Is it reasonable to expect a developer to build a website without giving ftp access to the server?

Question

I would like some opinions about this. The network admin does not want to give ftp access for "security reasons" and I was told to use WinSCP. I find it very tedious and inconvenient to have to transfer files this way instead of through Dreamweaver.

Thanks!

Answer 1

WinSCP is a more secure way to transfer files and it seems a reasonable request to me. I worked as a web developer and very rarely was I given simple ftp access to my clients' servers. Though it is an extra step to move the files using something other than dreamweaver, look at it as extra experience - getting acquainted with WinSCP is another technology under your belt, and you can now advertise that you're familiar with building websites securely.

Answer 2

Dear Dona
This is Alok Tiwari here.
If you want to secure your system.Ask Your Admin to use some Restrictions.
And Let if you are using Apache
There is a complete System to secure the Directories
a bit example for your network admin is .htaccess files
If he Don't know abt .htaccess files Let him tell to access this file Via
Press ALT+F2
type firefox
in the Address Bar type 127.0.0.1/manual

Kindly Note you must had Started httpd
if Your Network admin don't know
Use This Help
# service httpd start

This will be help full for linux (RedHat) in other Distros same method is used but there may be a difference in Opening Shell

If getting problem Reply back at [e-mail]
I would to help you admin

In case your Admin works on W2K3
Ask your admin to mail me. There are Thousand ways to secure Windows IIS.

And Rest about Hacks.If your doveloper is smart enough he can still get into the system.If he Desire.But You should rely on your staff.

I hope this will help you.
Regards
Alok Tiwari
India
919414477231

Answer 3

I'm sure WinSCP is much more secure. Ideally he should just grant you FTP access to a specific folder. But, its not a bad idea to get used to something other than Dreamweaver.

Answer 4

FTP is easier. The Network Admin needs to give you poweruser privileges to perform your job properly.
You could always "telnet" into the device and then you can use command line to copy files, but it is tedious!

Answer 5

I suppose this really comes down to who actually owns the domain. If this is your domain and you are a customer, then he should comply with your wishes. If you are an employee living with company security policies, then so be it. You could mention to your supervisor that you feel your productivity is suffering from the policy.

Answer 6

i'm no developer and haven't got a clue about that stuff. but why not give them access to a side server instead of the main one. if they hack that then it won't shut you down completely.

Answer 7

Sure. I could fully develop a site in .NET and then create an installation program for it that my client could use to publish the site on their own.