Managed file transfer (MFT) is an all-in-one application used to secure, automate and manage file transfers. A tool can be an application or instrument that helps you achieve a particular task. The reference of MFT being a tool is in the context that it fits into a larger landscape of other tools. It enables IT to connect multiple applications, people and businesses to complete an overall architectural design to transmit data.
How Does an MFT Tool Work?
Here is an overview of how an MFT tool works:
- Use MFT solution either as a hosted service (SaaS) or self-hosted.
- Create and schedule file transfers by connecting source and target endpoints.
- Receive alerts on file transfer statuses.
What Are MFT Examples?
Imagine a company with 1,000 employees, 500 customers and 30 suppliers. Now think about the number of files—many of them containing sensitive, business-critical data—that must be transferred between the people, applications and systems. And, each department uses a different method to transfer files, such as:
Marketing teams use an online webform tool to send large files to an ad agency.
The purchasing business unit uses SFTP to send purchase orders to suppliers.
The finance department uses another SFTP system to exchange sales reports with its merchant bank.
This causes a landscape of disparate applications, file management difficulties and inability to meet security compliance requirements.
Alternatively, using an MFT tool enables the organization to have secure, centralized and routed file transfers under one system, which results in more dependable file transfers in addition to better control by the IT department. This heightened awareness and capabilities help the organization achieve compliance and regulatory standards that are becoming much more prevalent in today’s digital environment.
For more information about how to choose an MFT tool, here are the top 10 MFT tool questions to help evaluate your vendors »
