File Transfer is the process of moving any type of computer file between two different systems or computers both locally and remotely. There are several ways that this can be done and they usually fall into one of two major categories: push based systems or pull based systems. The difference being that in a push based system the file is moved from the sender to the receiver while in a pull based system the file is retrieved by the receiver from the sender.
The most common way that files are transferred between systems is via email attachments or by using a web browser to download a file from a server or website. This is a good example of a push based system, as the file is sent from the sender’s computer to the recipient’s.
Another method of sending files is by using FTP. This was first developed by MIT student Abhay Bushan in early 1971 and is now an industry standard. FTP works by uploading data to an FTP server, which then sends a request to retrieve that same data to the intended recipient’s computer. FTP servers can be either public or private and can allow anonymous logins or require authentication credentials.
For companies that handle large volumes of transactions and digital media, having fast, reliable, secure file transfers is a crucial requirement. These types of files are often too big to send over email and must be sent through a dedicated platform.
A managed file transfer (MFT) solution provides advanced enterprise-grade security, visibility and control for these sensitive files. It can also provide automation that helps to reduce operational costs and manual errors. An MFT platform can also enable high-speed WAN file transfers with the help of hardware accelerators, new security process software and improved throughput technologies.
The rise of IoT, big data and streaming video puts a premium on the speed of files that are transmitted to and from the cloud. It also creates a need for better security and higher-level analytics capabilities. As a result, it is important for businesses to be able to scale their file transfer processes with an MFT provider that is equipped to handle this type of demand.
Whether you’re a small or mid-sized business that needs to transfer files or a large enterprise looking for an MFT platform, it’s crucial to make sure that the technology you choose can keep up with your growing data needs. This can be difficult if you’re relying on legacy solutions like FTP or slow, insecure email connections to send and receive files.
To ensure that your company has the best, most up-to-date MFT solution, look for an MFT platform that offers the latest security features including encryption and granular control of permissions. It’s also a good idea to implement two-factor authentication whenever possible to protect against phishing attacks and other common threats. This helps to ensure that only authorized users can access files, so they can’t sell or distribute your data to competitors or malicious third parties.