I often have to send large files around by email. For example, I had to email a colleague a 10 MB file. It seems a little rude to hit him out of the blue with a 10 MB email. I wanted something cleaner and less intrusive.

So I created a simple utility I called "Big Mailer". I figured I'd blog about it and share it with the world. Feel free to use it as you see fit. This program consists of both a client and server piece that simplifies uploading content to your web site. Then the program gives you a regular web link you can send via email.

Here's a screen shot:

You can download and install it via ClickOnce here:

Install Big Mailer (700 KB)

You must have the following to use this program:

1. .NET 3.5 Framework installed on the client
2. .NET 3.5 Framework on the server
3. An ASP.NET web site to host the WCF service

After you install the client, click "Host Service" and you'll get the server side code to drop onto your ASP.NET web site. There is a test web site with instructions in that code.

If you don't have an ASP.NET web site to host the service at you can always use public services like Drop Boks (a great service!) or other file sharing sites. The benefit of this program / service is that you retain control of the files and you can conceivably send more sensitive content.

You can also just use FTP if you have that for your web site, but I hate FTP personally. I don't like fighting the firewall issues and I don't want it running on my servers.

So this program allows you to upload content of unlimited size, without FTP, without sending your files to a third party. Also, it sends everything in 16KB blocks, rather than one giant http message. So you get the benefit of both being able to send huge files (say 1 GB) and you get progress / cancel support.

One feature that's notably lacking is authentication. I'll probably release an update with security built-in. For now, take that into consideration before using it.

Enjoy!