the file – compare to the old one as necessary.
4) Copy the complete directory /server/users from the old installation to the new one.
5) Copy the file server/conf/repo.ser from the old installation to the new one.
6) Make a new directory for public files e.g. /files/public and change rights to 775
7) Rename the old installation and rename the new installation
Make sure you throughly test the new installtion.

Increasingly drawings, documents and photos need to be quickly shared with teams around the world.
I’ve strived to find packages that offer more then plain ftp. Why? Users don’t use FTP clients so often these days, but are very familiar with a browser.

Here is a current list of applications that I have used or are in the process of reviewing;
Commercial

FileRun

• Simple and clean interface
• PHP, Mysql, Java scripts
• WebDav access from Windows Explorer
• Active development
• Emails can be sent with documents as attachments or links
• Easy to upgrade (done from control panel)
• Works with existing directory / file structure on server
• Easy control of access rights and permissions for users, roles and groups
• FileRun remains my current favourite DMS and is actively used by clients of Stagelink.com

RW Download

• PHP and Mysql scripted solution
• Untested
• Now freeware but donations welcomed
• Unclear of future development – Work may have stopped as of Sept 2006

Opensource

Ajaxplorer

• Uses a variety of Open Source scripts
• Interface allows users to quickly learn how to use it
• Regular Updates
• Currently no WebDav support
• Not tested

eXtplorer

• WebDav support
• Not tested

Knowledge Tree

• Speed issues – I have a fast dedicated server but interface responses can be sluggish
• Complicated – Users want a really simple interface
• Webdav support – This can really help access for admin and advanced users

OpenKM

• Requires Java 1.5 and JBoss Application server 4.2.x
• Demo is very fast, but untested

Horde / Gollem

• Slightly clunky interface
• Can act as front end to ftp server

Pure-FTPd

• Virtual users rather than system wide users
• Simple ftp server
• Untested

proFTPd Administrator

• Web based front end for proFTPd server