File compression is an important tool in any software. It allows minimizing space used in e-mails or on flash drives, bundling related files, speeding communication, and saving on bandwidth. GrandView makes use of file compression for all of these reasons. Below are some of the areas of GrandView where file compressions plays a role:
- Zipped file archives - For minimizing space and for bundling files together, nothing beats a zipped file archive. There are two ways to get your files into one: 1) in Project Files, click on the file download action icon for all files you want added to the archive, then click "Update". All of the files you selected will be added to an archive that will start to download immediately. 2) When viewing files attached to a status log, simply click the "Download All" button.
- Bandwidth-saving - To save bandwidth when downloading or uploading files through the Files Client, all files are first zipped together (behind the scenes) before sending over the network. The files are then uncompressed just before arriving on your computer.
- Communicate faster - The communications protocol used between the Files Client and the GrandView server is compressed using a fast and efficient algorithm to allow speedy communication.
We are investigating the use of other forms of file compression in GrandView. One avenue of investigation is an advanced versioning and compressing file system to complement our current NTFS-backed file system. Another area we're looking into is using our web server's built-in compression to shrink web-pages to speed up communications with your web browser. At Rovisys we know that effective use of file compression is just one of many ways that GrandView can help you get more organized, get more efficient, and get more done!
Bryan DeBois
GrandView Business Solutions Developer