November 24, 2008 — (WEB HOST INDUSTRY REVIEW) — Web hosting provider Brinkster (www.brinkster.com) recently began offering the beta release of its new File Manager, which was developed using Adobe’s open source Flex Framework.
The new web-based File Manager incorporates the aesthetic quality of a standard PC file system to provide end users with a simple way to manage their files. It includes many new features that enable customers to quickly customize their web space, providing them with the ability to select and upload as many files as they wish.
The new text editor enables users to quickly change or update a line of code while the multiple windows provide different file view options. The web application was built using Adobe Flex Framework, which operates inside Adobe’s Flash 9 technology and is used on the majority of Brinkster customer’s computers.
The company is currently offering an interactive tour of the new Brinkster File Manager on its website.
In an email interview with the WHIR, Poole talks about the development of its File Manager, the new features, and how it will change the way Brinkster customers interact with their web content.
WHIR: Is the new file manager something that customers were specifically requesting, or did Brinkster take it upon itself to develop it?
Clint Poole: We constantly review feedback from our customers and we found that customers were interested in some minor functionality enhancements related to File Manager.
We did some competitive analysis and reviewed the available file manager products in the industry and realized that there was not one that stood out from the rest. We made the decision to not spend time retooling an average File Manager, but instead build the industry’s leading File Manager incorporating the latest Internet application technology.
What new features are included with the web application?
CP: We took such a new approach with our File Manager that even some of the old basic features have new elements. For instance, with the new File Manager, even uploading and downloading files feel and function completely differently. Everything is far more intuitive and easy to use.
We added increased functionality to the Text Editor that allows customers to search for text or jump to a specific line in the code. This is particularly helpful when trouble shooting an error. We have also greatly improved the file and folder permissions functionality. Surprisingly, we?ve had the greatest positive response to the new image view options.
What benefits were there in using Adobe Flex Framework to develop this application?
CP: The obvious benefit is its large scale compatibility. According to Adobe.com, Flash Player is installed on 99 percent of Internet-enabled desktops worldwide with Java as its closest competitor at 82 percent. Adobe Flex gives us the ability to build feature-rich Internet applications with virtually no UI constraints.
How will this beta version differ from the official version?
CP: The “official version” will incorporate even more great features. The hard work of building the core has been done and now we are having some fun adding some cool gadgets. The new File Manager?s preview feature will be an area of focus. We will be adding support for flash files, mp3s and video. The File Manager is just a preview of what’s to come. The goal is to convert the entire customer control panel over to Flex.
How will the new File Manager ultimately benefit Brinkster’s web hosting customers?
CP: Simply put, the new File Manager will improve the customer experience by providing a fun and intuitive way for customers to interact with their web content which, until now, has been nonexistent in the industry.
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