Overview
Core now uses IBM Aspera Desktop for fast uploads and downloads. It replaces IBM Aspera Connect, which IBM is retiring.
Aspera is Core's primary uploader and downloader. It moves large files at high speed, lets you choose which folder downloads land in, and keeps uploads running if you navigate away from the page. (With the Simple upload option, leaving the page stalls or cancels the upload.)
What's different: Aspera Connect was a browser extension plus a helper app. Aspera Desktop is a standalone desktop app, so most browsers need no extension. (Safari is the exception: its extension installs with the app and just needs switching on.) Core opens the app for you when a transfer starts.
Chrome & Safari users: after installing, you must allow Chrome to access your local network, or transfers won't start. Safari users must enable the IBM Aspera extension. See Step 5 below.
Before you start
You'll need permission to install apps on your computer. On a company-managed machine, you may need your IT team's help.
Aspera Desktop works on Windows, macOS and Linux.
Already have Aspera Connect? You can leave it installed, but we recommend removing it to avoid conflicts:
Mac: quit Connect, open Finder > Applications, drag Aspera Connect to the Trash, then empty the Trash.
Windows: quit Connect, open Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find IBM Aspera Connect and click Uninstall.
Browser extension: in Chrome, Edge or Firefox, open your extensions or add-ons page and remove IBM Aspera Connect. (Safari removes it automatically.)
Aspera Connect will be officially deprecated by IBM at the end of 2026, and no longer usable with Core at that point.
Install Aspera Desktop
Upload or download an asset in Core. The first time you try to upload or download anything, Core prompts you to download the Aspera Desktop installer. If you dismiss the prompt, you'll see it again the next time you upload or download.
Download the installer. Click the download button in the prompt. The installer saves to your Downloads folder.
Run the installer.
Mac: open the installer and follow the prompts, adding IBM Aspera to your Applications folder. If macOS says "IBM Aspera is an app downloaded from the Internet. Are you sure you want to open it?", click Open.
Windows: open the installer and follow the setup wizard. There are two versions: the .exe installs for just you and doesn't need admin rights; the .msi installs for everyone on the computer and needs admin rights. If you're unsure, use the .exe.
Linux: install the .deb package or run the AppImage. A desktop (GUI) environment is required.
Mac installer example
Open the app and allow permissions. Launch IBM Aspera from Applications (Mac) or by searching for it from the Start menu (Windows). You only need to do this the first time; after that, Core opens it automatically.
Mac: click OK when macOS asks for access to your Downloads folder, and Allow when it asks to find devices on your local network. If you clicked Don't Allow, go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Local Network and turn on IBM Aspera.
Allow your browser to talk to the app.
Chrome: return to Core and refresh the page. When Chrome asks to "Look for and connect to any device on your local network," click Allow. Without this, Core can't hand transfers to the app. Clicked Block by mistake? Click the site settings icon to the left of the address bar, set Local network access to Allow, then refresh.
Safari: Safari needs the IBM Aspera extension, which installs with the app. Go to Safari > Settings > Extensions, make sure IBM Aspera is enabled, and set its website permission to Allow. Then refresh Core.
Edge and Firefox need no extra setup.
Try your transfer again. Upload or download your asset in Core. If your browser asks to open IBM Aspera, click Open (tick Always allow so you aren't asked again). The transfer will appear in the Aspera Desktop app.
You're all set. Aspera Desktop updates itself; when a new version is available, you'll see a notice in the app's About page.
Aspera on Your Desktop & Transfer Activity
Once installed, you'll see the Aspera app on your desktop or in your dock.
After installation, when you first select to upload or download assets in Core with Aspera, you'll be redirected to the Aspera app page where you'll be asked for your privacy settings and then to select Continue. You won't be asked to do this again.
At this point depending on your prompt (upload or download), you'll your file directory with Aspera where you can choose the assets or download locations. From here, you'll upload or download as you usually do.
Download example
Upload example
Aspera vs. Simple upload
The value of using Aspera with Core when you have large assets or large numbers of assets to upload or download. Simple upload or download is your standard browser transfer experience, great with small assets and small numbers of assets.
| Aspera | Simple |
Speed for large files | High-speed | Standard browser speed |
Leave the page mid-transfer | Transfer keeps running | Transfer stalls or cancels |
Choose download folder | Yes | Browser default |
Install needed | Aspera Desktop | None |
Troubleshooting
Core still asks me to install Aspera after I've installed it
Make sure the IBM Aspera app is open.
Refresh Core in your browser.
In Chrome, check that local network access is allowed (Step 5).
Still stuck? Clear your browser cache, log back in to Core and try again.
The transfer doesn't start in Chrome
Local network access is almost always the cause. Set it to Allow for Core (Step 5) and refresh. On a company-managed computer, your IT team may need to allow it for you. For more specific information about this from IBM, go to Grant local network access to IBM Aspera.
The transfer doesn't start in Safari
Click the IBM Aspera extension icon next to the address bar and select Manage extensions.
Set the permission to Allow, and under Websites change Ask to Allow.
Refresh Core.
No extension icon? Go to Safari > Settings > Extensions and enable IBM Aspera, then restart Safari. If it isn't listed, reinstall the app. Safari's warning that the extension can "read and alter" web pages is a standard message; IBM confirms the extension only connects Aspera-enabled websites to the app. See IBM's Safari troubleshooting guide.
The installer was blocked or didn't download
Download it directly from IBM's Aspera downloads page (listed as IBM Aspera Client, which replaces Aspera Connect), then follow the steps above.
Something else is wrong with the app
In IBM Aspera, go to Help > Troubleshooting > Reset App Data, then try again. If you contact Sohonet support, include the logs from Help > Troubleshooting > Open Logs Folder.
Uninstall Aspera Desktop
Quit IBM Aspera before you start. To keep your settings for a later reinstall, export them first from the app's File menu.
Mac
Open Finder and go to the Applications folder.
Drag IBM Aspera to the Trash.
Windows
Click Search on the taskbar and type Add or remove programs.
Find IBM Aspera and click Uninstall.
Linux
Remove the app with your distribution's package manager. If you installed the .deb package, run apt-get remove ibm-aspera.
For more, see IBM's uninstall guide.
Still need help? Contact [email protected].