I’m excited to introduce you to Starling, a new way to manage files and folders across platforms.

> Why Starling? There are many collaboration tools on the market. And they work great. But they work great in a fixed setting: Like a business decides to roll out system XYZ. Or a group of friends decide to use cloud ABC. But what if I often change projects and collaborators? What if for my profession I work primarily with native applications? This means I’ll send and receive data through diverse and ad-hoc channels: Put something in the cloud and send a link. Receive a link to something in the cloud. Receive an email with attachment. Etc.

What app is out there that puts me in control of this, without making demands of others? That is Starling: Starling is a file management system designed to keep your dynamic data organized, prevent version conflicts, and loss. Here are some of its features:

- Total Version Control: Track and manage file versions out of the box, so you never end up with wrong files or ambiguous lists of filenames. See immediately who did what, when; and you decide what is the actual final version.

- Cross-Platform and Offline Compatibility: Works with Apple, Microsoft, and Linux desktops, enabling seamless collaboration regardless of the software ecosystem. No account or login needed: work whenever you want, wherever you want. No cloud back-end, no lock in.

- Data Insight & Organization: Starling offers a complete overview of your data, dynamically tracking relationships and data. Starling offers you data time-traveling, instead of “time-flattened” endless lists of files. Easily look what you were working on e.g. last December.

- Privacy & Security: Your data stays yours. Starling operates without centralization, putting data privacy and control first. Starling’s core value is that it wants to know as little as possible about you. Again, no login or account needed. Starling works offline.

> What holds the future? The software is stable but we’re a bootstrapped startup, and the software would greatly benefit from a more comprehensive team. So getting this software into the market is part of our wish to grow so we can further improve our app.

In terms of actual features, we have a peer-to-peer network in alpha which would allow you to seamlessly work together with anybody who also has Starling, right from your desktop. Let me explain: The core idea of the software is to put you back in charge of data. Too much time is lost digging up data because there’s no tool that says “hey, do your thing, I’ll keep an eye on things for you”. My personal, reliable, data assistant. Next step would be that it’d be nice if I could interface seamlessly with those collaborators who also have Starling, and simply designate certain data we work on together. No copying of files needed, no dragging of folders into the cloud, or exporting to doc and then downloading. Just simple and easy file management for the busy individual right from your desktop.

> Looking for Feedback Starling is in active development and would love feedback from the HN community. If you have thoughts on file management, version control, or if you just want to try out something new, we'd be grateful for your insights.

We’d love for you to try our software, and would be honored if it integrates into your day-to-day work. The trial is no strings attached: your first fifty files are free so there’s no time limit.

Also, we are looking for a limited number of users who’d like to actively engage with us on making the software better. If this is you, simply drop us a line by replying on the trial confirmation email you’ll receive after finalizing app setup. In return we gladly offer you a year of our Pro plan for free.

Happy to answer any questions and looking forward to your feedback!

Thank you for your attention! Willem, Founder