Automate and accelerate your enterprise data transfer process with secure, reliable managed file transfer (MFT) software.
Organizations depend on file transfers to share and receive information and data about customers, patients, sales, remittances and much more. As an organization (and its data) grows, so too does the volume of transfers, increasing complexity and the amount of time spent managing file transfer workflows. The average company shares files with over 800 separate domains, according to research by Varonis, a cybersecurity firm.
Traditional methods of automating file transfers often include custom scripts, native applications included with operating systems and free or open-source tools. These solutions are lightweight but offer limited functionality, bandwidth and data security features.
As an alternative, most organizations rely on MFT solutions. MFT software can handle multiple protocols and support a variety of platforms and applications, often through native integrations or APIs. This makes it possible for file transfer services to be managed through a single solution at the enterprise level, instead of relying on multiple tools to accommodate vendor or partner requirements.
Instead of requiring custom scripting, MFT solutions usually include low-code/no-code automation capabilities that enable users to schedule or execute transfers based on real-time events. This makes it easier to incorporate file transfers into end-to-end processes that support a variety of functions.
Early protocols such as FTP, HTTP and SMTP did not provide a way for users to encrypt or manage their transfers. To fix this security concern, MFT software was developed to give users more control over data exchange and file encryption. This includes the use of automation software to execute and manage transfers without human intervention.
File transfers can also be automated with other technologies. Aside from MFT, file transfer automation can be achieved with workload automation platforms, enterprise job schedulers, process automation tools and more, but these can be limited due to protocol or file size limitations.
Regardless of the technology you use to automate and manage your transfers, there are some standard features and capabilities to look out for in your automated file transfer solution.
File transfers carry sensitive data, including personally identifiable information (PII) for finance, healthcare and a variety of other industries. In many cases, that data is subject to external regulations such as GDPR, SOX, PCI DSS or HIPAA. To stay compliant, avoid hefty fines and prevent data leaks, organizations need a way to securely and compliantly manage their file transfers. Relying on basic FTP servers or custom scripts is too time-consuming and error-prone, which can make compliance and management difficult.
Automation helps simplify management and security by reducing the need for manual processes and responding to events in real time. It produces many benefits, including:
Relying on manual solutions makes it difficult — and, in many cases, impossible — to scale your file transfer environment. Automation enables scalability.
Solution | About solution | Designed for | Standout feature | Deployment options |
---|---|---|---|---|
JSCAPE by Redwood | Enterprise MFT solution for any protocol | Universal, platform-agnostic file transfers | Handle multiple protocols from a single server | On-premises, cloud-based, hybrid, SaaS or containerized environments |
Cerberus by Redwood | Secure file transfer solution and easy-to-use FTP server | Secure file transfers with turnkey installation and management | 24/7/365 support for installation, setup and deployment assistance | On-premises, cloud-based or hybrid environments |
Axway Managed File Transfer | File transfer platform for centralized MFT ecosystem, with emphasis on EDI | Securing and automating data transfer workflows | API-based services | On-premises, private cloud, public cloud, hybrid cloud or Axway Managed Cloud (including MFT Cloud) |
Cleo MFT | File-based integration software, with emphasis on EDI | Multi-enterprise B2B transfers | Extreme scalability | On-premises, cloud-based or software-as-a-service (SaaS) |
Globalscape Enhanced File Transfer | Comprehensive MFT with automation | File transfers between Windows-based endpoints | Built-in regulatory compliance controls | On-premises, cloud or hybrid (including Globalscape EFT Arcus MFTaaS) |
GoAnywhere MFT | Enterprise secure file transfer solution | Unified file transfer management | User-to-user file sharing via collaboration features | On-premises, cloud-based, hybrid or SaaS |
IBM (e.g., Sterling Connect:Direct, File Transfer Service or File Gateway) | Enterprise-grade file transfer platform | Complex file transfer requirements | High availability and end-to-end visibility | On-premises (e.g., Sterling Connect:Direct), cloud-based (e.g., File Transfer Service, Sterling Supply Chain Business Network) or containerized (for hybrid/public cloud deployments of Connect:Direct) |
Kiteworks MFT | Secures sensitive data transfers using a private content network | Automated transfers over protocols, networks, cloud and email | Usage across various systems and devices | On-premises (VMware, Hyper-V), cloud (AWS, Azure), private cloud hosting, hybrid and specialized FedRAMP or IRAP private cloud environments |
Oracle MFT | Secure file exchange and management solution | End-to-end file transfers between internal departments and external partners | Extensive reporting | On-premises (SaaS no longer available) |
Progress MOVEit | Hybrid MFT software | Visibility and control for enterprise file transfers | Mulesoft iPaaS Integration | SaaS or on-premises (Windows only) |
JSCAPE by Redwood is a platform-independent managed file transfer solution designed to simplify file transfers at the enterprise level. JSCAPE works with any operating system, can be deployed on-premises, in the cloud, in hybrid environments or via software-as-a-service (SaaS) and can handle any file transfer protocol. This makes JSCAPE an ideal solution for managing a wide variety of transactions both internally and externally.
JSCAPE is lightweight, offering a zero-install web client so users across the organization can be up and running within minutes. JSCAPE’s file transfer client supports unlimited users, trading partners and concurrent connections. Take advantage of JSCAPE’s rapid onboarding and quarterly health checks to optimize ROI and expand your environment with the help of in-house experts.
JSCAPE makes it easy to connect to any endpoint and offers multiple layers of security, including reverse proxy servers. JSCAPE is a highly capable solution that can handle any file movement requirement at the enterprise level. This makes it possible for organizations to consolidate file transfer solutions and manage all transactions and connections through a single platform.
Out-of-the-box reporting can be limited and can require additional licensing for analytics dashboards.
Visit www.jscape.com to learn more.
Cerberus by Redwood is an easy-to-use, secure automated file transfer solution that has comprehensive security and compliance features. Cerberus works on Microsoft Windows and Windows Server operating systems and can be deployed on-premises, in the cloud or in hybrid environments. It’s compliant with a variety of regulatory mandates, which makes it a beneficial tool for organizations across a variety of industries like financial services, healthcare, legal and government agencies.
Cerberus is user-friendly and allows you to set up an unlimited number of user accounts and connections. You can give your employees, staff and external partners access to your file-sharing systems without worrying about licensing restrictions. Evaluate the benefits of using Cerberus to optimize your organization’s file transfer process.
Cerberus has a support team to smooth the set-up process. It supports various protocols, integrates with cloud services and provides superior manageability.
Cerberus’s initial setup and configuration process can be complex if you are unfamiliar with building automated file transfer processes.
Visit www.cerberus.com to learn more.
Image: courtesy www.axway.com
Axway MFT provides self-service capabilities for business and help desk users, reducing shadow IT and improving SLAs without users waiting for responses to IT tickets.
Axway has a very high total cost of ownership, with variable pricing options from pay-per-file to tiered pricing, requiring buyers to accurately estimate their spend to avoid overage charges. Their support involves third-party partners, which can slow down responses, though Axway also highlights its own follow-the-sun support and expert consultants.
Visit www.axway.com to learn more.
Image: www.softwareconnect.com
Cleo can be used to manage your entire file transfer environment through APIs and EDI capabilities.
Cleo users report a steep learning curve that can require subject matter experts to handle management and administration, which can slow onboarding and increase the number of IT staff needed to manage and troubleshoot the solution.
Visit www.cleo.com to learn more.
Image: courtesy www.globalscape.com
Globalscape EFT is easy to set up and get started. Its intuitive dashboard provides real-time visibility to quickly address issues.
Globalscape EFT has limited functionality for creating reusable templates, which can add to the time required to onboard trading partners and build automated workflows. A lack of regular releases and product innovation reduces solution longevity and may result in users outgrowing the solution within a short period of time.
Visit www.globalscape.com to learn more.
Image: courtesy www.goanywhere.com
GoAnywhere is a versatile solution that can be used for ETL and batch processing as well as MFT.
While GoAnywhere offers a customizable dashboard with drag-and-drop controls, some users still find aspects of the dashboard challenging for scheduling transfers and/or complex workflows. Users report less-than-helpful support and slow responses.
Visit www.goanywhere.com to learn more.
Image: www.ibm.com
IBM Secure File Transfer makes it easy to orchestrate data movements across on-premises, hybrid cloud and cloud-native environments.
IBM offers a portfolio of MFT solutions (e.g., Sterling Connect:Direct for high-volume on-premises/containerized transfers and IBM File Transfer Service for cloud-based B2B SaaS) for differing capabilities and use cases, and they may require users to purchase several products and maintenance subscriptions to achieve true MFT. While this provides flexibility, it can lead to increased licensing complexity and costs, with maintenance costs nearing 20% of the original license annually. Vendor lock-in is a risk here, given their proprietary products. Less is known about IBM’s file transfer suite when compared to other solutions, which may result in consulting fees or self-learning in order to take advantage of the full benefits of IBM.
Visit www.ibm.com to learn more.
Kiteworks MFT makes it easy to share sensitive data thanks to its enhanced security, improved collaboration, data sovereignty and simplified IT administration.
Kiteworks support is very slow, with a one-hour SLA for priority-one issues and eight hours for priority-two issues. Kiteworks does not support the use of lightweight agents. It cannot be deployed in Google Cloud or in containers. It also doesn’t support crucial file transfer protocols like AS2 and OFTP2.
Visit www.kiteworks.com to learn more.
Image: courtesy www.oracle.com
Oracle Managed File Transfer was designed as an easy-to-use platform for non-technical users to gain more control over critical files and tasks. It is best suited for organizations that heavily rely on or exclusively use Oracle tools.
Oracle Managed File Transfer (on-premises) continues to have limited capabilities outside of Oracle environments. For cloud-based MFT, Oracle Managed File Transfer Cloud Service is no longer available for new accounts. New users are directed to alternatives like Oracle SOA Suite on Marketplace or Oracle Integration 3, indicating a strategic shift toward broader integration platforms.
Visit https://www.oracle.com to learn more.
Image: courtesy www.opswat.com
Progress MOVEit can be deployed on-premises or as infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) or SaaS. Users can integrate almost any system using Mulesoft Connector or APIs, making MOVEit a flexible solution for automating transfers between disparate environments.
Progress MOVEit can only be deployed in Windows environments. Its complex architecture requires the purchase of two products (MOVEit Transfer and MOVEit Automation) to achieve true MFT functionality, but this increases the attack surface area for threat actors. MOVEit and its customers were victims of the largest breach in 2023 by a ransomware group, leading to over 200 lawsuits and 62,000,000+ victims. There’s limited innovation within the solution and no active roadmap.
Visit www.progress.com to learn more.
Blog
Create an automated file transfer workflow that helps scale your organization.
Learn More
Blog
Get step-by-step instructions on how to set up automated AS2 file transfers.
Watch the Tutorial
Blog
Create a trading partner you can reuse in your SFTP automation process.
Find Out How
Blog
Explore all the benefits of using triggers in your FTP automation process.
Explore the Benefits