Before cloud storage gained popularity, what was a common method for transferring large files?

Before the emergence of cloud storage, one of the prevalent methods for transferring large files was through File Transfer Protocol (FTP). FTP is a standard network protocol used to transfer files from one host to another over a TCP-based network. It was widely utilized because it allowed for the easy handling of large file transfers between computers connected to the Internet. The protocol could efficiently manage both uploads and downloads, making it suitable for businesses and individuals who needed to share considerable amounts of data.

In contexts where file size limitations applied, such as with email attachments, FTP offered a robust alternative by enabling the transfer of larger files without the restrictions often encountered via email services. While other methods like SFTP (a secure version of FTP) and USB drives were indeed used for file transfers, FTP was particularly popular for remote file sharing before cloud solutions became commonplace. USB drives also required physical transport, which was not as efficient for remote communication as FTP.

Understanding the role of FTP in file transfers provides insight into how data sharing practices have evolved with technological advancements in cloud computing.