SGC's approach is driven by the need to address the file transfer issues with the additional constraint that the solution is as low-cost and easy to deploy as possible. As a result, we chose to use "off the shelf" technologies, particularly those that currently ship by default with computer systems purchased from virtually any vendor.

Those technologies are as simple as a Web Browser (i.e. Internet Explorer, Netscape, Safari, etc.) and a Web Server (e.g. IIS, Apache, etc.) A computer with an installed web browser and a functional network connection is the only requirement to exchange mission-critical data securely, reliably, and with authentication. There are no requirements for a specific vendor operating system, no browser requirements, and no requirements for either endpoint other than some web browser running on a computer connected to a computer network.

Easy Setup

SGC FileShare™ technology consists of one or more file sharing servers and any number of users of those servers. Our solution consists of a software system, coded in an open-source language, which runs on a web server. This software presents a web-based interface to the user and allows the user to securely upload, download, and browse available files.

Easy to Use

A user uploads a file by navigating to the server's web page and logging in using the enterprise's authentication method. Currently we support Kerberos, Password Files, Radius, and a number of other authentication methods. Once authenticated, a user has the option of uploading as many files as capacity allows. Files may be optionally encrypted on the server itself, providing an extra layer of security above that provided by the SSL connection between the user and the web server.

As each file is uploaded, the system returns a unique URL, representing the file. The URL consists of the web address of the server on which the file resides followed by a random and unique series of numbers and characters. This unique sequence is the only way by which the file can be referred and does not divulge any information about who created the file, its intended recipient, or its contents.

The originating user can then transmit that URL to as many individuals and organizations as is necessary. With the URL those individuals may download the file for their own use. To download, individuals are not required to authenticate to the user's enterprise, thus it is not necessary that any receiver be pre-authorized to receive the data. This gives the system great flexibility and allows any data provider to provide any data consumer with the information they need, securely.

All transmission is done using the SSL protocol (https) thus automatically encrypting data as it travels between the server and receiver or between the file provider and the server. All data "on the wire" is encrypted.