Fast and secure file transfer is crucial for every business. Using secure managed file transfer (MFT) software can help.
For any business, file transfer between team members and other stakeholders is an inevitable part of the business process. Especially if the organization is involved in IT, it needs to ensure fast and secure file transfer to keep up with its changing business needs.
Although there are different modes of file transfer and sharing, managed file transfer solutions have become very popular in recent times. Here, you will learn about secure managed file transfer, its features and the best managed file transfer software applications.
What is managed file transfer?
Managed file transfer or MFT is a reliable and efficient way of secure file transfer. MFT tools encrypt your file or data using Open PGP, AES encryption or other protocols before sending it to the recipient.
It is considered superior to other file transfer methods and protocols such as File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) and Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). MFT is suitable for compliance-protected, sensitive or high-volume data transfer.
For this reason, companies in the retail, manufacturing, healthcare, banking, telecommunications and insurance industries prefer this method to other technologies.
How MFT differs from other file sharing options
Find out how MFT is different from other popular file transfer protocols:
MFT versus FTP: MFT solutions offer secure encryption. Experts do not recommend FTP because it does not encrypt your file in transit or at rest.
MFT vs FTPS: It is better to choose MFT over FTPS because FTPS requires both private and public key authentication in terms of decryption.
MFT vs. SFTP: In SFTP, client configuration and key management are more complicated than in MFT.
MFT vs. HTTP: Unlike MFT, HTTP is also not recommended because it does not offer encryption.
Benefits of using managed file transfer solutions
Visibility
Damage can be mitigated by anticipating and monitoring risk factors. MFT provides operational visibility into issues such as failed transfers that help you proactively resolve problems and meet SLAs.
Scalability
With global business expansion, an organization's file transfer requirements are likely to increase over time. As a result, you will need more bandwidth for file transfer and new file sharing modules. MFT solutions can help you keep pace with your business growth.
Security
For any company, avoiding file transfer failures and data breaches is one of the best ways to maintain a reputation. MFT provides companies with a preventive security strategy. In addition, it protects your data during file transfer and at rest with features such as real-time monitoring and enabling security policies.
Cost-effective customization
Data and file sharing requirements vary from company to company. There are various managed file transfer software applications on the market that offer a customizable solution. Users can choose the MFT tool that fits their budget.
Compliance
Your company must adhere to certain legal and industry-specific rules and compliances depending on the industry. These may include the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) and Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS).
The modern MFT system is highly configured to meet security requirements by encrypting, monitoring the transfer and storing vital data.
Regular updates
If your company handles sensitive and critical data, you need to be very careful not to share it with others. To protect your files from hackers, you need to use solutions that provide regular updates. MFT tools provide updates to help you stay ahead of changing data security requirements.
Flexibility
Some organizations prefer to deploy only on-premises applications, while others use cloud-based services. Outside of these, a group of companies use a hybrid solution. Whichever policy you follow, you can get an MFT tool to deploy wherever you want.
Features of managed file transfer software
Companies often opt for MFT solutions to save time, effort, money and resources. Effective MFT tools allow you to monitor and audit the file transfer process. Before choosing a secure managed file transfer tool, check if it has the following features:
Ease of use: Opt for an application that improves your productivity and does not require you to write scripts for data transfer.
Extensive file type support: Before choosing an MFT tool, you should check the number of file types it supports for transfer. It should transfer PDF files, multimedia files, XML, EDI and emails.
Security: Your MFT tool should offer optimal security features (encryption) in transit and at rest for internal and external transfers.
Data analysis: If you want to collect file transfer data for HIPAA compliance, it is best to choose tools with built-in analysis and reporting capabilities.
Central workflow automation: A good MFT tool will allow you to manage and schedule file transfers from an integrated platform.
Complete visibility: MFT software should be able to give you 360-degree visibility, so you can see who is sharing what using the system.
To help you find the right managed file transfer solution, here is a list of the best MFT software:
Go Anywhere
Go Anywhere is a secure managed file transfer software that allows file transfers between people and servers. Users can run it on Windows, Linux, IBM i OS and AIX and have centralized control over the entire process.
This tool can perform bulk file transfers according to business needs by load balancing. Features such as an intuitive interface and comprehensive workflow are sufficient for your organizational needs.
To ensure complete flexibility, GoAnywhere offers multiple deployment options. In addition, you can integrate it with different cloud and web applications used by your organization. As a disaster recovery measure, this tool offers automatic active-active failover.
MOVEit Progress
Using MFT's MOVEit Progress software, organizations can minimize the risks associated with enterprise mobility. This open source framework comes with the necessary features, such as centralized access controls, data encryption and tracking.
All these attributes ensure that your organization's file transfer is SLA compliant and operationally reliable. In addition, with its collaboration capability feature, users can transfer files with internal and external users.
Progress MOVEit supports advanced automated workflow without scripting. This platform infrastructure also provides a customized solution for mobile device management if your company has many mobile device users involved in file transfer.
MFT Diplomat
If your company is looking for a reliable MFT solution that can reduce the time and effort of file transfer, Diplomate MFT is the tool you are looking for. It allows you to transfer files with HTTP, HTTPS, mail and SMB servers between people connected via a local network.
This platform can be easily integrated into your daily business processes. Moreover, you can automate your file transfer and have control over it if you use this MFT software. Therefore, there will be less business risks.
Other essential features of this tool include PGP encryption, reporting, alert notification, process automation and auditing.
ArcESB
ArcESB is a modern MFT software that allows you to implement file sharing policies and manage processes centrally. The robust and scalable platform supports drag-and-drop functionality, making file sharing quick and easy.
With its comprehensive logging and auditing, you can enjoy real-time visibility into all file transfers that occur in your organization. ArcESB also supports various data privacy regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA and PCI.
It helps you get rid of manual file sharing and move to an automatic, scheduled workflow using conditional logic, webhooks and API management. In addition, it uses AES, Open PGP and secure DMZ to fully secure data transfer.
Kiteworks
Kiteworks provides a security-focused architecture that ensures large-scale file transfer. Users can streamline and manage the file sharing operation from the graphical operations dashboard of this tool.
Creating any workflow and getting new partners on board is super easy with this software. You can start a file transfer manually or schedule it at the time of your choice.
Kiteworks' vault-to-vault transfer feature ensures end-to-end security for transferred files. You can access data in folders, repositories and the cloud. In addition, the software allows you to develop visual workflows without coding using a library of thousands of workflow functions.
Axway
Axway offers a reliable and secure managed file transfer solution, especially for the healthcare, finance, and manufacturing industries. This platform facilitates file sharing between companies, employees, partners and applications.
In addition to allowing you to control your organization's file transfer needs, it is also compliant with regulations such as HIPAA, PCI, DSS and GDPR.
IBM Aspera
IBM Aspera is a highly flexible platform available on-premises or via the hybrid cloud. Instead of optimizing file transfer, it uses 100% of the available network bandwidth to avoid underlying bottlenecks.
It also supports large file transfer, data transfer automation, hybrid cloud workflow and secure asset exchange using blockchain technology.
Conclusion
Managed file transfer solutions are necessary to ensure security and stay ahead of the competition, especially for companies with complex file sharing requirements or multiple external stakeholders. They also play an important role in the success of a business.
As corporate networks continue to grow globally and require quality service, only dedicated tools can provide the right kind of secure, managed file transfer service.
For any business, file transfer between team members and other stakeholders is an inevitable part of the business process. Especially if the organization is involved in IT, it needs to ensure fast and secure file transfer to keep up with its changing business needs.
Although there are different modes of file transfer and sharing, managed file transfer solutions have become very popular in recent times. Here, you will learn about secure managed file transfer, its features and the best managed file transfer software applications.
What is managed file transfer?
Managed file transfer or MFT is a reliable and efficient way of secure file transfer. MFT tools encrypt your file or data using Open PGP, AES encryption or other protocols before sending it to the recipient.
It is considered superior to other file transfer methods and protocols such as File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) and Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). MFT is suitable for compliance-protected, sensitive or high-volume data transfer.
For this reason, companies in the retail, manufacturing, healthcare, banking, telecommunications and insurance industries prefer this method to other technologies.
How MFT differs from other file sharing options
Find out how MFT is different from other popular file transfer protocols:
MFT versus FTP: MFT solutions offer secure encryption. Experts do not recommend FTP because it does not encrypt your file in transit or at rest.
MFT vs FTPS: It is better to choose MFT over FTPS because FTPS requires both private and public key authentication in terms of decryption.
MFT vs. SFTP: In SFTP, client configuration and key management are more complicated than in MFT.
MFT vs. HTTP: Unlike MFT, HTTP is also not recommended because it does not offer encryption.
Benefits of using managed file transfer solutions
Visibility
Damage can be mitigated by anticipating and monitoring risk factors. MFT provides operational visibility into issues such as failed transfers that help you proactively resolve problems and meet SLAs.
Scalability
With global business expansion, an organization's file transfer requirements are likely to increase over time. As a result, you will need more bandwidth for file transfer and new file sharing modules. MFT solutions can help you keep pace with your business growth.
Security
For any company, avoiding file transfer failures and data breaches is one of the best ways to maintain a reputation. MFT provides companies with a preventive security strategy. In addition, it protects your data during file transfer and at rest with features such as real-time monitoring and enabling security policies.
Cost-effective customization
Data and file sharing requirements vary from company to company. There are various managed file transfer software applications on the market that offer a customizable solution. Users can choose the MFT tool that fits their budget.
Compliance
Your company must adhere to certain legal and industry-specific rules and compliances depending on the industry. These may include the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) and Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS).
The modern MFT system is highly configured to meet security requirements by encrypting, monitoring the transfer and storing vital data.
Regular updates
If your company handles sensitive and critical data, you need to be very careful not to share it with others. To protect your files from hackers, you need to use solutions that provide regular updates. MFT tools provide updates to help you stay ahead of changing data security requirements.
Flexibility
Some organizations prefer to deploy only on-premises applications, while others use cloud-based services. Outside of these, a group of companies use a hybrid solution. Whichever policy you follow, you can get an MFT tool to deploy wherever you want.
Features of managed file transfer software
Companies often opt for MFT solutions to save time, effort, money and resources. Effective MFT tools allow you to monitor and audit the file transfer process. Before choosing a secure managed file transfer tool, check if it has the following features:
Ease of use: Opt for an application that improves your productivity and does not require you to write scripts for data transfer.
Extensive file type support: Before choosing an MFT tool, you should check the number of file types it supports for transfer. It should transfer PDF files, multimedia files, XML, EDI and emails.
Security: Your MFT tool should offer optimal security features (encryption) in transit and at rest for internal and external transfers.
Data analysis: If you want to collect file transfer data for HIPAA compliance, it is best to choose tools with built-in analysis and reporting capabilities.
Central workflow automation: A good MFT tool will allow you to manage and schedule file transfers from an integrated platform.
Complete visibility: MFT software should be able to give you 360-degree visibility, so you can see who is sharing what using the system.
To help you find the right managed file transfer solution, here is a list of the best MFT software:
Go Anywhere
Go Anywhere is a secure managed file transfer software that allows file transfers between people and servers. Users can run it on Windows, Linux, IBM i OS and AIX and have centralized control over the entire process.
This tool can perform bulk file transfers according to business needs by load balancing. Features such as an intuitive interface and comprehensive workflow are sufficient for your organizational needs.
To ensure complete flexibility, GoAnywhere offers multiple deployment options. In addition, you can integrate it with different cloud and web applications used by your organization. As a disaster recovery measure, this tool offers automatic active-active failover.
MOVEit Progress
Using MFT's MOVEit Progress software, organizations can minimize the risks associated with enterprise mobility. This open source framework comes with the necessary features, such as centralized access controls, data encryption and tracking.
All these attributes ensure that your organization's file transfer is SLA compliant and operationally reliable. In addition, with its collaboration capability feature, users can transfer files with internal and external users.
Progress MOVEit supports advanced automated workflow without scripting. This platform infrastructure also provides a customized solution for mobile device management if your company has many mobile device users involved in file transfer.
MFT Diplomat
If your company is looking for a reliable MFT solution that can reduce the time and effort of file transfer, Diplomate MFT is the tool you are looking for. It allows you to transfer files with HTTP, HTTPS, mail and SMB servers between people connected via a local network.
This platform can be easily integrated into your daily business processes. Moreover, you can automate your file transfer and have control over it if you use this MFT software. Therefore, there will be less business risks.
Other essential features of this tool include PGP encryption, reporting, alert notification, process automation and auditing.
ArcESB
ArcESB is a modern MFT software that allows you to implement file sharing policies and manage processes centrally. The robust and scalable platform supports drag-and-drop functionality, making file sharing quick and easy.
With its comprehensive logging and auditing, you can enjoy real-time visibility into all file transfers that occur in your organization. ArcESB also supports various data privacy regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA and PCI.
It helps you get rid of manual file sharing and move to an automatic, scheduled workflow using conditional logic, webhooks and API management. In addition, it uses AES, Open PGP and secure DMZ to fully secure data transfer.
Kiteworks
Kiteworks provides a security-focused architecture that ensures large-scale file transfer. Users can streamline and manage the file sharing operation from the graphical operations dashboard of this tool.
Creating any workflow and getting new partners on board is super easy with this software. You can start a file transfer manually or schedule it at the time of your choice.
Kiteworks' vault-to-vault transfer feature ensures end-to-end security for transferred files. You can access data in folders, repositories and the cloud. In addition, the software allows you to develop visual workflows without coding using a library of thousands of workflow functions.
Axway
Axway offers a reliable and secure managed file transfer solution, especially for the healthcare, finance, and manufacturing industries. This platform facilitates file sharing between companies, employees, partners and applications.
In addition to allowing you to control your organization's file transfer needs, it is also compliant with regulations such as HIPAA, PCI, DSS and GDPR.
IBM Aspera
IBM Aspera is a highly flexible platform available on-premises or via the hybrid cloud. Instead of optimizing file transfer, it uses 100% of the available network bandwidth to avoid underlying bottlenecks.
It also supports large file transfer, data transfer automation, hybrid cloud workflow and secure asset exchange using blockchain technology.
Conclusion
Managed file transfer solutions are necessary to ensure security and stay ahead of the competition, especially for companies with complex file sharing requirements or multiple external stakeholders. They also play an important role in the success of a business.
As corporate networks continue to grow globally and require quality service, only dedicated tools can provide the right kind of secure, managed file transfer service.