In a fast-paced and complex global business landscape, secure file sharing and collaboration is a prerequisite to maintaining operational efficiency. Managed File Transfer (MFT) and Enterprise File Share and Sync (EFSS) solutions are both popular for catering to these requirements. Here we delve into the typical characteristics of MFT solutions, such as HelpSystems GoAnywhere, Progress […]
In a fast-paced and complex global business landscape, secure file sharing and collaboration is a prerequisite to maintaining operational efficiency. Managed File Transfer (MFT) and Enterprise File Share and Sync (EFSS) solutions are both popular for catering to these requirements.
Here we delve into the typical characteristics of MFT solutions, such as HelpSystems GoAnywhere, Progress MOVEit, and Accellion Kiteworks, and EFSS solutions, such as FileCloud, to help you make an informed decision about the type of file-sharing software that best suits your infrastructure and business needs. We also look specifically at whether FileCloud provides a feasible alternative to MFTs for enterprise needs, and the features that make FileCloud a viable MFT substitute, despite its classification as an EFSS solution.
MFTs like GoAnywhere and MOVEit are heavily focused on the transfer of large quantities of files between systems. They usually prioritize data security, offering encryption, authentication, and auditing capabilities. They are particularly effective at handling complex transfers of large volumes of data and are optimized for reliable delivery through efficient bandwidth usage.
MFTs are commonly used in industries such as manufacturing, finance, and healthcare for streamlining the transfer of large datasets. They have automation capabilities that reduce the manual intervention required for handling high-volume repetitive data transfers.
Common industry-specific use cases for MFTs such as Kiteworks and MOVEit include:
EFSS solutions focus on enabling teamwork. They are ideal for projects requiring consistent exchange of information and ideas through constant updating and sharing of files. They are often more accessible to non-technical end users than MFTs. For this reason, EFSS solutions are helpful in scenarios where rapid user adoption across an enterprise is important.
At their best, EFSS solutions are adept at providing multiple access modes and are often optimized for easy mobile access. They enable users to work remotely from any device. In addition, EFSS software provides strong version control, ensuring that you do not lose data. It is ideal for streamlining work processes, allowing enterprise users to share files with external users via links. It also works well for collaboration within globally dispersed teams, and is useful for sharing files between employees and outside parties, such as customers, vendors, and partners.
Frequent use cases for EFSS solutions include:
Assessing your organization's infrastructure and operational requirements is paramount when choosing between MFT and EFSS. MFT solutions prioritize data security and compliance. However, some EFSS solutions, such as FileCloud, can deliver hyper-security and enable compliance in a way that is comparable to MFT solutions.
Decisions should factor in enterprise file size requirements, integration capabilities, and quantity of on-premises versus remote staff. After evaluating your options, you can make an informed decision in alignment with your specific organizational demands and goals.
As mentioned, MFT solutions such as Accellion Kiteworks, HelpSystems GoAnywhere, and Progress MOVEit are known for their robust data transfer capabilities. However, post-transfer file security does not tend to be a major feature of MFT solutions.
With FileCloud, you can transfer massive files containing many terabytes of data without worrying that interruptions in connectivity might undo the operation. With FileCloud's Resumable Uploads feature, you can simply continue uploading large files from where you left off after a connectivity loss or outage. FileCloud has built this feature into its browser, unlike most EFSS solutions, which require a plugin to enable this functionality.
Once you have transferred large files with FileCloud, you can maintain control of your digital assets by using FileCloud's inbuilt Digital Rights Management features. These enable you to control post-transfer access rights and distribution, while still collaborating on files. You can also track file activity and get notifications in the event of suspicious activity.
You can protect files with an AES-256 encrypted document container and control access rights at user level. This means you can set limits on the number of times users view a document and prevent users from printing or taking screenshots of files. This functionality is available across all the mainstream file formats, providing you with full traceability. Digital Rights Management is not a feature of MFTs, such as GoAnywhere and MOVEit.
An important element of FileCloud's DRM capacity is Zero Trust File SharingSM, which allows you to create a password-protected Zip file with 256-bit encryption. Since the decryption key is not stored in the FileCloud system, the Zip file is accessible only to parties entrusted with this key. Intruders into your system cannot access the contents of a Zero Trust Zip file. This feature provides ultimate protection for your sensitive data and is not available with any other EFSS or MFT solution on the market.
Using a traditional VPN can cause latency delays and complications. There can be limits to the numbers of remote users supported, problems with secure and speedy scaling, and instability resulting in lost work and frustration. Additionally, effective configuration and maintenance of VPN infrastructures, as well as ensuring a VPN is compliant with regulations, can be resource-intensive and cost-prohibitive.
The Zero Trust framework has heavily influenced the FileCloud architecture, which means you can have secure, remote access to files without a VPN. FileCloud achieves this by delivering security features such as granular file and folder permissions, encryption for data at rest and in transit, and Data Leak Prevention (DLP) capabilities, among others.
Additionally, customizable file syncing to end user devices, as well as unlimited file versioning, provide seamless, secure collaboration capabilities that are outside the scope of MFT solutions like Kiteworks, MOVEit, and GoAnywhere.
If you're wondering about the merits of FileCloud versus MFT solutions for your particular enterprise needs, you can explore the benefits of FileCloud as a secure alternative to MFTs here.
Why not book a free, no-strings FileCloud demo or product trial? Find out more about how to sign up below.
Written by Deirdre Clancy, Technical Content and Communication Manager
