This article explores why Managed File Transfer (MFT) is the preferred choice for transferring large files over conventional methods such as emails and free file sharing services, while also highlighting the benefits in data security, automation and seamless integration to meet your business requirements.
As the need to exchange large files quickly and securely arises, conventional file-sharing methods often fail to cater to the necessary business requirements. Most free or open-source solutions that might transfer your file, rarely have the security required to protect your data as it is transferred from point A to point B. Instead, it’s crucial to look for solutions that address business requirements, including large file size limits, as well as data security, encryption, compliance, and automation. Given the growing demand for handling large files in businesses, a Managed File Transfer (MFT) solution is the optimal choice for addressing these needs.
Most conventional file transfer methods, such as email, cannot handle large files. For instance, Gmail has a 25 MB cap as far as attached files are concerned, so people with sizable files will have to turn to Google Drive to host them instead. This situation is worsened by the fact that many email providers don’t have associated cloud storage services, so sending large attachments becomes impossible after the prescribed limits have been reached. Also transferring large files consumes more network bandwidth, affecting overall email service performance. Even file-sharing services like Dropbox and Google Drive have upload limits and aren’t the fastest option, as they require a two-step process of uploading and downloading again, resulting in longer transfer times compared to direct methods.
Numerous sectors such as banking, healthcare, finance and government, have strict compliance requirements for ensuring transparency in file transfer activities. Conventional methods, such as using free or open-source file-sharing services, may not meet industry-specific compliance requirements for data protection, posing legal and regulatory challenges. Most of these free options often lack the necessary security, leaving sensitive data vulnerable to interception and unauthorized access.
Your organization’s data is one of its greatest assets, but it is also a prime target for cybercriminals and vulnerable to human mistakes. By automatically encrypting files both at rest and in transit, you can significantly reduce the risk for your organization’s and your customers’ sensitive information. For example, if you use the legacy protocols such as File Transfer Protocol (FTP), it’s worth noting that FTP is an unencrypted protocol. For encryption, you will need to run your FTP connections through a virtual private network (VPN).
Often conventional methods do not provide a transfer tracking mechanism or a delivery acknowledgment that the file was received by the designated recipient or not, making it difficult to monitor the status and history of file transfers.
Traditional file transfer methods typically lack automation capabilities, requiring manual intervention and increasing the risk of human errors.
These methods often can be slow and unreliable, leading to delays and inefficiencies, especially with very large files.
When transferring large files as part of a critical business process, your needs extend beyond just speed and basic file transfer. You must also consider:
File transfers in the enterprise domain are often connected to larger and streamlined processes that need to fit well with existing systems. Automating as many workflows as possible is crucial for efficiency. MFT solutions offer seamless integration with your existing backend systems, enabling automated workflows. This helps you manage time-sensitive tasks more effectively with both automation and fast file transfers.
MFT solutions provide advanced security features that protect sensitive data through encryption and secure transfer protocols such as AS2, SFTP, FTPS, etc. They are designed to comply with strict regulations, ensuring compliance with data protection laws and industry regulations. By using MFT solutions, organizations can safeguard their information from unauthorized personal and potential data breaches.
MFT solutions are designed to deliver consistent performance, minimizing the chances of downtimes or system overloads. They are managed internally to ensure smooth and uninterrupted file transfers, regardless of high load on them.
MFT solutions provide comprehensive oversight of the file transfer process by ensuring that acknowledgments are sent in time once a file is received. This feature allows you to monitor and manage each transfer effectively, ensuring clear visibility into the status and success of file transfers.
Often MFT Solutions provide easy-to-use interfaces thereby minimizing their complexity which makes them more feasible to individuals who lack considerable technical knowledge.
Managed File Transfer (MFT) solutions are designed to handle above requirements effectively, facilitating direct file transfers between both parties while offering extensive capabilities compared to other conventional methods discussed earlier.
The MFT Gateway solution from Aayu Technologies is one of the modern and cost-effective software available as a software as a service (SaaS) solution which ensures data integrity and regulatory compliance, reliability and control while transmitting large files via secure transfer protocols such as AS2 and SFTP. Additionally, it is as simplified and fast as web-based email, allowing you to send and receive files with trading partners effectively. The solution provides multiple integrations making it easy to connect with your internal B2B applications and automate the workflow. Furthermore, it offers competitive pricing with open pricing models and offers a 30 days free trial period.
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Thanura is a Senior Software Engineer at Aayu Technologies with nearly 1.5 years of experience mastering various products at Aayu. During this time, he has gained extensive knowledge of Aayu's diverse product line, particularly in B2B communications and cloud technologies. Away from the screen, he enjoys the thrill of watching cricket matches and cherishes moments spent with friends.
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