modify ftp server

We have a ftp server for customer files.We would like to have some information filled out by the customer before they can send files to the server, does anyone know of software that would allow us to do that?

[Lammy]

Can they get to your FTP server through a web browser? I think you would need to have a HTML form or some other script form written that they have to submit before they can get to the FTP page.

If your server requires a true FTP client I don't think there is much you can do.

A very advanced solution for a high volume of job files is CNI's AdDesk.

I say "advanced" becuase it goes beyond a simple fill out form (which some clients ignore, or fill out incorrectly).

AdDesk uses a web server to Serve-up XML coded pages tied to an SQL database, which in turn, informs the production and billing systems. Client then can access digital proofs, and communicate edits. via the web interface.

I'm guessing this is likely above your needs or budget. But I like to highlight "large enterprise" solutions, in order to glean principles, that may adapt to a smaller scale.

In a smaller scale, you will need at least , an internet service software (Apache, IIS, Tomcat or the like) providing a web page. This web page could have simple information and a PDF form to download, fill-out, and upload back to your shop (Some instuctions on PDF form usage would be needed -- that's why the web page). The web page can link to your FTP server.

This might be a good transtion point into JDF for your shop as well.

Info on JDF > http://www.cip4.org/

Then this PDF form can acompany the print Job PDF for production management.