If you already have a directory of data available through FTP, you can make it available through HTTP by making a symbolic link to the directory in your public-web directory. If you provide something besides plain or HTML text, you'll probably want to tell the server what type it is. Allowing uploads of data is a little trickier. By using this script, you will be able to allow anyone or only select users to copy data files to your directory. This information is maintained by Kyler Laird.
Constructive feedback is welcome.