If file transfers are an integral part of your business, it is crucial to implement an MFT solution. When doing your research on which MFT solution to choose, it is important to evaluate several different factors.
Security: First and foremost, it is essential to consider security. While not all secure MFTs are created equal, many of them come with a basic set of security protocols and features. Some of the more common protocols include SSH FTP and/or FTP over SSL, Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS), Odette FTP (OFTP), and Applicability Statement 2 (AS2). Through these protocols, most secure MFTs should be compliant with many regulations, including HIPAA.
Ease of use: Second in line to security is ease of use. Look for an MFT solution that improves your productivity and does not require you to write scripts for data transfer.
Data analytics: It is a good idea to make sure the MFT solution you choose incorporates data analytics. Many MFTs come with built-in analytics and dashboard tools to help you gather data about your data. Data analytics can be used to meet compliance standards, such as HIPAA compliance, and optimize file management through automation or minimizing data scope.
Authorization and validation: Look for an MFT that has good authorization and validation because these can help with compliance requirements. Some solutions have least-privilege authentication, FIPS validation compliance, and secure enterprise storage.
Secure file governance: A good MFT will include secure file storage and governance tools that don’t compromise security. Flow authoring access controls (to work with advanced workflows), granular file access roles and user policies, and regular logging are some of the basic features you should look out for.
Encryption and decryption: Encryption and decryption are usually part of the more advanced enterprise secure MFT product. These often come with advanced encryption and hardened storage for decryption keys.
Regular updates: While transferring data securely should be included in best practices observed by every organization, doing so is even more important if your company deals with sensitive and critical data that requires you to be extra cautious. To ensure your files remain secure from hackers, you should look for a solution that offers regular updates.
Automation: Some MFTs offer automation capabilities. Enterprise file transfer workflows often require extensive security tools and logical controls. Some MFT solutions provide automation for secure file transfer software workflows including agents to complete complex tasks at scale.
Antivirus software: It is always helpful to use an MFT solution that can perform virus scans and quarantines to isolate any malware introduced to your system.
Visibility: An extra bonus of MFT solutions is when they give you the ability to manage file access and transfers with a high-level view of your system. Some of them enable you to use a CISO dashboard or SIEM (security information and event management), allowing you to run reports on total access, locations, transfers, and threats.
Budget-friendly customization: When you are comparing different MFT solutions, look for one that meets your budget needs. Although data and file sharing requirements vary from company to company, there are various MFT apps that offer a customizable solution. Be sure to evaluate all of your different options before making your final choice.
Search for a product comparison in Managed File Transfer (MFT)
Integration Consultant at a tech services company with 11-50 employees
Real User
Jul 1, 2022
We should define "best".
Are you looking for reliability? Then the IBM Sterling B2B suite is what you are looking for.
Are you looking for a light solution with not too many features but highly reliable which takes your files from A to B? Maybe you should try IBM MQ MFT.
Looking for something more challenging in terms of implementation but more affordable? Maybe Axway MFT is what you need.
There are three main components required for a product to be a 'managed file transfer' solution. These are a forward/reverse proxy, file transfer server to land files on or host them for collection and a workflow engine. Other components that regularly make up a mature MFT offering include agents, for distribution around an internal or WAN. Secure forms for the capture of data upon submission of files, secure email/ad hoc file sharing and mobile applications /browser interfaces to access/upload/download files are also common. Remember, the right MFT solution is the one that meets your current tactical AND future strategic needs. Most MFT solutions are modular, allowing you to start small and grow as you need to - however it's important to select the right tool that will grow with you. There are many products listed in this Peerspot list that either simply aren't MFT solutions and/or are EOL and are being managed into decline. My company Pro2col specialises in MFT, so for specific advice about the best MFT solution, please don't hesitate to ping me a message.
Managed File Transfer is a secure and efficient way to transfer data between systems or users. Offering automated workflows and monitoring, MFT ensures data integrity and compliance during file exchanges, supporting business continuity.MFT solutions provide seamless integration with existing systems, facilitating the secure transfer of files across networks. By automating data flows, MFT reduces the risk of human error and enhances operational efficiency. Its capabilities include encryption,...
If file transfers are an integral part of your business, it is crucial to implement an MFT solution. When doing your research on which MFT solution to choose, it is important to evaluate several different factors.
Security: First and foremost, it is essential to consider security. While not all secure MFTs are created equal, many of them come with a basic set of security protocols and features. Some of the more common protocols include SSH FTP and/or FTP over SSL, Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS), Odette FTP (OFTP), and Applicability Statement 2 (AS2). Through these protocols, most secure MFTs should be compliant with many regulations, including HIPAA.
Ease of use: Second in line to security is ease of use. Look for an MFT solution that improves your productivity and does not require you to write scripts for data transfer.
Data analytics: It is a good idea to make sure the MFT solution you choose incorporates data analytics. Many MFTs come with built-in analytics and dashboard tools to help you gather data about your data. Data analytics can be used to meet compliance standards, such as HIPAA compliance, and optimize file management through automation or minimizing data scope.
Authorization and validation: Look for an MFT that has good authorization and validation because these can help with compliance requirements. Some solutions have least-privilege authentication, FIPS validation compliance, and secure enterprise storage.
Secure file governance: A good MFT will include secure file storage and governance tools that don’t compromise security. Flow authoring access controls (to work with advanced workflows), granular file access roles and user policies, and regular logging are some of the basic features you should look out for.
Encryption and decryption: Encryption and decryption are usually part of the more advanced enterprise secure MFT product. These often come with advanced encryption and hardened storage for decryption keys.
Regular updates: While transferring data securely should be included in best practices observed by every organization, doing so is even more important if your company deals with sensitive and critical data that requires you to be extra cautious. To ensure your files remain secure from hackers, you should look for a solution that offers regular updates.
Automation: Some MFTs offer automation capabilities. Enterprise file transfer workflows often require extensive security tools and logical controls. Some MFT solutions provide automation for secure file transfer software workflows including agents to complete complex tasks at scale.
Antivirus software: It is always helpful to use an MFT solution that can perform virus scans and quarantines to isolate any malware introduced to your system.
Visibility: An extra bonus of MFT solutions is when they give you the ability to manage file access and transfers with a high-level view of your system. Some of them enable you to use a CISO dashboard or SIEM (security information and event management), allowing you to run reports on total access, locations, transfers, and threats.
Budget-friendly customization: When you are comparing different MFT solutions, look for one that meets your budget needs. Although data and file sharing requirements vary from company to company, there are various MFT apps that offer a customizable solution. Be sure to evaluate all of your different options before making your final choice.
We should define "best".
Are you looking for reliability? Then the IBM Sterling B2B suite is what you are looking for.
Are you looking for a light solution with not too many features but highly reliable which takes your files from A to B? Maybe you should try IBM MQ MFT.
Looking for something more challenging in terms of implementation but more affordable? Maybe Axway MFT is what you need.
There are three main components required for a product to be a 'managed file transfer' solution. These are a forward/reverse proxy, file transfer server to land files on or host them for collection and a workflow engine. Other components that regularly make up a mature MFT offering include agents, for distribution around an internal or WAN. Secure forms for the capture of data upon submission of files, secure email/ad hoc file sharing and mobile applications /browser interfaces to access/upload/download files are also common. Remember, the right MFT solution is the one that meets your current tactical AND future strategic needs. Most MFT solutions are modular, allowing you to start small and grow as you need to - however it's important to select the right tool that will grow with you. There are many products listed in this Peerspot list that either simply aren't MFT solutions and/or are EOL and are being managed into decline. My company Pro2col specialises in MFT, so for specific advice about the best MFT solution, please don't hesitate to ping me a message.