Toronto, The Leading Group of Companies is pleased to announce the inauguration of its web-based file transfer services. The new service will enable Leading clients to transmit and receive large files such as art work, images and proofs via the internet with all of the simplicity of e-mail, the functionality of FTP (file transfer protocol), and traffic management tools including remote proofing, encryption, online receipts and file prioritization. The service integrates Leading’s remote access and distribution expertise with technology from our sister company, KangaCom, allowing users to communicate over partner Bell Nexxia’s broadband network in a secure, economical and efficient environment. "It used to be that to get a large job from A to B, you had to put it on a CD, JAZ or several ZIPs. E-mail couldn’t handle anything larger than a couple of megabytes. Moving around those physical assets was time-consuming and relatively expensive. FTP wasn’t very user-friendly and lacked queue control so that wasn‚t much more than an interim option either," notes John Negru, Director for Convergent Solutions at Leading. "Now we’ve removed the e-mail barrier, making it quicker, easier and more cost-effective to move heavy files electronically. The interface is simple and intuitive. The beauty of Leading’s system and KangaCom infrastructure is that they put the power over where those files go into the hands of the client, rather than a particular supplier or destination. Unlike vendors of proprietary point-to-point transfer systems, we encourage clients to communicate with anyone they choose at any time. We partner with our customers, rather than fencing them in with restrictive menu options." Advertising agencies and designers requiring digital delivery of advertising to publications will be a prime market segment for this service, because we can now offer them a seamless digital workflow from concept through prepress to remote proofing and on to the newspaper or magazine. The same workflow also shines for files destined for CTP printing. Advances in standards for blind file transfer authentication from dMACS and SWOP, coupled with accurate remote proofing capabilities now available, complete the verification process. Occasional users can take advantage of the service through KangaXpress at our business partner, www.bellzinc.ca. Deliveries of files up to 100 MB can be handled at any time for $10 on a credit card. Companies with heavier demand for the benefits of all-digital workflow beyond the confines of their own local area network can take advantage of the speed that ADSL or T1 lines offer.