Large firms and companies typically have hundreds to thousands of file movements between departments daily. While basic file transfer tools are enough to cater to the needs of small scale organizations, they just don’t cut the mustard when it comes to large company needs.
For corporate needs, only advanced file transfer solutions measure up. Corporate-class file transfer solutions can meet the sophisticated requirements such as secure transfers, advanced data manipulation, error handling, and complex file names.
Avoiding data vulnerability issues
Plain FTP (file transfer protocol) was first launched early in the ’70s, and quite frankly, it hasn’t seen significant changes over the five decades. It wasn’t long before it quickly became a standard file transfer protocol for most businesses. However, due to its flaws, it has led to grave security and management issues in companies where it is implemented.
Exchanging information easily and securely via file transfers is a crucial aspect of any company. Coincidentally, this is also where most companies perform poorly as they have many loopholes & vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities result in compromised file-sharing that puts the company’s sensitive data at risk.
Insecure file transfers put a dent in the company’s reputation, integrity, and regulatory compliance. The company ends up spending more resources, trying to undo the harm done.
While tools such as custom scripts try to meet the file transfer needs of large companies, they’re still not as efficient.
File Transfer Automation
Automatic file transfer helps employees move files between systems, other employees, and partners without the need for manual input. Automated file transfer software is applicable in situations that require management of high-volume or reoccurring transfers file transfers. This way, employees can focus on other critical tasks.
There are hundreds of file transfer automation solutions available in the market today. These include free software, cloud-supported software, AFT, EFT, and MFT software. Choosing the best for your company out of these options can be confusing.
Here are some things to consider that’ll help you arrive at the right solution.
1. What’s your budget
Your budget ultimately determines what evaluation software you’ll choose to go with. The available automatic file transfer options vary widely in terms of cost. Some are free, whereas others are expensive. Other factors that’ll determine the eventual cost are:
- The vendor
- Number of licenses you want
- Extra features
- The size of your company
Cost is an essential element for any company, so take time to consider your options against your budget carefully.
2. Long gone are the days when FTP ruled
We all agree that FTP was once a big deal in file transfer back in the 70s and 80s. But back then, security wasn’t a serious need as it is today. However, we moved so far from that era, and let’s face it; it doesn’t hack it anymore in most modern settings. It simply lacks the security features to protect valuable data, be it in motion or at rest.
3. Which tool best meets your file transfer needs
Does your company deal with sensitive files or valuable data that needs to be compliant with industry regulations? How can you rate the amount of file transfers in your company? These are essential questions to ask yourself if you’re considering a file transfer automation software.
While at it, also stay informed about open-source software. Beware of their functionality, flexibility, online community, and support. Most open-source software lacks the guarantee of support.
4. There’s more to FTP automation software
Automation file transfer tools are mostly used to help schedule file exchanges. However, most people don’t realize that there is more to these tools than moving files at specific intervals. MFT solutions use automation to manage data in the cloud or on-premises when triggered events happen. They can also test file transfer projects.
5. What exactly do you need?
An automation file transfer software is capable of doing both the minimum and also the most, depending on how you apply it. Since they can be basic and robust, it is imperative to factor other areas of your firm. This will help you determine which one brings the most value to your organization.
What’s the best alternative in the corporate world?
The best way to meet corporate-level file transfer needs is by using a managed file transfer software. Secure AFT and MFT solutions come with the features you need (such as built-in auditing, scheduler, and even cloud support) to handle file transfer in an organization.
Managed File Transfer
Managed file transfer is simply a technology platform that allows firms to move data between systems and people securely such that they meet compliance requirements. These data exchanges can be internal, external, or both and mostly comprises different types of data, including high-volume, confidential and compliance-protected data.
MFT is generally offered as a service or software. From our standpoint, we look at MFT as a combination of an automated file transfer (AFT) software and an SFTP server.
The automation software feature in MFT solutions allows employees to automate file transfers and schedule projects. Projects can also be automated i.e., execute when deleted, new, or modified files in target folders are detected.
Managed file transfer solutions are much more efficient in file transfer compared to solutions like file transfer protocol (FTP), secure file transfer protocol (SFTP), and hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP). Today, most large companies use MFT to achieve their targets in ways that neither FTP nor SFTP alone can.
Managed File Transfer Solutions
Managed file transfer solution conveniently streamline file transfers between systems, department employees, partners, and customers as well. Here’s is an overview of what you can expect from MFT solutions:
- Easy compatibility and integration with other platforms
- Detailed audit trails
- Information processing to databases
- Centralized control with extensive security settings
In addition, current MFT solutions come with intuitive interfaces and comprehensive workflow features that eliminate the need for outdated file transfer methods like FTP, single-function solutions, scripts, and manual file processes. From a financial perspective, MFT solutions save companies a lot of money and resources.
They also improve data exchange and, most importantly, contribute to compliance with data security policies and regulations.
MFT solutions that have support for clustering simplify data exchange by processing vast volumes of file transfers for large firms. The clustering element also helps in disaster recovery since it acts as an active automatic failover. Security-wise you can expect top-notch protection for file transfers.
These tools also provide accommodating access to data via network drives, applications, and browsers. Employing MFT saves you from problems like data loss, data theft, data breaches (interceptions), and fines resulting from failure to comply with data protection regulations.
Factors to consider to determine the best MFT solution for you
The volume of file transfer involved
At the corporate level, we’re already talking about a large volume of data owing to the numerous employees and departments involved. Manual file transfer approaches are redundant and can lead to errors and security loopholes. MFT solutions are the answer. However, the choice of MFT solution will depend on the volume of data exchange involved.
Some MFT solutions may not be enough for large companies, so before setting out to pick an MFT solution, determine your exact needs. Two firms may have varying average daily file transfers depending on the niche they operate in.
Cloud Integration
As mentioned before, MFT solutions have cloud support through cloud integrations. However, they don’t all offer the same cloud connectors.
Imagine a scenario where a partner asks you to share a file to a folder in Dropbox, and the solution doesn’t feature Dropbox cloud integration. You’ll have to find a different way to deliver, which will likely involve you taking a longer route compared to doing it automatically if your MFT solution supports Dropbox cloud integration.
Encryption
MFT solutions have different encryption and security standards. Most, however, use OpenPGP, GPG, and/or AES-256 (possibly GCM) encryption. It’s a good idea to check that the solution you choose has the security standards that will help your company meet compliance requirements.
Security & user controls
Security controls come in handy in user authentication and compliance. When choosing a solution, review its security and user controls carefully to ascertain that the solution will effortlessly meet the needs of your company.
Streamline your file transfers today
Automation for your file transfers helps save time, eliminate security vulnerabilities, and cut down on resources. That said, there are several factors in play, so take time to ponder everything before making your choice on a solution.
