Developer Koyana Inc. recently announced the release of Data Envoy, their application that allows you to share files over an AirPort network. It works with Apple’s Rendezvous technology, but it offers a more robust solution: You simply drag and drop the files and Address Book contacts you want to share into DataEnvoy, tell it which AirPort network you want to use, and include any AppleScripts that dictate the terms of the file sharing (such as limiting your sharing to only certain users). It then broadcasts the information to others on the network who are “listening in” with the application.
Users who want to receive the files you share can do so with either the full version of DataEnvoy or a free edition that can receive an unlimited number of files but is limited to the creation of two share rules. When you set up a share rule, you can tell DataEnvoy to start it immediately or after a time period up to 24 hours has elapsed. You can also direct the application to update other users on the network at certain intervals, so that they know when you’ve added new files or Address Book contacts to share.
To receive files from other users on the network, select “Receive Shared Information” and DataEnvoy will alert you to any shared files available for download. The application runs in the background once you set it up. Koyana notes that you can combine DataEnvoy with the “Create Network” function in AirPort to share files even when a wireless network isn’t available.
DataEnvoy requires Mac OS X v10.3.1 “Panther” and an AirPort card (Koyana has only tested DataEnvoy with AirPort cards, but said that it should work with AirPort Extreme as well and encourages users of Macs equipped with third-party wireless networking cards to give the download a try). Fees are US$20 for two users or $2,000 for a site license.