David Whitmyre wrote:
I am looking for the ability to have multiple clients log in to their own FTP area and upload their files to us. Need interface for client to log in, allow them to select files for upload (multiple files need to be able to be selected), and those files then uploaded to their separate directory.
Is there any joomla plugin that foes this, or any other plugin, or anything that I can insert into a page in joomla to allow this to happen?
Hi David,
To allow your clients to upload files to you / your server you can setup an ftp account giving them permissions to upload via ftp. To do this they will need ftp client software. You use to be able to ftp via the browser, but several browsers don't allow this any longer. I think it just as well, the security risk was high.
The ftp can be setup on their server or yours. This will be your decision made most likely on how many ftp accounts you have to setup, track etc. File size / storage may also be a factor. So ask your self do you want to store this upload on your server or theirs? For convenience, having all the information on your server would be easier for you because you could login in, see all the ftp folders and download what you need without having to login to each client account separately.
When I do this I follow the following steps:
1) Setup the account on their server with an obvious folder name such as ftp_uploads. You can make subfolders if you like such as "images, pdfs, worddocs, high_res" whatever will help you help them.
2) If you set the ftp account on your server identify the account for the client such as client1_ftp, client2_ftp, client3_ftp, etc. Each would be a separate ftp account, with separate log-in.
3) After setup I send them a link to download a free ftp client. There are several... One I recommend is
www.coreftp.com/
4) Along with that I supply them of course with log-in instructions, their username and password.
5) Also suggested is a short list of "how to name your files" and any other instructions you feel are important.
6) And maybe instructions on how to save as a .zip file first for upload.
TO UPLOAD FROM THE JOOMLA! FRONTEND OR BACKEND
If you want your clients to upload from the front-end or back-end of Joomla! the process is totally different, including many variables and objectives. If it just for storage so you can have access to files, go with ftp.
Hope this gets you started and on your way.