At ProVide Server, we believe file management should be secure, seamless, and stress-free.
Our mission is to give organisations full control of their data while enabling fast, transparent collaboration across teams, systems, and borders.
We engineer solutions that deliver enterprise-grade security without unnecessary complexity. ProVide Server handles sensitive information with precision, ensuring data integrity, speed, and total control.
With ProVide, users can securely share, preview, and edit files directly at the source, simplifying everyday workflows. We work closely with clients and partners to turn complex challenges into elegant solutions.
Based in Skövde, we bring Scandinavian simplicity and strength to global solutions. Our software is used by organisations in over 30 countries trusted to perform, every single day.
secure collaboration platform
Send and receive files securely through encrypted, permission-controlled transfers. Every action is logged, ensuring full traceability and data protection at every step.
Automate routine workflows and eliminate manual file handling. Save time, cut costs, and keep your teams focused on what truly matters.
Work together in real time through ProVide’s intuitive web interface. Preview, edit, and comment on files without downloads or version conflicts.
Maintain complete visibility with audit trails and role-based access. Your data stays within your control private, compliant, and secure.
1998
An idea begins to take shape in Skövde
We were just a small group of tech enthusiasts at the University of Skövde, curious minds who wanted to explore the future of digitalisation and software innovation. There was no business plan, just curiosity, creativity, and countless late nights filled with code and coffee.
2000
Our first creation
After months of experimentation, we built the very first version of zFTPServer fast, simple, and designed to make file transfers effortless. At the time, storage was limited, and files were scattered across different drives. We wanted to build something smarter.
2001
A cheque from the UK
One day, a letter arrived, our first-ever donation, written on a physical cheque in British pounds. It may seem small, but to us, it was proof that real people out there were using what we had created. That changed everything.
2003
Recognition at home
We won Datormagazin’s national software competition, putting our small file transfer project in the spotlight. For the first time, we realized that our passion project had real potential.
2004
The Accidental DDoS
zFTPServer became so popular that we accidentally DDoS’ed our own home network. It wasn’t planned but it was the best kind of problem to have. We knew we were onto something.
2005
The Product era begins
Demand kept growing, officially turning our file-transfer project into a real product, and in 2005 we launched our licensing model transitioning from a free project into a commercial product built for serious use.
2006
Turning curiosity into a company
What began as a student experiment became real.
We founded Västgöta-Data, driven by one simple belief: stop solving “make-believe problems in make-believe ways” and focus on solving real problems for real people.
2008
Innovation recognized
We added SFTP and TFTP support to meet growing security needs. That same year, Gothia Science Park today known as Skövde Science Park recognized us for entrepreneurship and innovation. A proud moment for a small team with big dreams.
2009
Tranistion to 64-bit architecture
With Microsoft discontinuing 32-bit (x86) support for Windows Server beginning with Windows Server 2008 R2 released to manufacturing on July 22, 2009 and generally available on October 22, 2009. ProVide fully transitioned to a 64-bit architecture. This ensured long-term compatibility, improved performance, and access to modern server capabilities.
2013
We jumped the gun on cloud-based sharing
Long before cloud-based sharing became the norm, we introduced Share / Receive / Collaborate – new ways to make teamwork simple and secure. Our users inspired us, and we kept building for them.
2014
Focused on Search
This is the first time search became truly instant and intelligent, giving users a faster, more capable way to locate files with ease. This milestone opened the door to enterprise environments while keeping the simplicity people loved.
2017
A new era with the modern admin interface
We retired our old EXE-based admin tool and launched the WebAdmin GUI – sleek, secure, and accessible from anywhere. It changed how our users interacted with ProVide and marked a major shift in our identity.
2018
Time for a new name
After nearly a decade of talks, sketches, coffee-break debates, and ideas on napkins, we changed our name from zFTPServer to ProVide. It became more than a rebrand – it captured our mission: “To provide secure, professional, and future-ready file transfer solutions.”
2019
Click -> Install -> Edit files
ProVide Link was introduced in 2019 to meet the growing need for convenient, secure remote editing. It allows users to open and edit files from any location without downloading or saving them locally. All changes are saved directly and securely on the ProVide server including when running on your own servers, ensuring smooth, secure, centralized control of all data.
2020
GateWay was born
Like most of our innovations, the ProVide Gateway was born from a customer request. They wanted to keep using ProVide but needed a reverse proxy for tighter security, so we built it. Because that’s what we do.
2022
A New Era of User Experience
ProvideServer rolled out a fully revamped user interface featuring a modernized layout, enhanced navigation structure, and improved performance. This update made the platform more intuitive and streamlined for both new and experienced users.
2025
Instant thumbnail previews
This new feature lets you quickly visualize files at a glance, making browsing, selecting, and managing content faster and more intuitive. No more guessing just clear, instant previews right where you need them.
Founder’s voice
Our journey has been long and meaningful. We’ve grown, adapted, and innovated but we never lost our roots. We solve real problems for real people.
We survived. We endured.
And it’s worth it – every single line of code.
And this is not the end, it’s a milestone. There is much more ahead. Please see our Future Development section below for what’s coming next.
Future Development
In-progress
Multi-server Gateway
Implementation of multi-server, multi-gateway load balancing designed for near 100% uptime and seamless distribution of connections.
In-progress
Desktop Integration for ProVideLink
Deep desktop integration that makes ProVideLink feel like a native part of the operating system for even faster, more intuitive editing workflows.
In-progress
Secure Document Sharing (No-Download Mode)
A new sharing mode allowing users to share documents that cannot be downloaded, enabling controlled access while preserving sensitive data.
In-progress
Extended Web Interface
An expanded web interface supporting rich media such as slideshows, video previews, and more, providing a smoother and more visual file experience.
In-progress
ProVideLink Collaboration Insight
Upcoming functionality that lets users see who is currently editing a file, improving collaboration, preventing conflicts, and increasing transparency in shared work environments.
Security isn’t a feature it’s our foundation. We design systems that perform beyond expectations, combining stability, transparency and real-world reliability. Many of our customers have been with us since our first release, a testament to the trust and performance that ProVide delivers.
New customers: 20% off – use code CELEBRATE2025
MEGA customers: 6 hours free support – use code MEGA2025
Existing customers: Get 50% off your upgrade – contact Louise
Total (inc. VAT):
Total
For the ultimate experience of ProVide’s features and functions,
we recommend choosing the MAXI License.
New customers: 20% off – use code CELEBRATE2025
MEGA customers: 6 hours free support – use code MEGA2025
Existing customers: Get 50% off your upgrade – contact Louise
Follow the 3 easy steps below to install ProVide Server
