FileRunner: Redefining File Sharing for Creative Teams – Insights from VP Product Development Paige Barnett

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FileRunner, Sohonet's innovative automated file transfer software, has evolved significantly over the past 12 months, re-envisioning file sharing for creative teams. We sat down with our VP Product Development Paige Barnett to discuss why Sohonet decided to redesign FileRunner, the benefits it brings to creative workflows, and the exciting opportunities it presents for the future.

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1. Can you shed light on the hurdles creative teams face with traditional file transfer solutions? 

[PB] Today’s file transfer solutions can be a source of frustration for creative teams. They often fall into two categories: the larger enterprise solutions, which come with costly multi-year agreements, complex workflow rules, and require IT configuration – and the more traditional SaaS solutions, which may not be tailored for Media and Entertainment, no support file system context, and a lack of thorough security testing. While marketed as one-size-fits-all, these solutions can leave creative teams feeling underserved. 

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2. How is FileRunner different from other solutions?

[PB]  With Sohonet, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting in your product. FileRunner isn’t one-size-fits-all, and it won’t displace a complex file transfer infrastructure. However, it stands out as an intuitive, reliable, and affordable option for small and mid-sized entertainment companies, studio and production teams, agencies, and vendors. It also serves a complementary addition to the file transfer toolbox of larger enterprises.
A few things differentiate Filerunner:

• Its simplicity. Filerunner is a user-to-user content delivery solution. It’s designed like your email for familiarity, and it can be entirely browser based with nothing to install. 
• Its speed. Our technology supports enhanced upload and download speeds through the browser, and we’re working now to make that experience even more accelerated.
• It’s unlimited. There are no size restrictions for large files or folders, or the number of assets being transferred in one go. And customers are not charged for the egress or temporary storage of those assets. 
• It's adaptable. This means we provide some light tools to better automate your FileRunner workflows, allowing you to send files not only to an individual or team but also to a server.

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3. What sparked the decision to further improve FileRunner, and how does it tackle the pain points of existing file transfer solutions?

[PB] Our vision for FileRunner is bigger than the available technical capabilities of the previous FileRunner version. To both improve and add features that will help expedite workflows, enhance administrative capabilities, and scale features for better enterprise support, we needed to take advantage of the latest browser updates for file handling and performance improvements. Also, we have been working to unify our UI and UX across the Sohonet product suite. The new FileRunner addresses the common pain points of other file transfer solutions by delivering uncompromising speed, ease-of-use, and no need for plug-ins, software installs, or IT support. 

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4. In what ways does automated file transfer make tasks easier for creatives compared to traditional methods?

[PB] Empowering creatives with efficient file transfer solutions is our priority. With our automation tools, you can streamline the entire transfer process end-to-end. Most importantly, our automation toolset ensures that the recipient receives an exact copy of all source files, folders, and metadata, a fundamental requirement in our industry.

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5. What does "Multithreaded Parallel TCP Uploads" mean in FileRunner, and how does this feature improve the file transfer process for creative teams?

[PB] It means speed. “Multithreaded” describes how a computer uses more system resources to do the more processing at the same time. Similar to how adding a second lane turns a road into a highway. Computers use the term “threads” to handle chunks of work, and processing those threads can appear like the computer is doing a million things simultaneously. For FileRunner, the product splits the upload job and apportions it across many threads, then the computer executes each thread at the same time (in parallel) really quickly.  

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6. What factors might entice creative teams, entrenched in their current file transfer tool, to explore a new solution?

[PB] When looking at the file transfer space, one of the most common requests is ease of use, including simple provisioning. FileRunner is Sohonet’s first tool in our kit that has a trial request. Teams can go to our site, sign up, and discover if FileRunner is the right fit for them. Also Sohonet understands how important it is for production budgets to have reliable, consistent costs. FileRunner has a clear, flat-rate pricing structure that does not charge for bandwidth or bits, so you know exactly what you’ll be charged and when. Sohonet makes file transfer easy and affordable for film, TV, and advertising creatives.
FileRunner's redesign demonstrates Sohonet's commitment to addressing the unique needs of creative teams with innovative and efficient solutions. By prioritising speed, security, and ease of use, FileRunner is set to become an indispensable tool in the industry. For more information and to explore the new FileRunner, visit Sohonet FileRunner.

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Do you want to discover more? Explore further film production services from Sohonet such as Clearview Flex, the video collaboration software or our colour grading software to name a few. Contact us for more information!

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