WebRFM (Web-based Remote File Manager) is a CGI-Perl program aimed at providing a single solution for remote web-based file management. It can replace traditional FTP-based access for that purpose. It is suitable for managing websites, as well as for more general purpose file management tasks. WebRFM combines a "visible" HTML 3.2 compliant form-based layer (which is in the spirit of the tools currently provided by many large hosting services) along with a "hidden" direct HTTP layer that implements a class 1 WebDAV server. Support for some legacy HTTP methods (which are essentially borrowed from AOLserver and Netscape's Enterprise server) is also provided. While WebRFM can be installed and used by individual users, it is specifically designed to provide a secure system-wide solution that is suitable for usage by ISP's, web-space providers, etc. WebRFM currently runs on UNIX/Linux systems.

WebRFM's "visible" layer provides basic file management capabilities (including form-based file uploading and a built-in text editor) using any HTML 3.2 compliant web browser. The "hidden" layer provides server-side support for many existing clients, ranging from simple PUT-based publishing support for clients such as Amaya , StarOffice , and Netscape's Composer , to full fledged file management capabilities with clients such as AOLpress , Cadaver , DAV Explorer , and the Web Folders feature of Microsoft's Internet Explorer 5. Additional clients that work with WebRFM include SiteCopy , Microsoft's Office 2000 applications (they work with the Web Folders), and Netscape's Communicator Roaming Profiles.

WebRFM implements a virtual-root mechanism, such that each user's access is restricted to his own area (home directory, by default), and it is designed to run in the user's security context (UID/GID) such that OS-based access control and quota limits are also being imposed. A special setuid wrapper to enable this is included. Other wrappers (such as the Apache suEXEC wrapper) can also be used.