If you’re someone who works with lots of files, either personally or professionally, you’re probably always on the lookout for things that can help you achieve the transformation results you want while keeping storage needs from overwhelming your devices. You know how much of a headache uploading and downloading times can be and how tough it is to have firm control over who can download, upload, and access your files. The following will explore one of the newer options available to help meet these needs: the cloud-based file upload API from Upload.io. The focus will be on functionality and features, as well as an explanation of the concepts behind the idea of cloud-based APIs with the intention of helping you figure out if a cloud-based is right for you and your projects. Emphasis will be placed on business needs, but much of the information applies to personal projects and file management as well.
What Is Cloud Computing?
Before diving into the specifics of a file upload API that works on the cloud, it might first be useful to explore what the cloud is and why you might want to work with the cloud. Cloud computing is basically access granted on-demand, using the internet to various computing resources. This might include applications, servers, data storage, networking capabilities, and development tools, but new things are being added to the world of cloud computing every day. When you watch an episode of your favorite show on Netflix, your personal computer or television isn’t downloading and storing the video file—the file is in the cloud; you are merely accessing it. Of course, many cloud platforms allow for downloads too.
Why Use Cloud Computing For Your Files
When it comes to your own files, you might be drawn to using the cloud for a number of reasons. Foremost, the cloud greatly increases the ease with which people can collaborate. Suddenly, you don’t need to deliver specific files to someone or drop off a hard copy of something they need to work with; you can simply grant them access to the cloud where you’ve stored them. If someone has internet access and knowledge of any passwords or security measures in place, they’ll be able to work with the files from anywhere in the world.
Another lauded benefit of working with the cloud is that files are often safer this way. If you have physical files in a filing cabinet or files on a single computer in one location, you’re running the risk of those files being damaged from fire, flood, and even spilled coffee. If your files are stored (or at least a copy is stored) in the cloud, an earthquake that smashes your computer isn’t going to damage the file. Likewise, it’s much more difficult to misplace a file that’s saved on the cloud than it is to lose one you keep on your personal device. Disaster recovery is a major factor in why so many businesses are switching over to cloud computing options.
Scalability is another major concern for people who are working on projects or running businesses. With an external hard drive at the office or in your home, once it’s full, it’s full, and you’ve got to go out and get another one and then go through the arduous process of figuring out while files are on which drives when you need them most. The majority of cloud platforms make it easy to grow with your needs without having to switch over to something new. This is particularly beneficial for companies that are expecting rapid growth. Beyond this, cloud computing options often have automatic updates, and this makes it easy to adapt to your needs on the technical side of things.
What Is API?
API stands for application programming interface, and it refers to moments where software or applications are enabled to interact and exchange data. Basically, this means that applications can communicate with one another under certain circumstances.
Why Use APIs?
Given that the average business or enterprise uses nearly 1200 cloud applications and given that many of these applications are disconnected from one another, APIs can allow applications to be integrated, resulting in seamless communication. It also allows for the automation of workflows which can improve collaboration and efficiency in the workplace. APIs, like cloud computing, are also incredibly scalable and easy to connect with new business partners or developments in the industry, allowing companies to keep up with the rapid-pace changes that are happening all around them.
Beyond this, APIs tend to offer additional security measures, which are extremely important given the rampant cybercrime of the current era. Data is now more valuable than oil; if you think what you’re working with isn’t worth someone’s time and effort to steal, you might need to reconsider that view. American’s lost more than $4.2 billion dollars to cybercrime in 2020 alone. Anything you can do to better protect yourself, your employees, and your customers should be done.
Furthermore, APIs can be used to radically enhance the experience of your customers and consumers. People are used to top-notch, high-speed experiences. Information access being opened up by API can empower customers and help clients tailor their own experiences. A study found that 75% of people believe that their company’s usage of APIs has drastically improved their customer experience. A further study found that 80% of consumers said they were more likely to do business with a company if it offered a personalized experience. The flipside of this is that while businesses are improving customer experience, they’re being presented with additional data that can better help them understand customer behaviors.
How Does This Apply To Files?
If you’re working with a lot of files, you know that uploading, storing, hosting, and transforming files is time-consuming. With a team uploading and interacting with these files, you also have organizational concerns. This means that the ideal solution is simple enough that everyone who needs to use it can use it (sometimes this is referred to as user-friendly) and something that can scale with your business and projects as needed.
Moreover, you’re looking for a system that is optimized for processing a high volume of data messages without much delay. In technical terms, delay in this context is referred to as latency, so this means you’re looking for a low latency solution. Low latency file upload can result in operations that are functioning nearly in real-time. It is with these needs in mind that this new file upload API will be looked at. Of course, if you have additional needs or requirements, you should speak to the manufacturer to see how your particular desires can be met. Every industry is different, so it’s not impossible that you might have additional things that you want to use to determine whether an option is right for you.
How Does Upload.io Function?
Uploading Process
When it comes to uploading files, all that’s required in the file upload API is a simple POST request. This takes very little time but also is difficult to do by accident which staff tend to appreciate.
Transformation, Conversion, And Optimization
The processes of transforming files, converting them into other formats, or optimizing them for future usage can all be done via the URL with the Upload.io option. This makes file processing very simple and quick as you simply need to add a transformation slug to the URL. This results in on-demand file transformation and returns that typically take under a second.
Content Delivery
Of course, uploading and altering are only a portion of the process. In many cases, people working with large amounts of files need to think about the process of downloading as well. A content delivery network involves many geographically distributed servers that can work together to create fast delivery of cloud-based content. The Upload.io file upload API uses a global content delivery network that has over 300 locations around the globe. This results in speedy downloads for your users.
Packages
A major strength of the Upload.io API file upload is the variety in available packages. There are three predesigned packages depending on your needs, starting at $7 per month, which is a pretty competitive rate. There is also the option to create a custom package to suit your particular needs by speaking with the sales department.
Free Trial Option
If you’re still uncertain whether the file upload API from Upload.io is right for you, or you’re not sure if the extra speed would make that big of a difference in your workplace, you can always try the free trial. The company gets big bonus points for not requiring a credit card to sign up for the trial. Many companies have things set up so that you automatically start paying for the service after the trial is complete and need to opt out if you don’t want to spend the money.
The above information should have walked you through the various features offered by the Upload.io file upload API, as well as a few reasons you might want to work with these features. Again, every business is different, and they offer custom packages, so if you didn’t see something on this list that is important to you and your work, it’s always a good idea to reach out to the manufacturer to see if there are options that are better suited to you and your work.
