Large File Transfer

Email provides a convenient method to transfer files, but because of bandwidth and service issues, most organizations limit the size of attachment to maintain email performance. With the volume of research, academic work and collaboration occurring across the University, the need to transfer large files between organizations, institutions, or between collaborators is an inevitability. The University provides the following two methods to transfer files between locations for faculty and staff

ZendTo

The Â鶹´«Ã½ Large File Transfer system (ZendTo) is available to all Â鶹´«Ã½ faculty, staff and students. This system provides the capability for Â鶹´«Ã½ faculty, staff and students to send files to any individual connected to the internet. The user uploads the file(s) to the central server and provides the email address of the recipient(s). The system then generates an email to the recipient with a access token that will allow the recipient to use a web browser and retrieve the file.

Internet users that are not Â鶹´«Ã½ faculty, staff or students can use the system to send files to Â鶹´«Ã½ users. Their process includes requesting a token to upload a file by providing the email address of the Â鶹´«Ã½ user that the file is destined for. The system validates the recipient and generates the email token for the file to be uploaded and then delivers it in the same fashion as for Â鶹´«Ã½ users.

The system interface for the Â鶹´«Ã½ Large File Transfer System (ZendTo) can be accessed at

There are some specific issues with the Large File Transfer system that users should be aware of prior to using this system:

  1. This system must not be used for the transmission of Sensitive Data, copyrighted material or any other data files that cannot legally be sent.
  2. Access to the generated email token constitutes access to the data file to download.
  3. Because of web browser limitations, this system will have problems sending files 2 GB in size and larger.
  4. All files will only remain on the system for 5 calendar days. They are available for downloading during that period. Files are automatically deleted after the 5 days without recourse. Files can be resent if not retrieved within that period.
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Lions FTP

The LIONS system is used by the academic community to provide web services, academic programs and applications along with a variety of other uses, including transferring files to and from the University.

There are some specific issues with using LIONS FTP that users should be aware of prior to using this system for FTP:

  1. Users are allowed to upload files into the "incoming" directories without authentication (frequently referred to as anonymous FTP). However, those directories as not browse able by anyone other than authenticated LIONS users, this is, only users at the University.
  2. There are space quotas on all directories to insure the system is not overrun by random uploads. Use of this system should be restricted to small manageable files (
  3. Incoming directory files are automatically cleaned after 7 days. Any files in the incoming directories older than 7 days will be deleted without user/owner notification.
  4. Authenticated users can post files for download via their departmental directories as needed. College/Departmental directory space is managed by faculty and users.
  5. All files posted in college/departmental directories are publicly accessible by anyone on the internet. Sensitive data, copyrighted material or other files that cannot legally be published should NOT be posted there.
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ZendTo FAQ

Only Â鶹´«Ã½ users can log inot the LFS; you will log in using your MIDAS ID and password. If you need assistance with your MIDAS account, please visit .

Log in using your MIDAS ID and password.

  1. Click the 'Drop-­-off' button
  2. Type in your organization (Â鶹´«Ã½)
  3. Click Next
  4. Fill in your recipient(s)
  5. Upload your file
  6. Type in a note to your recipient (optional)
  7. Click the 'Drop-­-off Files' button

To pick up a file, log in with your MIDAS ID and password then follow proceed with one of the following ways to retrieve your file:

  • Click the Inbox tab and locate the sender to retrieve the file.
  • Click the Pick-­-up button then enter the Claim ID and Claim Passcode that was emailed to you.

The Claim ID and Passcode will be emailed to you by the sender. If you are an Â鶹´«Ã½ user, you can also access files sent to you by using your Inbox after logging into the LFS.

To request a drop-­-off, log in with your MIDAS ID and password then click the Request a Drop-­-off button. Fill in the necessary information and click the 'Send the Request' button to complete the request.

Files remain on the server for 5 days before they are purged. They will be purged whether they are picked up or not during that period.

If you are a not an Â鶹´«Ã½ user, you can still pick-up a file that was dropped off for you by clicking the pick-up button and entering the Claim ID and Claim Passcode that was emailed to you.

If you are not an Â鶹´«Ã½ user, you can still drop off (upload) a file for someone to retrieve by clicking the Drop-off button and either entering a request code that was sent to you or filling in the necessary information to obtain a request code.