A method of processing binary data for transmission from a first computing system to one or more other computing systems within a character-based data file is provided. The method comprises receiving, at the first computing system, a binary data string to be stored within the character-based data file. At least a portion of the binary data string represents data other than character data. The method further comprises encoding, using an encoding module of the first computing system the binary data string using a codepage-independent encoding scheme. The encoding module is implemented using instructions that are executable by one or more processors and stored in one or more computer-readable media. The method further comprises storing the encoded binary data string in one or more of a plurality of data segments of the character-based data file. The character-based data file is configured such that all data stored in the plurality of data segments is indicated as representing character data.