nios2-flash-programmer program time

Hi All

i'm using startix IV GX, when i wish to program the flash with sof file

i convert the sof to flash file using:

sof2flash --input=db3610_altera.sof --output=db3610_altera_hw.flash --offset=0x2000000 --pfl --optionbit=0x00018000 --programmingmode=FPP

and program the flash with

nios2-flash-programmer --base=0x08000000 db3610_altera_hw.flash --cable=USB-Blaster

the time of the flash programing is ~15-20 minutes.

1. can I program the flash with quartus rather then nios.

2. is there any way to reduce the programing time??

Thanks