Xythos Software is launching its WebFile Server 3.0 file management software this month with the stated goal of bringing “secure, universal file access and collaboration solutions” to enterprise customers, HSPs/ASPs, and Web application developers.
The company is built around WebDAV, an extension of the HTTP protocol, which extends HTTP to both read and write information — or “Webifying” data. This solution model removes the many barriers that exist to more fully utilize the Internet to store and access files and furthers the goal of transforming the World Wide Web into a secure and collaborative read, write, and share medium, according to Kevin Wiggen, Xythos CEO.
WebDAV stands for “Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning.” It’s a set of extensions to the HTTP protocol which allows users to collaboratively edit and manage files on remote Web servers. The stated goal of the WebDAV working group, according to its character, is to “define the HTTP extensions necessary to enable distributed Web authoring tools to be broadly interoperable, while supporting user needs.”
Once Xythos WFS 3.0 software is installed in a business network, any person with permission can access files from any device with an Internet connection or WebDAV-enabled application, he said. Today’s laptops, PDAs, and desktops are already Xythos enabled because WebDAV is a universal standard that’s already present in popular operating systems, including Mac OS X. Xythos server software creates the intelligent “link” between Xythos-enabled clients and an extensive array of server environments including Mac OS X, SUN Solaris, IBM AIX, Linux, Cobalt, HP-UX, and Windows 2000/NT.
“Our software offers a complete lifestyle shift for employees,” said Barry Lind, co-founder and CTO, in a press announcement. “We’re not talking about sharing files on the Web — we’re talking about using the Web’s tools within a document to change the way we share files on a secure server. Imagine driving down the freeway and using your PDA to securely grant someone access to a file — that’s Xythos.”
Xythos is implementing a three-tiered business model to rapidly accelerate the distribution of its software to business customers. Xythos markets directly to Fortune 500 IT departments, working in partnership with systems integrators and Internet consultants. Additionally, Xythos provides its solutions through hosted service providers (HSPs) to the small and medium-sized business market more likely to outsource file and storage management.