I would like to create a file storage website similar to web-a-file.com. It would serve the same type of purpose except would be used for occupational specific file storage. I would need the same type of security and file sharing features as web-a-file. I have great ideas on this but don't know where to begin to make this happen.

My questions specifically are:

Where do I begin?
Would I need to buy my own servers or lease dedicated servers?

I have many questions about this entire process as I don't have a full understanding of the web hosting aspect of things, so any information you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

As an aside, anyone interested in working with me on this endeavor, I'm open to suggestions.

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

I think for your project to succeed you need some programming knowledge unless you hire someone. If your website becomes popular then, yes, you will need dedicated servers and there is alot of places which sell these, and you get what you pay for. Where do you start? Well, you have thought of an idea, now you need to think of a domain then you need to get the script up and running. Perhaps there is some scripts already on www.hotscripts.com ?

would be used for occupational specific file storage.
I do not understand what you mean by this.

I would like to create a file storage website similar to web-a-file.com. It would serve the same type of purpose except would be used for occupational specific file storage. I would need the same type of security and file sharing features as web-a-file. I have great ideas on this but don't know where to begin to make this happen.

My questions specifically are:

Where do I begin?
Would I need to buy my own servers or lease dedicated servers?

I have many questions about this entire process as I don't have a full understanding of the web hosting aspect of things, so any information you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

As an aside, anyone interested in working with me on this endeavor, I'm open to suggestions.

Thanks in advance for your assistance.
Security is very subjunctive. There they protect the files by passwords, however, in my experience passwords are weak and easily brokes by brute force attacks, which is why I use random file placement for security on my website (filegig.com). As has been said, you'll need a good knowledge of web programming languages to be able to implement a custom script - PHP and Perl are a good combination. You'll also need a dedicated server with a good size HDD, and be able to tune Apache and PHP to receive and serve the files efficiently.

If you have any questions or need a hand feel free to email me, kit {at} filegig {dot} com - I'm away for a bit until Friday but I'll do my best to help.

I see lots of ideas for new web-based businesses. The place to start is a business plan, not technical details. You need to understand how you'll generate income, your expenses, how people will find your web site, etc.

Thanks for the responses, guys.

Flammable, what I meant by occupational specific file storage is my site will only be marketed to one particular occupation and not to the general public.


Filegig, I appreciate your offer for advice. I may take you up on it.


Mitch, I have part of a business plan already. I'm just stalled on the costs of running the business. That's why I'm here asking these questions about what it would take on the technical side of things.

Thanks again, guys.