BitTorrent is launching a new tool to send large files from person to person: The software, dubbed SoShare, allows users to share file bundles of up to 1 TB for free. SoShare combines BitTorrent file transfer technology with cloud caching, making it possible for recipients to access the files even when the sender is offline.
SoShare keeps copies of files available for up to 30 days, unless a user opts to take them down beforehand. Users need to install a plugin to upload or download files, but it’s not necessary to register in order to access shared files.
BitTorrent launched a first alpha version of SoShare a year ago under the name Share. While testing Share, it discovered that photographers, videographers and musicians were most in need for this kind of service. “No one is designing media delivery for the media industry. We saw an opportunity to build a reliable solution for this user group,” said Catherine Meek, Director of Product Management at BitTorrent, adding:
“There are 3.34 million Americans employed in creative industries. They work in large file formats – photo, audio, film. And their work is dependent on being able to send and deliver these large file formats to collaborators and clients. Right now, doing so is costly and difficult.”
Speaking of costs: SoShare is absolutely free during its public beta test, but a BitTorrent spokesperson told me that the company may be looking at different options to monetize the service down the line.
SoShare is one of a number of new products developed by BitTorrent as parts of its BitTorrent Labs effort. Just last month, BitTorrent announced a new file syncing app that competes with traditional syncing services like Dropbox and Sugarsync.
Image courtesy of Flickr user Carlos Maya.
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