GoAnywhere vs. IBM Sterling: Choose an Automation-First MFT Alternative

GoAnywhere MFT vs. IBM Sterling Secure File Transfer

IBM Sterling is a capable, established choice for organizations with demanding point-to-point transfers, Connect infrastructure, EBICS requirements, or extensive B2B operations. But more capability does not always mean a better operational fit. While IBM Sterling has a long history supporting large-scale B2B data exchange environments, many organizations find its architecture complex, difficult to maintain, and costly to expand.

IBM Sterling is a consolidated platform for gateway transfers, point-to-point exchanges, edge security, monitoring, and governance. These functions are associated with multiple Sterling technologies, including Sterling File Gateway, Connect, Secure Proxy, and Control Center Monitor.

MFT Focus over Complexity

GoAnywhere MFT takes a more focused approach. Secure managed file transfer, workflow automation, partner access, auditing, reporting, APIs, data processing, and administrative controls are brought together in one browser-based MFT interface. Optional modules allow organizations to expand the platform as requirements grow rather than adopting every capability from the beginning.

For IT teams that want to automate file movement, eliminate scripting processes, support hybrid infrastructure, and reduce day-to-day administrative complexity, GoAnywhere provides a streamlined alternative to IBM Sterling MFT. 

Organizations evaluating IBM Sterling competitors often want enterprise-grade security and reliability without the complexity of operating multiple file transfer, monitoring, gateway, and integration components. GoAnywhere brings secure managed file transfers, workflow automation, administration, auditing, and data processing into a more unified MFT experience. 

GoAnywhere MFT comes with these additional benefits: 

• Enterprise-level capabilities: Enjoy scalability, reliability, and customer-centric technical support beyond what off-the-shelf solutions can provide for seamless collaboration, integration, automation, security, and administrative control.
• Robust, built-in documentation: Detailed help text is included and accessible, down to the field level.
• Deployment flexibility: On-premises, cloud, hybrid
• Support for multiple protocols, including FTP, FTPS, HTTPS, AS2/3/4, SFTP, TCP, PeSIT, and UDP acceleration
• File acceleration via FileCatalyst Service: Accelerate the transfer of large files anywhere in the world with high-speed UDP technology, delivering speeds of up to 10 Gbps and transfer performance 10x faster—or more—than traditional SFTP, FTPS, or HTTP.  
• Proactive security integration: GoAnywhere offers two security integrations to get ahead of cyber threats before they enter the MFT environment.  
  • Threat Brain for MFT: This built-in feature aggregates indicators from Fortra’s deep portfolio of cybersecurity solutions to continuously identify and block IPs with bad reputations or malicious intent before those threats enter the MFT environment.
  • Global Anti-Virus: GoAnywhere can scan inbound data transfers for malware before allowing the file into your network. This security feature is critically important because modern ransomware and zero‑day threats often weaponize files during transit. Stopping malware before it ever reaches internal systems dramatically reduces breach risk, containment costs, and downstream operational disruption for cybersecurity and IT teams.
• Licensed modules: Easy-to-grasp licensing options to match the business applications your organization needs. Existing customers can even try out modules such as Advanced Workflows, Secure Mail, or FileCatalyst Service for accelerated file transfers for 30 days.
• Cloud integrations, including AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Salesforce, SharePoint Online, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Box, and Dropbox — with no need for custom scripting.
• Secure Mail: Send messages and files as encrypted secure "packages" on an ad-hoc basis, with all activity logged for auditing and compliance. Securely exchange files of virtually any size without relying on email attachment limits. Available through a modern Secure Mail Add-in compatible with the new Outlook, including Outlook on the web.  
• Secure Folders: This module allows files to be transferred quickly between the desktop and server over HTTPS and be directly accessed by backend applications and programs.
• Encryption using strong protocols such as Open PGP, AES, AS2, AS3, or AS4, ZIP with AES, PeSIT, etc.
• Auditing and reporting to help meet HIPAA, SOX, and PCI DSS compliance requirements: FIPS 140-3, FISMA, SOC2 Type 2, AS2 Drummond certification
• Scalability to quickly meet growing business demands with increased file transfer bandwidth and expanded system capacity
• Powerful administrative controls to monitor and configure GoAnywhere from anywhere, anytime, and to apply roles-based access for enhanced security
• Web dashboard: Users can get ease-of-use with a centralized, intuitive dashboard interface
• Customer-centric support that spans the entire lifecycle. GoAnywhere provides Quick Start onboarding, migration assistance from IBM Sterling MFT, and access to a Customer Portal. From the portal, customers can download the latest GoAnywhere software, updates, release notes, and documentation, as well as manage product licenses, training, and certification.

While many file transfer solutions appear similar at first glance, a trial or demonstration can be very enlightening and help put you on the path to more secure, easy-to-use, and automated file transfers. 

See a Better MFT In Action

*When using GoAnywhere Gateway™ reverse proxy in the DMZ, you can allow external trading partners to connect to the GoAnywhere SFTP server without requiring inbound ports into the IBM i server in the private network.

GoAnywhere MFT has been named to the Top 10 list for the 2026 G2 Best Software Award winner in the IT Infrastructure Products category. 

We’re proud to be consistently recognized by the file transfer industry, as well as by third-party review sites and their real user reviews as a robust, enterprise-level secure file transfer solution.

GoAnywhere MFT has been named to the Top 10 list for the 2026 G2 Best Software Award in the IT Infrastructure Products category. G2 notes that less than 1% of vendors make their lists.

GoAnywhere is committed to continued development of the solution and in future-proofing secure file transfer for its customers, as evidenced by the reviews. Actual experience with our enterprise-level solution and evaluations from the managed file transfer industry are a key measure of our success in securely managing file transfers at rest and in motion.

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Since 2020, GoAnywhere has been a G2 leader for seven consecutive years

Whether your IT team is already adept at using file transfer solutions or is just getting started, GoAnywhere’s world-class customer support and professional services meet you where you are at and can take your essential processes farther with:

• Built-in documentation: Complete with examples and screenshots to help clear up any questions; Dynamic functioning within the solution quickly takes you to the page you may have questions about.
• Quick Start: Walks users through setting up tasks or projects within GoAnywhere from start to finish, such as making your first transfer in Advanced Workflows.
• Phone support: Available 24x7x365
• IBM Sterling migration assistance: Our team’s expertise and migration tools make the process seamless and efficient.
• Health Check: Once GoAnywhere is in place, a Health Check can analyze the security and reliability of your product configuration and guide you through any component needing adjustments for optimal use.
• Technical Account Manager: Customers can leverage MFT expert services in addition to GoAnywhere’s technical support to meet and fast track any specific needs for administering and supporting their MFT implementation.