Saf.li

Safe URL Shortener

Published 06/18/2011 and rated 4 out of 5 stars by AppAppeal Editor

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Saf.li gives users a way to share links safely. The site offers a simple link shortening service with a focus on security. The user submits the link they would like to share and Saf.li automatically scans it for malware using Bit Defender. The application also checks to make sure the URL is not a fishing site set up to steal visitor’s personal information. If the URL turns out to be clean, Saf.li produces a short URL that the user can share or post to a website or social networking profile. Developers can contact Saf.li to discuss integrating the service into their website or application. Users can utilize Saf.li as a convenient, secure way to find and share links with others. The user will never have to worry about sending a friend or family member an unsafe link when first checking it with Saf.li.

Saf.li was developed by BitDefender. BitDefender was first produced in 2001 to maintain high standards when preventing threats to internet security. The company went international after opening offices in the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and France. Today BitDefender maintains local presences in more than 100 countries. The company’s technology has been used by well-known companies including Virgin Media and IBM. Saf.li is currently in beta.

Saf.li provides yet another link shortening service. This alone does not make the application very unique. However what makes Saf.li an appealing option for some users is the focus on safety and security. The application automatically checks for malware and fishing websites that only intend on causing the visitor harm or stealing their information.

The Saf.li website uses a fun blue and green color scheme set against a pure white background. The logo utilizes a stylishly scrawling font while the blue header just below it ends in silhouettes of scissors, chat bubbles, locks and anti-spam symbols. Overall the website has a very unique personality without losing its clean, neat layout.

Visitors to the Saf.li homepage can begin shortening and checking URLs as soon as they arrive. The site does not require or offer a registration option at this time. All users are given the same access to Saf.li features. Users can install a bookmarklet, however this is not a requirement to use the basic tool found on the Saf.li homepage. The site is still in beta, so it is possible that a registration option could be added later, however no mention of this is made on the site.

Saf.li offers a valuable service that can help many internet users stay secure. The service is not terribly complicated. The user arrives, shares a link and has it shortened and checked before moving on. Charging for this service would not be beneficial to Saf.li’s appeal. Luckily the creators of the site have kept Saf.li on par with other URL shorteners by allowing free access for everyone. No mention of a premium paid membership has been made at this time.

Saf.li provides a helpful service that can make it much more convenient for users to share a URL while keeping them safe. Using Saf.li, the user can confidently share a URL knowing that they are not sending a friend, coworker or family member to an unsafe or malicious website.

• Shorten a long URL for sharing or posting
• Check URLs for malware and threats before sharing
• Submit as many URLs as you like
• Access Saf.li for free
• Install the Saf.li bookmarklet

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