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Managed file transfer

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Managed File Transfer (MFT) is a term used to describe a software solution which secures, automates and governs the transfer of data between two or more endpoints – over an internal network or the internet – using one or more file transfer protocols.

In today’s business environment the majority of operations involve the movement of data. This is most often the transfer of files. Examples include processing retrieved orders from e-commerce stores, uploading customer data into a SaaS CRM or transferring documents between colleagues, computers and applications.

Managed File Transfer solutions allow file transfers to take place in a centralised, controlled, secure fashion – inside and outside an organisation – between systems and / or users. Files are transferred more quickly and securely, enhancing productivity and providing visibility.

It is a powerful business enabler that reduces costs and risk. Managed File Transfer is commonly installed to replace legacy or home-grown scripts, improving efficiency and agility through automation, and opening the door to new digital transformation, cloud and big data initiatives.

Traditionally, solutions are on-premise software installations, enabling tight integration with internal systems. However, hybrid configurations are increasingly common as organisations look to leverage the private cloud infrastructure for operational efficiencies. Now cloud-first solutions are growing in maturity, providing full control over data and workflows without the infrastructure management.[i] [ii]


Background

Organisations had been securing and automating the exchange of data for decades. It was in 2008 that the term Managed File Transfer was coined.  Frank Kenney of Gartner Inc used it as a common description for a collection of solution.[iii]

Gartner went on to monitor this technology under the umbrella term of Managed File Transfer for a couple of years. However, their initial sweep of the market in 2009 is now out of date. It includes technology which now operates in different areas. That’s because over the last decade, file transfer solutions have fragmented into the following categories: Enterprise File Synchronisation & Sharing (EFSS), Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), Extreme File Transfer, Content Collaboration Platforms and Workload Automation.[iv]

Consequently Managed File Transfer is commonly mis-defined. This makes it difficult for consumers to identify solutions which are actually MFT.


MFT Features

Managed File Transfer’s scope, functionality and reach is continually expanding [v] [vi] [vii] [viii]. Historically it was a single server solution to process incoming/outgoing SFTP transfers. Systems now support complex workflows, deployment across hybrid environments benefiting from cloud infrastructure and a wider set of file transfer protocols, including:

  • FTP – file transfer protocol
  • FTPS – FTP over SSL
  • SFTP – FTP over SSH
  • SCP – secure copy protocol
  • OFTP – Odette FTP
  • HTTP/S – Hypertext Transfer Protocol / Secure
  • ASx – Applicability Statement Protocols, such as AS3
  • POP3/IMAP – Post Office Protocol and Internet Message Access Protocol
  • WebDAV/S - Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning


Typical MFT functionality

Data is secured in transit using secure protocols, and usually secured at rest either by encrypting the files/file system or by design of the solution and location of the data.

Agents can be installed around the internal network, remote offices or customer sites. This provides the centralised server application with the control to push and pull files on schedules, whilst executing other commands where permissions allow.

Dashboards provide an overview of past and current file transfers. Some also report on transfers not occurring. This allows organisations to set alerts if important transfers fail. This is particularly useful in managing service level agreement (SLA).

Managed File Transfer is increasingly used to securely transfer commercially sensitive or customer sensitive data. The security and reporting features support industry and country- specific data protection legislation including:

High Availability deployment is also an option.


Managed File Transfer vendors

There are a number of Managed File Transfer vendors around the globe that fit the definition above [ix].

  • Axway - Secure Transport
  • Cleo - Harmony
  • Coviant Software - Diplomat MFT
  • Globalscape - EFT Server
  • HelpSystems - GoAnywhere MFT
  • IBM - Sterling Commerce
  • Ipswitch - MOVEit
  • JSCAPE - MFT
  • Oracle - Fusion Middleware Managed File Transfer
  • Seeburger - Business Integration Suite MFT
  • Solarwinds - SERV-U
  • South River Technologies - Cornerstone MFT

Open source solutions are available such as YADE (formerly SOSFTP)[x] and WAARP.[xi] Unmanaged in-house scripts are one of the biggest risks to an organisation’s security and compliance. But this can be an option for technology businesses with sufficient development resources.

See also

References

[i] https://pro2col.com/managed-file-transfer/

[ii] https://www.gartner.com/en/information-technology/glossary/managed-file-transfer-mft

[iii] https://www.gartner.com/en/documents/1184113/magic-quadrant-for-managed-file-transfer

[iv] https://pro2col.com/gartner-managed-file-transfer-magic-quadrant/

[v] https://www.globalscape.com/managed-file-transfer

[vi] https://www.helpsystems.com/products/secure-managed-file-transfer-software

[vii] https://www.coviantsoftware.com/products/diplomat-managed-file-transfer/feature-comparison/

[viii] https://www.progress.com/managed-file-transfer

[ix] https://pro2col.com/managed-file-transfer-software-comparison/

[x] https://sourceforge.net/projects/sosftp/

[xi] http://waarp.github.io/Waarp/

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