In previous posts we’ve mentioned that you’re able to improve the security of your StingRay with the implementation of an SSL certificate. We’re happy to say that a number of customers have taken up this option and are now able to provide secure file transfer for both HTTPS file upload and file download, in addition this extra security level is also then utilised in the Email Hyperlink file sending option.
Example of HTTPS enabled StingRay server
If you would like to provide this extra level of security for your customers, you’ll need to purchase an SSL certificate from one of the major suppliers and arrange for us to securely update your server with the certificate. In the example above you can see this customer has not only secured their server, but done a great job of customising the interface and have set up an A-Record* to make it even more simple for their customers to upload files.
*A-Record - is the server name, in this case ’stingray’, in front of their domain name which forwards to the external address IP of the StingRay or firewall/router.
Since we released version 2.6 of StingRay file transfer server we’ve had a great uptake in those customers wanting to provide additional security for their customers when sending/receiving files, i.e. using HTTPS via a web browser.
Given that understanding SSL Certificates and the differences between self assigned and those purchased from a reputable supplier isn’t necessarily straight forward, I thought I’d provide you with a brief outline here.
Filling in the site information page as instructed in the ‘New Features in 2.6 Guide‘ will enable your StingRay to generate a Self Assigned SSL Certificate. This certificate will provide you and your users with the ability to use SSL to upload and download files via a web browser. You’ll also need to switch on HTTPS in the Network Configuration page under Web Access otherwise the StingRay will continue to use standard HTTP.
Now that you have SSL enabled you’ll be able to securely share files, but there is one major drawback with Self Assigned certificates - recent web browsers don’t trust them and flag it up to the user, in some annoying cases too often.
Internet Explorer doesn't like self assigned SSL Certificates
Obviously when providing a solution for your customers, staff, branch offices etc to send you files you don’t want any barriers in the way or more to the point to look like you don’t know what you’re doing. In this case you’ll need to purchase an SSL certificate. StingRay’s external web interface runs on Apache Server so we’d recommend if you want to purchase a certificate you do so from one of these preferred SSL Certificate suppliers.
Once you have this certificate you’ll need to contact us to assist you with uploading it into your server as there currently isn’t an option to upload your own through the web interface. As a maintenance customer you’ll get this service free of charge - for other customers this will be provided as part of your 2.6 upgrade.
Whilst we’re on the point of creating the certificates its worth pointing out that you’ll need to register it to a host name. Many people set up host names (or A records) for their StingRay as people better understand and remember names than IP addresses, for example our StingRay is accessible by both http://217.36.243.171 and http://stingray.pro2col.com but the later is much easier to remember.
You can pretty much use whatever host name you want but we generally recommend using stingray.domain.com. Its really important to make sure that when you’re doing this you DON’T use the host name ftp.domain.com as this will cause most web browsers to think that you want to use FTP and result in the web browser doing something like this below, rather than presenting a nice graphical interface for you to transfer files.
FTP protocol through a web browser
I hope this helps you to understand a little better how to get the best out of your StingRay. If you’ve got any questions make sure you give our sales or support teams a call on +44 (0) 333 123 1240.
Well, it’s been a while, but in that time we’re pleased to say we’ve managed to launch the ‘new look’ Hermstedt StingRay website (take a peek here) and released the latest StingRay firmware version - 2.6.
We’ve packed StingRay 2.6 full of new features and functionality - designed to make the large file transfer process as quick and simple as possible. Here’s a rundown of the key features built into StingRay 2.6:
Quicksend - An entirely new file sending option, available when sending files via the StingRay Client Application (Mac version 2.0.2). Aptly named Quicksend, this feature allows internal users to send files/folders quickly and simply in a few short steps. Just create a new job, add an email address, attach the desired files/folders and press send. It really is that simple.
Direct Web Browser Upload - External users can now upload files directly into StingRay’s incoming queue via the external web browser interface. Significant in terms of automation potential, this new feature is ideal for directing incoming files into internal production workflows, freeing staff from manual downloads and allowing them to focus their attention on more productive, revenue generating tasks.
HTTPS - All of StingRay’s file sending options that rely upon HTTP as the fundamental delivery protocol (Email Hyperlink and Web Browser Upload/Download) can now be secured in transit by HTTPS. The leading security protocol used on the internet today, SSL provides superior levels of security and is the standard implementation when purchasing items online. Self-assigned SSL certificates can be created within the internal web browser interface or alternatively, if you have an existing SSL certificate, this can be uploaded to the StingRay.
If that wasn’t enough, a number of tweaks and improvements have been made to the existing features provided by Hermstedt StingRay. These include:
- Personalised Customer Logins (External Web Browser Upload) - Progress Bar during file upload (External Web Browser Upload) - Successful Upload Notification (External Web Browser Upload) - Email Hyperlink Auto-delete functionality - Hyperlink Signature Customisation potential
If you want more information, you can download a comprehensive guide that outlines the new features in 2.6 in greater detail.
This is the best bit - the StingRay 2.6 upgrade is FREE for all StingRay 2.5 users that hold and valid Silver or Gold maintenance contract. Just send an email to customerservice (at) pro2col.com and we will get the upgrade process rolling for you.
Unsupported StingRay users and those holding a Bronze maintenance contract will still be able to upgrade if they’d like, all you’ll need to do is contact the Pro2col sales department on 0333 123 1240 for pricing.
After much anticipation, StingRay’s Client Application for Snow Leopard (Mac OS X v10.6) and Leopard (Mac OS X v10.5) is now available. Aside from compatibility with the latest Mac operating system, StingRay Client 2.0 now includes all file delivery options offered via the internal web interface and supports the Growl notification feature.
In conjunction with the release of StingRay Client 2.0 comes the release of StingRay firmware update 2.5.3.
All StingRay users running Mac OS X v10.5 or 10.6 be aware - this update MUST be run on your server in order for the new StingRay Client application 2.0 to work!
All StingRay users running anything below Mac OS X v10.5 please note - you can take advantage of the 2.5.3 firmware update but StingRay Client 2.0 is NOT compatible with your operating system. Please continue to use your existing StingRay Client 1.0.
Here is the link to the StingRay 2.5.3 firmware update file
Here is the link to the StingRay Client 2.0 update file (Please contact Pro2col Sales on 0333 123 1240 for pricing details which vary dependent upon your current level of maintenance cover).
Although a minor update, please note 2.5.2-2 is now available for all StingRay 2.5 users to download here. So if only a minor release, why should I bother updating I hear you say?! Well, this release addresses a few small bugs inherent in 2.5, therefore if you have been experiencing any of the issues outlined in StingRay’s ChangeLog this update will address them.
We couldn’t just leave it at that though, that would be dull! Instead, we have decided to include a little gem for all of our 2.5 users. Take a look at these…
2.5.2-2 now enables all StingRay users to upload their company logo to StingRay’s external interface for all customer’s to see. Adding that personal touch to your customer facing file transfer interface helps promote your brand and instill confidence in your users.
So if you are currently running StingRay 2.5 you haven’t yet taken advantage of what 2.5.2-2 has to offer, go to the Updates section on the Hermstedt StingRay website and download it now, free of charge. If you experience any problems when running the update you can either download our guide to ‘Branding your StingRay’s external web interface’ or call the Pro2col support department on 0333 123 1260.
Pro2col’s UK Support team received the first batch of new 1U StingRay file transfer servers today. As you can see Pete, who works in the Support and Customer Service team is thrilled to be modelling the server for our blog
Pro2col receives first 1U StingRay file transfer server at the Support department
Existing StingRay users are able to upgrade their servers up until 30th July at significantly discounted rates. Prospective StingRay customers aren’t left out as for the same period offers exist. For further information contact Pro2col Sales on 0333 123 1240 or email sales @ pro2col.com
Well its been a long time coming but finally we have the 1U appliance that we’d been after from Hermstedt AG. Smaller, faster and more robust we’re really pleased with the new server and hope our existing and new customers will be too!
We’ve created a short video to show you the server and to guide you through the process and why its a good idea to make the investment in the new hardware.
Regarding upgrading
If you are due a technology refresh to ensure the continuing reliability of your file transfer equipment, this is the perfect time to re-invest in the new, superior Hermstedt StingRay.
If your existing StingRay server is less than 3 years old then you’re alright, but if your StingRay server is installed in a high volume environment e.g. magazine and newspaper publishers picture desk workflow, upgrading should be a serious consideration.
Contact Pro2col, your local reseller or email info @ hermstedtstingray.com for pricing and further information.
Its been a little while since our last post which is rubbish as I’d set ourselves the target of making sure that we stay on top of keeping in contact with our customers. It has however been a very busy last couple of months for us here and we’ve now added a Twitter account for all those StingRay file transfer servers who want to keep up to date with news, views and release details.
Follow us on twitter
If you use Twitter add us and we’ll Tweet you all the latest updates. You can find us at - http://twitter.com/filetransfer
There’s an article on Pro2col’s web site demonstrating how StingRay has been used by a number of publishing companies within their incoming picture desk workflow. StingRay is used by a number of publishers round the world for this purpose with its ability to handle large volumes of incoming FTP transmissions and to forward them on to Asset Management/Picture Desk workflows. Have a look and give us a call if you’ve got any questions.
As a vendor of a file transfer solution its really important that we know exactly what the market wants. To help us to take the development of the Hermstedt StingRay file transfer appliance in the right direction we’ve set up an online survey to help us capture your thoughts. If you’ve got a spare two minutes we’d be really grateful if you’d take the time to complete our seven question survey which you can get to by clicking here
