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Wuala is an upcoming online file sharing network. It uses a new way of storing, sharing, and publishing files on the internet. Currently, Wuala is still in closed alpha stage, and it’s only accepting members on inviting basis. We got our hands on an invitation and rolled off to test use Wuala in a couple of minutes.

Mechanism

Wuala is different from traditional file sharing network. Unlike other sites which stores all the files pieces on the server, Wuala is decentralizes the network and distributes pieces of files to its peers. In other words, users requesting a file will be getting it from other users instead of from the server. Wuala stores an encrypted backup copy of the file on its server though should no other peers have the files requested. It utilizes Peer to Peer technology but still retains a backup in case no peers has the files requested.

Storage & Bandwidth

You are given 1GB of online storage for starters, and you can trade your extra hard disk space to be used as cache for more online storage. Wuala works by giving incentives for those who contribute more to the network. The more local storage you provide for local cache, the more storage will be traded to you (depends on your online time too).

The amount of online storage that will be traded to you is govern by this formula:

Total Extra Online Storage Received

=

Amount of Local Storage Provided

*

Percentage of Online Time

Similarly, your download speed in Wuala is proportional to your upload speed. The faster your upload, the faster you download.

Wuala Interface

Upon running Wuala, you will be presented an interface like above picture. From here, you can add categorize your online files into folders anyhow you deem fit. Think of it as your local hard disk, it isn’t hard to grab the learning curve. Folders can be tagged to enhance the searchability of the files you are sharing.

There is also a feature for you to choose who to share the files to too. By granting access of a folder to the public, anybody logged in to Wuala can view your files and download them. You can also restrict the files you share to only your friends too. The upload and download process of files are done in the background silently, and you can see the progress of it by clicking on the upload and download speed button located at the status bar.

Wuala Groups

Wuala allows users to create and join groups. Group leaders can invite other users into a group (if it’s a private group). Otherwise, anyone can join the public groups. Groups tend to share files on a certain topic.

We tested uploading and downloading files from the Wuala networks, and Wuala can achieve constant full upload and download speeds (we did not limit the speeds). Downloading is a breeze as you just need to go the file you want and copy it and paste to your computer.

Final Thoughts

Wuala is still young and the userbase isn’t that big yet. However, the concept implemented is definitely nice and has its advantage over traditional file distributing. With Wuala, files are constantly distributed among the network and that’s no worry of unavailable file piece. It’s still in the alpha stage, so we expect many many more exciting improvements will be rolling out as it enters the beta stage. Some features we will want to see is the ability to edit files directly from Wuala. Over and all, Wuala is definitely a worthy file sharing network.

See Also:

• Wuala Invitation For Grab
• OpenBox Platform Announced