The Best Managed File Transfer (MFT) Services

A Managed File Transfer (MFT) service is a platform that moves data between systems and people in file format. This description sounds like FTP. However, an MFT includes security measures and action logging.

These two elements are essential for businesses that need to provide compliance to data protection standards, such as HIPAA, PCI DSS, SOX, and GDPR.

It is the record-keeping that is the distinctive feature of MFT because just about all FTP utilities offer secure options such as SFTP and FTPS. Those two secure versions of FTP are the main protocols used in MFT systems as well. Another identifying feature of MFT systems is that they are more than just a file transfer utility. They are usually integrated into a file storage system, so the MFT will store your sensitive documents in an encrypted format and record all access attempts and changes.

Here is our list of the best-managed file transfer services:

1. JSCAPE MFT EDITOR’S CHOICE This cloud-based, on-premises, or hybrid package provides a long list of protocol options and includes a Web-based client. Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Solaris, AIX, and z/OS. Get a 7-day free trial following a demo.
2. ActiveBatch (FREE DEMO) A job scheduler and task automation suite that includes secure managed file transfer functions. This is a cloud-based service.
3. Files.com (FREE TRIAL) A cloud platform for storage and forwarding files that includes distribution tracking and user identification.
4. ExaVault (FREE TRIAL) A cloud platform that offers both file transfer utilities and cloud storage – its services can be integrated into automated workflows.
5. Serv-U Managed File Transfer Server (FREE TRIAL) A file transfer management system with a Web interface and mobile app for users and the ability to track activities from an administrator account. It runs on Windows Server and Linux.
6. Sharetru A cloud-based service that gives your business a virtual private data center.
7. Tresorit A cloud platform that provides collaboration and distribution functions and tracks all actions on files.
8. Accellion Kiteworks A content firewall that offers a range of secure file distribution that can be accessed as a SaaS system or installed on a private cloud.
9. Citrix ShareFile A cloud platform for secure file transfers, process automation, and distribution tracking.

About secure managed file transfers

FTP is a very old protocol. In fact, it pre-dates the Internet and the TCP/IP protocol stack that FTP now belongs to. FTP is an application that sits on top of the TCP/IP stack, which, in theory, only goes up to the Transport Layer.

Unfortunately, although it is very well-established and efficient, FTP is not secure. The protocol does not include any provision for authentication or encryption. Therefore, two adaptations of FTP were created: SFTP and FTPS.

SFTP is known as Secure FTP and also FTP over SSH. FTPS is known as FTP/Secure and also FTP over SSL. SSH is the Secure Shell. There is a little difficulty in combining FTP and SSH because FTP uses two simultaneous connections and SSH usually only has one. SSL is the Secure Socket Layer. In truth, SSL no longer exists. It was replaced by Transport Layer Security (TLS) a long time ago. However, tech insiders still refer to SSL when they really mean TLS. This is the secure protocol used to protect HTTP, creating HTTPS.

When you use a managed file transfer system, it is likely that the actual secure transfer protocol at its heart will be either SFTP or FTPS.

MFT advantages

An MFT system can be hosted on-premises or in a private cloud and it is very suitable for delivery by Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).

A common feature of many MFT services, no matter where or how they are hosted, is a Web interface for administration. The user part of the system can also be accessed through a browser-based interface or through an app. It is also possible to find MFT services that are implemented as plug-ins for other well-known interfaces, such as an email system, a productivity suite, or an operating system’s file manager.

MFT can be implemented as a cloud drive that includes collaboration features for file sharing. In this scenario, the main benefit of the MFT system is that users don’t have to attach files to emails. Instead, the user adds the recipient’s email address to a list of permitted recipients and then the system will automatically send out a notification to that recipient with an access link in it. Or it generates a link for the file owner to copy and paste into the body of an email.

However, keep in mind, the important feature of MFT system is activity and file access logging. Other useful features offered by some MFT services are watermarking and distributed copy identification that enables investigators to work out exactly who leaked a confidential document.

The best Managed File Transfer Services

A managed file transfer service doesn’t necessarily need to be a cloud service. However, if it is, there are accountability issues to be taken into account if your specific need for an MFT system is to comply with a data protection standard.

Applying these selection criteria bought us to a list of candidate-managed file transfer services, which we then ranked.

1. JSCAPE MFT (FREE DEMO)

Tested on: Cloud-based, Windows Server, Mac OS & Linux

JSCAPE MFT offers a long list of protocols that can be used for a range of business functions. As well as providing SFTP, SCP, and FTPS for cross-internet transfers, the system has an implementation of the Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) and the Accelerated File Transfer Protocol (AFTP) for local use. The package can also transfer files using HTTP, HTTPS, and WebDAV, and it implements EDI with AS2 and OFTP2.

Key Features: 

• A wide choice of protocols
• Suitable for EDI
• On premises
• Web-based client
• Task automation

Why do we recommend it?

JSCAPE MFT is an on-premises package that provides both secure and non-secure file transfer methods. The software bundle includes a Web-based client, which is hosted along with the MFT server and can be accessed from anywhere through any standard Web browser. A no-code system helps create scripts for file transfers that are embedded in automated processes.

The client for the service includes a user credential requirement, which strengthens security. This account authentication service can be linked to your access rights manager and that ARM connection can also be used to set up access rights for files and folders. The client includes a document viewer, which removes the need for users to actually transfer files in order to read them.

The service also lets you create looser security for serving files to outsiders in a DMZ. For example, non-sensitive documents such as sales brochures could be made available for download in this way. The client can be embedded into websites to provide file upload functions.

The service includes a plugin for Microsoft Outlook that controls the files that can be attached to emails. The security services in the package extend to activity logging and that, together with user authentication and file access controls, makes the system suitable for compliance with data protection standards, such as HIPAA, PCI DSS, SOX, and GDPR.

Who is it recommended for?

There are many features in this package and it offers many ways to facilitate and control file movements. For example, there is also a management routine for directory syncing and it is possible to set up task automation scripts with the MFT. All in all, this is a solution for large organizations.

The software for JSCAPE MFT will run on Windows, macOS, Linux, Solaris, AIX, and z/OS. Access a demo to get a 7-day free trial.

2. ActiveBatch (GET DEMO)

ActiveBatch is a cloud-based task automation and job scheduling service that includes a managed file transfer module. The big advantage of the ActiveBatch system is that it makes integrating secure file transfers into wider workflows very easy.

Key Features:

• SaaS package
• Workflow automation
• Secure file transfer
• FTPS and SFTP
• Can re-use batch modules

Why do we recommend it?

ActiveBatch is a workflow creator that lets you automate data processing between unrelated software packages. This is like recording a series of steps that an administrator goes through to process input data into results. These processes often involve file transfers. Replaying these flows on a schedule creates an active batch.

The console for ActiveBatch is accessed through any standard Web browser and it includes a graphical interface for setting up tasks. You can create a file transfer workflow, integrate a file transfer step into a wider workflow, or create your own file transfer module that can operate as a standalone service or be plugged into other workflows that you set up later.

However you chose to implement your file transfer workflow, you can set up a schedule to get it to run automatically within the ActiveBatch console. This is a great tool for regular transfers for system maintenance, such as managing log files, backing up configuration images, or distributing documents.

ActiveBatch has pre-written processes to integrate with other products, such as ERPs and data warehousing systems. It is also able to interface to other cloud platforms to automate tasks and transfer files to and from. The list of platforms that ActiveBatch will work with includes Azure and AWS.

Who is it recommended for?

Any business can use the ActiveBatch system. The managed file transfer part of this tool is particularly important for businesses that need to verify data before moving it and then reformat it to populate fields in a remote application after the transfer. This is important for security enforcement or compliance management.

The secure file transfer utility can transfer files in parallel, send the same file to multiple destinations, pause and restart transfers, and recover from a lost connection in mid-flow. The transfer system offers SFTP and FTPS options and all data movements are logged. The reporting function and security protection make ActiveBatch a suitable managed file transfer service for businesses that comply with HIPAA, SOX, PCI DSS, or GDPR.

3. Files.com (FREE TRIAL)

Files.com is a cloud-based platform built for File Transfer Automation. It is exclusively a B2B platform since it’s early beginning in 2009. It’s designed to accommodate any file transfer workflow in your business and supports a variety of integration patterns.

Key Features:

• Cloud platform
• Email access links
• SFTP and WebDAV options

Why do we recommend it?

Files.com is a multi-purpose platform that deals with files. Each of your users gets an account. The system can be used to sync files as a backup to local drives, store documents and send access invites instead of email attachments, or as the primary working drive for the business.

Each user gets an individual account on the platform, which enables activity tracking. It is possible to add 2FA to account access routines, enhancing. The account space is fully encrypted for further protection. There is an administrator account with the plan that has access to activity data and performance tracking utilities.

The Files.com platform acts as a mediator for all file distribution activities. Files get loaded to the platform over a secure connection and then recipients are sent links to those files in their location on the Files.com server. It provides FTP, SFTP, and WebDAV servers in the cloud, meaning that your clients, vendors, or partners can connect directly to it to drop off or pick up files using any of these common protocols. Second, Files.com can act as a client, connecting outbound to other servers to drop off or pick up files, either on a scheduled basis or on demand.

File owners can decide the level of access to grant to others and it is possible to revoke access rights. All activities on each file are logged. The system administrator can also use the Files.com storage space for automated processes, such as backup and syncing of directories that contain sensitive data. The service is able to give a signed Business Associate Agreement to those customers that are following a security standard that requires it, such as HIPAA or PCI DSS.

Files.com can an directly integrate other cloud-based or on-premise storage providers, such as Amazon S3, Google Cloud Storage, Azure Blob Storage, Box, Dropbox, Wasabi, and more. It can aggregate these remote integrations, providing the opportunity to build workflows that easily span across these systems.

Who is it recommended for?

Files.com is a very flexible system. Companies that operate virtual offices with almost all employees home-based or roaming will particularly appreciate this system. Other great fits for this tool are design offices that need to mail out large files or marketers who send out brochures again and again.

Files.com is a subscription service with a rate that is calculated on the number of user accounts needed. The base plan gets 1,000 GB of storage space but that can be increased. The Files.com system can be integrated with cloud storage services, productivity suites, and collaboration systems. You can get instant access to a Files.com account on a 7-day free trial which can be extended if you contact them for a demo.

4. ExaVault (FREE TRIAL)

The ExaVault cloud platform offers an interesting proposition for businesses that want to develop their own MFT processes. It provides services for file management that can be integrated into any customized application through its API and libraries or Python, PHP, JavaScript, and Java.

Key Features:

• Cloud storage
• Secure file transfers
• SFTP and FTPS

Why do we recommend it?

ExaVault is an alternative to Files.com. This is a cloud drive service that can be used to invite access to files rather than mailing them out or to collaborate with colleagues on the development of documents. Each user gets a file space and ownership of the files within it.

The services of ExaVault are a cloud storage area and a file transfer system that will implement SFTP and FTPS. The combination of these two systems allows businesses to control access to data by banning emailing or transferring files to anywhere outside the business. Employees or automated processes upload files to the ExaVault platform instead and then mail out a link for access. When outsiders use those links, their access to files is tracked.

The administrator of an ExaVault subscription can create user accounts, which control access to the storage platform. The user credentials can have password strength enforcement and multi-factor authentication. Users own files and can invite others to share files with read, write, or copy permissions. The system administrator can also revoke any of those rights. This system is the mechanism that is used to allow outsiders access to files, which is implemented by identifying them through email addresses.

Who is it recommended for?

ExaVault stresses its use as a managed file transfer service, although it can also be used as a cloud drive or for backup and syncing. The service provides corporate accounts that allow an administrator to set up subaccounts for users. The lowest package has a minimum order quantity of five users.

The ExaVault system is offered in four plan levels and each has different allowances for user accounts and storage space. You can assess ExaVault with a 30-day free trial.

ExaVault.com Download 30-day FREE Trial

5. Serv-U Managed File Transfer Server (FREE TRIAL)

While most of the systems on this list are cloud-based platforms, Serv-U is a package that you install on-premises and manage in-house. This option is suitable for businesses that don’t want to let their sensitive data held outside their premises because most of the cloud platforms include an element of storage for the files being transferred.

Key Features:

• Self-hosted
• Receives files from desktops, cloud platforms, and mobile devices
• SFTP, FTPS, and HTTPS

Why do we recommend it?

Serv-U Managed File Transfer Server lets you run your own managed file transfer system because it is an on-premises package. You can use this system to create your own file server and automate functions such as syncing. You can just use the system to move files around or create full file management services.

Although the package is a system you host yourself, its interface operates as a Web system. Users get a browser-based interface and mobile apps to access the file transfer service, so it looks and feels like a cloud service.

A big advantage for those following a data protection standard is that there is no need for a BAA because all of the responsibility for data storage and control is kept in-house. The system logs all file transfer activities, which is important for compliance auditing. The system can also be used to manage workflows that implement automated file transfers.

The secure transfer protocols available with this service include SFTP, FTPS, and HTTPS. The system can operate with IPv4 and IPv6 addressing. The service will also manage the receipt of files from external sources and it is particularly efficient at managing the transfers of very large files.

Who is it recommended for?

This is a solution for large businesses. The SolarWinds solution is a good choice for businesses that want to create an in-house file server. There are free FTP servers available, so you should look at the extra features of this package to see its value.

The Serv-U MFT software installs on Windows Server or Linux and it is available for a 14-day free trial.

Serve-U MFT Download 14-day FREE Trial

6. Sharetru

Sharetru is a secure file transmission system that has all of the features needed in an MFT. Users access the service through a Web interface and mobile apps and require individual user accounts. Those interfaces can be white-labeled for use by managed service providers. The administrator console has control over user activities and all file functions are logged.

Key Features:

• Transfer encryption
• Storage encryption
• SFTP, FTPS, FTPES, and SCP

Why do we recommend it?

The Sharetru system provides storage space on a cloud server that is divided up for individual user accounts. The base plan gives you 10 employee accounts. The system is similar to files.com because it can be used for file transfers or for in-place file collaboration between colleagues.

The security services of FTP Today are excellent. The system employs 2048-bit RSA encryption to protect files in transit and 128-bit AES encryption for files at rest on the Sharetru service – this is a cloud platform that mediates transfers. The service is certified under ISO 27001 and its data centers are SSAE18 SOC2 audited. Transfer protocol options include SFTP, FTPS, FTPES, and SCP.

The file space of Sharetru is protected by a managed intrusion detection system. Security measures that this service deploys include hacker blacklisting. Account administrators can impose extra controls, such as tied devices to identify each user access location and geo-fencing that restricts access. So, valid users can be automatically blocked if they go out of the country and try to access the service.

If you are working to HIPAA or PCI DSS standards, you will need a signed BAA from Sharetru. This is only available with the Premium plan. Other benefits of that higher plan are 2FA for user access control and the ability to link accounts in Sharetru to a Single Sign-On system.

Who is it recommended for?

The lowest plan for Sharetru provides 10 user accounts, so that shows you the smallest business that would be interested in this system. The top end of the plans will allow 250 users but there is also a custom plan that has no user limit.

You can get a live demo version of the system. You have to contact the Sales Department to request a 14-day free trial of Sharetru.

7. Tresorit

Tresorit is a cloud-based file sharing service that is G-Cloud 9 approved. It has all of the security and control mechanisms that qualify it as an MFT. This system can be used for file transfers or for collaboration within its secure environment.

Key Features:

• Encryption for transfer and storage
• Built-in authentication module
• G-Cloud 9 approved

Why do we recommend it?

Tresorit is a cloud drive system on which you create individual accounts for your users. From that space, users can invite others to view, edit or download files, thus you can avoid having to transfer them by FTP or as attachments. Users can upload files to their accounts.

Files are encrypted on the user device before they are transferred. The owner of the file, which could be an administrator account, is the only person able to decrypt it. The transmission to the Tresorit server is also secure and access to the company’s file space is governed by authentication procedures.

The entire file space is also encrypted, with the decryption key embedded in the 2FA access procedures needed by the holders of user accounts. Users gain access through a Tresorit Web interface or a mobile app, which ensures end-to-end security for the transmission of data from the drive to the viewer.

Each user on an account with Tresorit can be identified and all actions on files are recorded for audit purposes. It is possible to withdraw previously granted access and it is also possible to blacklist a device.

Who is it recommended for?

Tresorit charges per user, so it is a scaleable system that is accessible for any size of business. The minimum number of users you can get the service for is three. Each user gets 1TB of storage space, which makes this a good plan for businesses that store a lot of large media files.

Tresorit provides a BAA to its business customers and the service is available on a 14-day free trial.

8. Accellion Kiteworks

The Kiteworks system is a cloud platform that is termed a “content firewall.” The platform includes a number of specialized tools, including a managed file transfer service. This system offers accountability through recipient identification that is implemented with a copy serial number embedded in the metadata of a transferred file.

Key Features:

• Secure cloud file storage
• File copy watermarking
• Integrates with Microsoft 365

Why do we recommend it?

The Accellion Kiteworks platform offers several ways to move files securely. The package includes email protection and a managed file transfer service. The MFT imposes its own encryption on file transfers. The platform provides opportunities for scheduled transfers and linked data processing. It is also possible to set up triggers.

There are a number of configuration options for Kiteworks. The cloud platform is one of those and customers who are working with HIPAA or PCI DSS get a signed BAA. It is also possible to get the service as a software package for installation onsite or on a private cloud. In these two circumstances, a BAA is not needed.

Kiteworks uses 256-bit AES encryption for transfers and when files are at rest. This service doesn’t automatically include cloud storage. If that option is used, the file space is protected by AES encryption as well. Accellion Kiteworks has ISO 27001 certification and is validated to FIPS 140-2 Level 1.

The Kiteworks system can be used for sharing files if they are held on the Accellion server. Team members can be granted access to individual files and it is possible to set up shared folders. Each user can comment on a file or communicate through a messaging system. The original owner of the file is notified if any actions occur on it.

The administrator gets an event feed on all files, which creates an audit trail. The Kiteworks system can be integrated into Office 365 or Outlook and even when in this mode, all file actions are logged.

Who is it recommended for?

A company that requires regular file transfers that involves processing would get the most out of the MFT system. The option for encryption is a standard utility in any file transfer system, so it isn’t a standout feature to set this tool apart from the other SaaS packages on this list.

Kiteworks is a subscription service with a rate per user per month. You can get a demo to assess the system.

9. Citrix ShareFile

Citrix ShareFile is a cloud-based platform that offers a range of secure file services that include file storage, collaboration, and transfer options. The security, tracking, and access control features of the secure FTP module in this platform qualify it as an MFT service.

Key Features:

• A cloud drive
• Transfers with SFTP
• Collaboration features

Why do we recommend it?

Citrix ShareFile is another cloud service that includes both collaboration opportunities and file transfer features. This service is good for moving large files because its size limit for a transfer is 100 GB. However, it is a cloud drive and so files can be created and stored in that file space directly.

This service is an implementation of FTPS. By mediating its transfers through its servers, acting as a proxy, ShareFile is able to simplify the complexities that you would face managing your own FTPS service. This is an adaptation of FTPS that has an easy-to-use browser-based interface for users and a controlling console for administrators.

The ShareFile service integrates into Outlook as a plug-in. In this mode, the service uploads attachments separately to its own server and then places a link to the stored file in the email. The recipient is then able to view the file over a secure connection or, if the sender allows it, download the file.

Who is it recommended for?

Media companies, engineering services, and design offices would benefit from the ability of this system to transfer large files. The service is easy to use because it is accessed through a Web browser, so users don’t need technical skills to access file spaces or upload files.

Citrix will provide a signed BAA for clients that are operating a HIPAA or PCI DSS compliant environment. ShareFile is available for a 30-day free trial.

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