AWS Tools Cloudberry for S3

While working on some enhancements for my SimpleDB explorer tool Bolso I started wondering what other Amazon Web Service tools were out there. When I first came across S3 I considered writing a FTP-like tool for using it. My schedule at the time was pretty full and I thought that FTP vendors would be integrating S3 functionality into their existing applications so I decided not to pursue the project.

I spent some time recently searching out the S3 tools that have been developed. I was curious what kind of functionality was available and if there was something available that was better than what I was already using.

One of the S3 tools I found which is worth mentioning is CloudBerry explorer for S3. CloudBerry has some valuable functionality that goes beyond simple file transferring between the localhost computer and S3. One of the features I really liked is that files can be transferred between buckets within S3, and at no cost. This is really useful. I often find myself having to make these kinds of transfers when I initially put files into the wrong bucket.

It’s often the little features that make an application stand out among its rivals. Another noteworthy feature in CloudBerry is the ‘weburl’ function accessible by right-clicking on a file in S3. While I’ve seen similar S3 programs offer the same basic feature there are two added features that are included that I think are really useful. One is the CNAME text box with modifies the URL if I type in a domain name alias. I use domain name aliases a lot when making S3 content available to websites. Usually I’ll create a sub-domain called ‘images’ for example and I’ll alias it with a CNAME pointing to S3. This way the urls to the images look like http://images.mydomain.com but the files are actually stored in S3. Offering that CNAME text box means I don’t have to modify the url after pasting into my browser ( or anywhere else ). It’s a nice little feature that saves me a few seconds every time I use it.

Another sub-feature I like is that CloudBerry will generate a link to the file that has an expiration date. This isn’t a process that can be done by hand since the expiration date has to be signed as part of the request. I think the inclusion of something like this really shows the application designer(s) really thought about how their tool would be used and how they could make life easier for people.

Recently they added support in CloudBerry for their streamincloud FLV encoding service. Oh how I wish this would have been available to me a few months ago. I had a project for a client that required video uploads and FLV encoding. I had to do everything by hand with PHP and FFMPEG. I could have saved so much time with a feature like this. In fact as I write this I am thinking that I could use this service with another one of my clients soon. They have been talking about adding video to their website. So anyway, big things from CloudBerry Lab, keep an eye on them and check out their wares.

I only have one gripe about CloudBerry for S3, where’s the mac version?