Managed File Transfer (MFT) refers to software solutions that facilitate the secure transfer of data from one computer to another through a network (e.g., the Internet). MFT solutions are often built using the FTP network protocol. However, the term specifically describes solutions that remedy the disadvantages associated with FTP.
Typically, MFT offers a higher level of security and control than FTP. Features include reporting (e.g., notification of successful file transfers), non-repudiation (i.e., guaranteed delivery), auditability, global visibility, automation of file transfer-related activities and processes, end-to-end security, and performance metrics/monitoring.
Background
From its inception in 1980, FTP has made moving large volumes of bulk data between any two entities--including file servers, applications, and trading partners--possible. However, FTP (and other communication protocols such as HTTP and SMTP) do not, on their own, provide a way to secure or manage the payload or the transmission. Yet, regardless of the lack of security and management capabilities, many companies have continued to transport large batches of structured and unstructured data using these protocols.
This practice is changing, however. According to Gartner Research, "Numerous factors cause companies to re-examine how they manage the movement of information from system to system, partner to partner, and person to person. FTP alone is not a viable option to give [organizations] the insight, security, performance and, ultimately, the risk mitigation necessary to responsibly conduct business."
Typically, MFT offers a higher level of security and control than FTP. Features include reporting (e.g., notification of successful file transfers), non-repudiation (i.e., guaranteed delivery), auditability, global visibility, automation of file transfer-related activities and processes, end-to-end security, and performance metrics/monitoring.
Background
From its inception in 1980, FTP has made moving large volumes of bulk data between any two entities--including file servers, applications, and trading partners--possible. However, FTP (and other communication protocols such as HTTP and SMTP) do not, on their own, provide a way to secure or manage the payload or the transmission. Yet, regardless of the lack of security and management capabilities, many companies have continued to transport large batches of structured and unstructured data using these protocols.
This practice is changing, however. According to Gartner Research, "Numerous factors cause companies to re-examine how they manage the movement of information from system to system, partner to partner, and person to person. FTP alone is not a viable option to give [organizations] the insight, security, performance and, ultimately, the risk mitigation necessary to responsibly conduct business."
Thanks for sharing this information! For someone like me all of this stuff is over my head :). Thanks to blogs like this one and JSCAPE's blog I'm starting to understand all this IT stuff a bit better (I think)! If you ever want to check out their blog, you can check it out at http://www.jscape.com/blog.
ReplyDeleteSo, FTP is kind of like buying a car with the basics and MFT is like buying the car with all the extra bells and whistles, right? They both basically do the same thing but one has more to offer?
Thru managed file transfer allows companies to securely send and store files of any size in the cloud.
ReplyDeleteYou should check it out.
http://www.thruinc.com/products-services/managed-file-transfer/