We keep all our graphic files (our graphics library) on a web server
(that is also a webdav server) that we keep co-located at an ISP.
This is a W2k server (running IIS for the WebDAV folders).
We want to make our graphics library searchable and accessible by our
partners in other cities.
We wanted some way that someone could browse the graphics folder with
thumbnails, like you do on www.imagebank.com or www.tonystone.com, or
any web-based stock photo place. It would need 2-4 different levels
of permissions, or some kind of way for some users to get access to
all the images, and others to get just a [low security] few.
The images in there would be jpeg, pdf, illustrator, photoshop, and
maybe word files. It would be great if the thumbnails were
auto-generated by the server, but it isn’t required. We could make it
a rule that anytime something is uploaded we would generate the
thumbnails manually using Photoshop, Extensis Portfolio
(www.extensis.com/assetman), or Cumulus (www.canto.com).
After logging into a web site with their assigned name/password, a
partner could browse thumbnails and download the related hi-res images
(or PDF/Illustrator files) that he has access to. The partners would
be browsing with both Mac and Windows machines.
We would be able to access the whole directory via the same browser
interface or via FTP (or better yet WebDAV).
It would be great if these outside partners had a way to upload images
(pdfs, jpegs, etc) of their own. Maybe they might even be required to
upload thumbnails with those images, if need be (or we could do it).
The bandwidth needs would be very low. Also, we don't need a lot of
features, just something simple. The number of images would also be
small. The whole library would be 2-4 gigs and would change a whole
lot over time.
I briefly looked at Extensis Portfolio server, and I know that there
is a Cumulus server, but these tend cost a lot. I think Extensis
Portfolio server is something like 2 or 3 grand. It is overkill for
our needs.
Also, we don’t want to do any hi-end HTML config/setup, we’d like some
server software that is relatively easy to get going. It should be
relatively easy to use and setup. No linux stuff!
1 – If we host it ourselves, are there any solutions that don't cost
much to get into ($500 and under) and are available now? We have a
W2k server (iis) and a MacOS X server (a G3).
2 – If we want someone else to host it, can you recommend providers
that won’t charge more then $200/month for 2-4 gigs of space with low
monthly bandwidth. It would be a requirement that it be white label
(not show the brand name of the hosting company). By that I mean that
it be transparent to the user browsing who is hosting the site. I
guess it would be alright if it said “powered by x” on the site, if
the hosting company insisted.
Thanks in advance, |
Request for Question Clarification by
webadept-ga
on
10 Jun 2003 05:49 PDT
Hi,
I've been looking around for something like describe for another
project as well. I ran across this program, which appears to have most
of your needs met, and if setup right, between you and your partners,
may be the answer. If so, great, let me know and I'll post it as an
answer. Normally I don't "float" an answer like this, but the trouble
with your request here is that you want a very customized high end
software package, without the need for cutomization, and it's just not
going to happen I'm afraid. Anyway, here is the project site:
http://www.pixory.org/
They do suggest that for a fee they can add features to this package,
so what it doesn't do for you, they may be able to add in a short
amount of time.
Good luck to you,
webadept-ga
|
Request for Question Clarification by
webadept-ga
on
10 Jun 2003 06:13 PDT
Hi again,
I just ran across this as well.
http://waste.kicks-ass.net/
This product is in the GLP, it doesn't require a server, you share the
files you want over the Internet via secure connection, from your own
computers. It has search and several other very nice features. I'm
going to use this for the project I mentioned above. Again, it doesn't
use the centeralized server, but it meets all of your other needs, and
it may even be better than what you are looking for with the server
solution.
webadept-ga
|
