For many organizations, the first step toward optimizing workflows and sharing information securely is adopting a managed file transfer (MFT) solution. This is a major step that can change a lot in the way organizations conduct their business and the bottom line is that it can be a lucrative and much more secure decision to make.
That being said, for some organizations, there are additional steps that could be taken to bring the effectiveness and efficiency of their workflows to a new level. One of those steps is adopting a fast file transfer solution.
File transfer acceleration protocols transfer files at a much faster rate than traditional file transfer protocols (FTPs). Products like GoFast and FileCatalyst by HelpSystems achieve this high rate of transfer by utilizing lightweight UDP (user data protocol) channels to broadcast data packets between a client and a server. This makes up the foundation of file transfer acceleration.
Here are a few reasons why fast file transfers tools are incredibly useful.
1. Encryption and Security
MFT solutions already give you a head start on the encryption and security front but when you need to share large files fast, you want those same guarantees to exist. As a result, secure fast file transfer solutions like GoFast provide safety measures to ensure that file transfer speed is not traded for security.
Fast file transfer solutions like GoFast encrypt packets of data utilizing AES-128, AES-192 and AES-256 bit ciphers. This is essential for over-the-internet transfers. Essentially, it guarantees a certain level security over any unsecured network. In the case of file transfers over secured networks, encryption can be disabled to allow for even faster file transfer speeds. Throughout the process, file integrity is verified with MD5, SHA1, SHA256, SHA384 and SHA512 hash algorithms.
2. Workflow Optimization and Speed
The whole point of fast file transfer solutions to begin with is to enhance workflows and speed up organizational processes. If your organization deals with large file packages, the optimal solution for transferring them should cut down on time and effort. This is why fast file transfer solutions come with a whole gamut of workflow optimization capabilities.
You can schedule file transfers and set them to be executed automatically. You can also ensure that failed connections and transmissions are automatically retried or resumed, and you will receive notifications via email, text, or system messages regarding transfer failures.
It would be unwieldy to have to send files one-by-one, a session at a time, so fast file transfer solutions like GoFast allow you to send and retrieve multiple files per session. Files are automatically renamed if they already exist at the defined location. All of these features help the file transfer process run smoothly and the process itself can be logged to a central database for auditing and reporting.
3. File Compression
One small but critical element to a fast file transfer solution is its ability to compress files effectively and quickly. If file compression is executed properly, any organization can save a considerable amount of time and money.
With solutions like GoFast and FileCatalyst, files can be compressed with ZLIB standards to minimize bandwidth utilization throughout the transmission process. There are nine different compression levels that are supported in these tools which can be dictated by administrators when it comes time to execute file transmissions.
GoFast and FileCatalyst by Fortra
File transfer solutions are incredibly helpful for organizations looking to level up their processes. And the same can be said about fast file transfer add-on solutions. HelpSystems has a number of products that are able to meet organizational requirements and, in some cases, perform well beyond those requirements.
- GoFast, within GoAnywhere MFT, is a file transfer acceleration protocol that transmits data much faster than traditional FTPs.
- FileCatalyst by HelpSystems allows organizations to transfer large data packages from anywhere in the world to anywhere in the world.
Both solutions can help your organization make great strides in security, workflow optimization and speed.
