Is there an FTP (or other file transfer protocol) server which can notify a client of change?

Question

I'm looking for an FTP-Like solution for copying backups of my mail server every 15 minutes..

The only problem with having an ftp client scheduled to run every 15 mins is it reindexes the FTP server on every hit..

Is there an FTP solution around which can let the other end (client) know when a file has been added / changed?

(almost like dropbox)

Thanks

Daniel

Answer 1

I don't think this is possible with the FTP protocol. You could for sure create a file list and include md5 or sha1 file hashes and check athose again 15 min later, the ones that changed you transfer.

Better and easier would be to use rsync, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rsync .

Answer 2

No, this is not possible with the FTP protocol itself. If you want to stick with FTP, you will have to code your own solution where either the client logs in at regular intervals and checks for new files, or you notify the client via some other means such as email or messaging when new/updated files exist.

Answer 3

We use CRUSHFTP as the FTP server and it is easily configured to send a message when a file is uploaded. very inexpensive but works great and has great support.