Sterling Commerce Connect:Direct vs VisualCron comparison

IBM's Sterling Connect:Direct is a software product that offers security-hardened, point-to-point file transfers to reduce reliance on insecure File Transfer Protocol (FTP) transmissions. It is designed for high-volume file distribution within and between businesses. The solution guarantees more reliable file movement, from batch integration and movement of large images or catalogs to synchronization with distant sites. Sterling Connect:Direct also enables hybrid cloud deployment through certified containers, allowing for simple and consistent deployment lifecycle management.

Sterling Commerce Connect:Direct Features

Sterling Commerce Connect:Direct has many valuable key features. Some of the most useful ones include:

• Performance capabilities such as extraordinary scalability and low latency.

• Automated, dependable file transmission that permits unattended, round-the-clock operations.

• Designed to run on a variety of operating systems, including Microsoft Windows, UNIX, Linux, IBM z/OS, OpenVMS, i5/OS, and HP NonStop.

• Advanced security features with cutting-edge encryption to meet regulatory and industry standards.

• IBM certified containers for Sterling Connect:Direct are enterprise-grade, secure product editions that are scalable, secure, easy to install, and manage update and rollback processes. They also have integrated common software services for consistent deployment lifecycle management.
  
• Boosts transfer speed for large files over high-speed networks by up to four times the previous speed while reducing latency.
  
• Gives existing FTP transfers the ability to retry, checkpoint, and compress existing transfers.
  
• Supports a variety of network protocols, including TCP/IP, Systems Network Architecture (SNA), and an optional high-speed add-on based on Aspera FASP technology.

Sterling Commerce Connect:Direct Benefits

There are many benefits to implementing Sterling Commerce Connect:Direct. Some of the biggest advantages the solution offers include:

• High performance: Takes care of your most demanding workloads, including multi-gigabyte files to large volumes of small files.

• Reliable file delivery: To help ensure predictable, assured file delivery, it offers automated scheduling, checkpoint restart, and automatic recovery.

• Secure transmission of files: Maintains the confidentiality of customer information and supports regulatory compliance measures.

• Speed up patching and installation: By deploying your solution with a certified container that contains all necessary components, you can drastically cut installation and patch time from hours to minutes.

Reviews from Real Users

Sterling Commerce Connect:Direct stands out among its competitors for a number of reasons. Two major ones are its robust file processing and its security for file transfers. PeerSpot users take note of the advantages of these features in their reviews:

Michele I., Business Unit Manager at Innovery, writes of the solution, “The file processing is done very well. By default, there are a lot of configurations that can be customized. Sterling Commerce Connect:Direct is one of the stronger MFT solutions in the market, it is available in each type of installation, and offers SaaS, PaaS, YaaS, on-premise.”

Camilo M., Pre-sales Engineer at Dell EMC, mentions, “It's a great tool because it offers secure file transfers and it has a fast and efficient protocol for very large files.”

VisualCron automates tasks like file encryption, scheduling SQL jobs, system integration, data workflow management, and application triggering, making it ideal for handling nightly syncs, FTP server file replacements, job scheduling, and invoice processing.

VisualCron provides an efficient automation solution with features like error and status reporting, API connections, PGP key generation, encryption file creation, and bulk SQL script execution. It simplifies task automation through its mail and event triggers, job variables, conditional execution, and logging with error alerts. Users benefit from its integration capabilities, scheduling flexibility, visual interface, and support for databases and credential management without extensive coding.

• Simplicity: Easy-to-use interface for seamless automation.
• Mail and Event Triggers: Automate tasks based on specific events.
• Job Variables: Customize tasks using various input variables.
• Conditional Execution: Execute tasks based on predefined conditions.
• Error Alerts: Logging and error reporting to ensure task reliability.
• Integration Capabilities: Easily connect and integrate with systems and APIs.
• Scheduling Flexibility: Create complex schedules with ease.
• Visual Interface: User-friendly GUI for efficient management.
• Database Support: Manage and automate database tasks efficiently.
• Credential Management: Securely handle credentials for various tasks.
• PowerShell Commands: Execute PowerShell commands directly.

• Efficiency: Streamline and automate repetitive tasks to save time.
• Cost Savings: Reduce manual labor and associated costs.
• Reliability: Ensure consistency and accuracy in task execution.
• Integration: Enhance workflows by integrating with different systems.
• Flexibility: Adjust quickly to changes and handle complex scheduling needs.
• Support: Benefit from extensive post-sales support and configuration options.
• Innovation: Foster innovation by eliminating the need for coding.

Industries like finance, healthcare, and logistics implement VisualCron to automate data workflows, secure file transfers, and schedule critical tasks. It is used to streamline invoice processing, manage large-scale data operations, and ensure compliance through encryption and error reporting. VisualCron enhances operational efficiency, scalability, and security in various sectors, making it essential for businesses requiring robust automation capabilities.