Learn All About Managed File Transfer
Many organizations, in industries from healthcare, to banking and finance, to insurance and retail, are transitioning from programming scripts and free FTP solutions to a powerful do-it-all managed file transfer solution. Read on to find out why.
What is Managed File Transfer (MFT)?
Managed file transfer (MFT) is a secure solution that encompasses all aspects of inbound and outbound data transfers while using industry-standard protocols (like SFTP and FTPS) and encryption technologies (like Open PGP).
A managed file transfer solution can be used by organizations of all sizes for file transfer needs ranging from a few dozen a week to thousands a day. It replaces the need for time-consuming manual processes and allows the ability to automate, simplify, and streamline all aspects of file transfers.
What Can it Do?
Managed file transfer solutions can improve the efficiency of your file transfers, keep them secure, automate your file transfers and workflows, send multiple files to outside networks or locations, and more – plus save organizations time, money, and valuable resources.
Related Reading: 16 Surprising Facts about Managed File Transfer
How Does it Work?
Step 1: The original file is sent from the MFT program or plugin.
Whatever the scenario, you can send the file to a third party by using an MFT solution.
The file’s journey from you to your recipient can start in many ways. You can:
- Securely send the file through an MFT email plugin
- Send it through a web client (access the MFT solution from a browser)
- Automatically send it directly through the managed file transfer workflow
- Place a file in a dedicated folder that the recipient can connect to securely for download
Whatever method you choose to send your file, MFT software ensures the data is transferred quickly and securely.
Step 2: Your MFT solution encrypts the file.
After you send the email, upload the file to your browser, or drop it in a monitored folder, your MFT solution receives the data and secures it in a few different ways. Managed file transfer encrypts your files using FIPS 140-2 compliance AES ciphers or the Open PGP standard, among others. To protect your file transmissions, MFT can use SFTP, SCP, FTPS, AS2, and HTTPS protocols to encrypt the data you send. And an MFT solution like GoAnywhere MFT allows you to zip compress files before transmission.
Step 3: The encrypted file is delivered securely to the recipient and decrypted.
When the MFT file transfer leaves your server, it's sent to whatever location you indicated for the recipient, whether that be a designated folder on another server, an email address, or so on. The recipient at the remote office can then grab the file and decrypt it.
How is it Different?
Unlike a simple FTP or SFTP solution, and more detail-rich than legacy PC tools or homegrown scripts, MFT solutions typically include features like extensive security controls, integrated clustering, automated batch file transfers, advanced auditing and reporting, and more.
Compared to using a variety of standalone FTP and SFTP tools and scripts, MFT technology allows professionals to streamline how data is transferred. MFT helps organizations send and receive files in the cloud and across their private networks, create and control workflows, automate business processes, and centralize management from a single application.
Related Resource: MFT Glossary: From A to Z
GoAnywhere MFT
GoAnywhere MFT is our all-in-one managed file transfer solution. It promotes a secure data exchange across networks, systems, applications, and trading partners from a centralized point of control. It does this in the cloud, on-premises, or within a hybrid environment.
It not only safely transfers files via secure industry protocols, it gives organizations a way to automate their file transfer workflows, track and audit activity, and internally collaborate on mission-critical projects.
On top of that it offers an extensive list of additional benefits compared to other managed file transfer solutions.
Prefer to watch instead of read? Check out this short video about GoAnywhere MFT:
Is MFT Right For You?
Find out if MFT is the right solution for your organization, and how to evaluate MFT products.
