Managed File Transfer
Managed File Transfer, or MFT, is a term used to describe a solution that allows a company to move files internally within and externally outside the organization. MFT differs from basic file transfer products in that Managed File Transfer solutions offer a higher degree of control, visibility, automation and integration with other business processes. Also a Managed File Transfer solution offers a higher level of document security and can typically handle a higher volume of file transfers. Thus, MFT can be described as a comprehensive business file transfer solution versus an ad hoc software product.
Why should companies invest in a Managed File Transfer solution versus using a basic file transfer product?
Tight Integration with Business Processes
While virtually every company has invested in a basic file transfer solution,
most companies do not have these systems integrated into their business
processes. According to Gartner Research, “With security and management
of paramount concern, companies that are moving away from highly distributed,
ad hoc file transfers to centrally managed file transfers must consider
integrating their MFT suites into their integration infrastructure. Most
companies erroneously view MFT suites as tactical rather than strategic,
so opportunities to integrate these technologies into the existing infrastructure
are limited.”- Key Findings from Gartner’s 2007 MFT Report
Using the MFT approach, companies reduce costs and risk of maintaining
multiple solutions.
Managed File Transfer offers greater Security & Reliability
Basic FTP servers offer little to no document tracking or verification
of delivery. Managed file transfer solutions allow companies to leverage
not only FTP and HTTP, but also newer protocols including ebXML Messaging
(ebMS), AS2, AS3 which offer the ability to track and verify file transfers
with digital receipts and ensure security with digital signatures. An
MFT solution is well suited to handle the most sensitive business documents.
It allows you to ensure confidential business data is kept secure during
transit and verify it was delivered to the intended recipient. Gone are
the days of “send and forget.” Companies today must adhere to higher standards,
and in many industries it is a requirement, not an option.
MFT and Automation
Most basic FTP servers offer little automation. Managed file transfer
solutions typically include a scheduler and built-in scripting so that
high volumes of hourly or daily transfers can be completely automated.
Furthermore, the solution should include the ability to set up scenarios
so that once a file is sent or received; this triggers a specific event
or business process.
Consolidation into one Managed File Transfer Solution
Many companies use multiple products and systems to handle their file
transfer needs. They may use secure FTP in their financial department,
AS2 for supplier connections and basic FTP to transfer CAD documents.
Multiple locations might use different systems and products too. Bringing
everything together allows for greater visibility and control. It also
helps to control costs by eliminating the expense of managing and maintaining
multiple solutions.
VLTrader Managed File Transfer Solution
Not all solutions are created equal. Only Cleo offers a complete Managed
File Transfer solution that allows is both quick and affordable to implement.
Using Cleo’s VLTrader, businesses are able to consolidate file transfer
communications into one easy-to-manage system.
Complete: Supports more protocols so you can connect everywhere, anytime, with all your vendors, customers, and locations in one product. Client and Server Side Protocols - FTP/S, HTTP/S, AS2, AS3, ebMS, PGP, OFTP, SSH, SMTP and more.
- Fast: Quick installation, high throughput, thousands of connections.
- Affordable: Scalable, allows for growth.
- Low Risk: High Availability. Built-in Automatic Failover / Disaster Recovery, 100% Uptime. Easy, Automatic, Reliable
- Feature Rich: View File Transfer Status in Real-Time, Completely Customize Reporting Using Backend Databases, Integrates easily with other processes.
- Tight Security: Security standards, protocols and mandates…Cleo is on top of it so you don’t have to be. Automatic updates keep you current.