Patent ID: 8095116

Claim:
A method for delivering a multimedia data file, from an originator having an originator server associated therewith to a recipient having a recipient server associated therewith, wherein the multimedia data file is uploaded from the originator to the originator server, the method comprising the steps of: establishing a communication path from the originator to the recipient via the originator server and the recipient server; receiving, by the recipient server from the originator server, a transfer inquiry containing or referencing an indication that the originator server intends to send the multimedia data file divided into separate data file portions of a proposed size; determining by the recipient server, whether the proposed portion size is acceptable to the recipient, wherein the recipient server modifies the transfer inquiry according to predetermined transfer inquiry criteria and forwards the modified transfer inquiry to the recipient; if the proposed portion size is acceptable, sending a reply from the recipient server to the originator server indicating that the proposed portion size is acceptable; if the proposed portion size is not acceptable: sending a reply from the recipient server to the originator server indicating a different, acceptable portion size; or when the recipient server includes a converter function, sending a reply from the recipient server to the originator server indicating that the proposed portion size is acceptable, and converting any received data file portions to the acceptable portion size; receiving, by the recipient server from the originator server, the data file portions; and individually forwarding, by the recipient server and without waiting for receipt of the complete data file, the data file portions received from the originator server for reassembly by the recipient.