BitTorrent Inc., the company behind the popular file-sharing clients BitTorrent and uTorrent – after the recent acquisition, launched a new file-sharing service today. Called SoShare, the new platform uses a technology that is a hybrid between BitTorrent and traditional server based storage allowing users to send files up to one terabyte in size while utilizing the bandwidth sharing abilities of the BitTorrent protocol.
SoShare lets users upload and share files as they do with other file sharing services, but the transfer is boosted using BitTorrent technology. When a user uploads a file to SoShare, a master copy is saved on to the cloud from which others can download regardless of whether the uploader is online or not. So far, this is identical to server-based file hosting/sharing service. But as more people have access to the file, the available bandwidth is increased allowing faster download of the file while also reducing load on the central server.
To add the BitTorrent functionality, SoShare users have to install a browser plugin. Once the plugin is installed users can upload files and share these privately via email or a public link. Recipients don’t need an account to download the files, but do need the SoShare plugin.
The biggest advantage of SoShare over other file sharing services is the gigantic amount of data that can be shared through it – up to 1 terabyte. Files live for 30 days but you can make them expire sooner.
“We’re focused on sending, not locker storage, so the workflow is pretty straightforward. Again, we identified a need for the creative community during the alpha and that is what SoShare aims to address,” told Catherine Meek, Director of Product Management at BitTorrent, to Torrent Freak.
Currently there are no paid plans of any, but the company will be “looking at a few options along the way”.
The SoShare plugin works Chrome, Firefox and Safari on Mac, and Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer on Windows. At this time, there is no support for Linux.
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