Managed file transfer (MFT) offers enhanced security and features compared to traditional file transfer protocols. MFT tools encrypt your files using robust protocols like Open PGP and AES before transmission, ensuring data confidentiality.

MFT addresses the limitations of protocols like FTP and SFTP by providing a more reliable and feature-rich solution for transferring compliance-protected, sensitive, or high-volume data. With increasing data security regulations, MFT solutions have seen a rise in adoption.

MFT software facilitates quick and secure file transfers, and provides features like detailed audit logs for compliance purposes, and automation of repetitive file transfer tasks. Companies in regulated industries such as banking, trading, healthcare, telecommunications, and insurance rely on MFT to meet their critical data transfer needs.

There are plenty of MFT software in the market and it is important to choose the right one for your business. To help you with that, Geekflare has shortlisted the following software.

1. Cleo Integration Cloud (CIC MFT)

There are many secure MFT solutions on the market, but CIC MFT is the top pick when it comes to seamlessly connecting to partners & infrastructure and integrating with complex automated processes.

CIC MFT is an award-winning secure managed file transfer software that provides extensive features and functionality to secure your file transfer environment and govern your trading partner community. CIC MFT was built to be easy for you to use. The platform provides complete protocol support, security, end-user authentication/ single sign-on, and visibility/ dashboards/reporting.

cleo-MFT

CIC MFT is built to scale with your business needs. The technology handles deployments from small businesses all the way to multi-billion-dollar enterprises without a hiccup. Other notable platform features include:

  • Secure access control via LDAP
  • Antivirus and content scanning through ICAP
  • Authorization (OAuth 2.0), authentication (SAML), encryption, and certificate management
  • Perimeter layer security with bidirectional proxy architecture
  • Reporting, audit trails, and visibility dashboards

When it comes to service options, businesses can choose from self-service, managed services, or a blended approach – ensuring complete flexibility and control over their MFT strategy.

Get CIC MFT

2. JSCAPE

JSCAPE by Redwood is the easy-to-use, secure MFT (managed file transfer) solution that redefines flexibility and security for modern digital landscapes.

With support for any platform, protocol, and environment, JSCAPE simplifies file transfers, ensuring high availability and meeting stringent security and compliance requirements. It accommodates various deployment options, including MFTaaS, on-premises and cloud hybrid environments.

jscape-MFT

JSCAPE’s feature roadmap offers a proactive approach to evolving digital threats, emphasizing ongoing enhancement and adherence to the latest security standards.
JSCAPE acknowledges the dynamic nature of security, ensuring continuous innovation and vigilance and keeping defenses strong against evolving threats and vulnerabilities. 

JSCAPE’s built-in library of 100+ no-code/low-code workflow automation templates, REST APIs, and off-the-shelf integrations provide experts with the tools to deliver automated file transfer operations at scale. 

Top Features:

  • Platform Support: Windows, MacOS, Linux and Solaris.
  • Protocol Support: FTP/S, SFTP, AS2, HTTP/S, OFTP2, TFTP, WebDAV, AFTP, Agent, DropZones and Ad-hoc/On-demand.
  • Integrations: Google Cloud, IBM Cloud, AWS, Dropbox, Box, Microsoft Azure and Redwood Software.
  • Compliance: HIPAA, PHI, PII, GDPR, PCI DSS, SOX, GLBA, SOC 2, ISO27001 and FIPS-140-2.
  • Security Features: DMZ streaming with reverse proxy, Active Directory, LDAP, SSO/SAML and 2FA.
  • Customer Support: 24/7 top-tier support with near 5-star reviews on major review platforms, white-glove onboarding, and extensive online resources.


JSCAPE’s managed file transfer solution is designed to protect organizations while driving operational efficiencies with its robust file transfer automation capabilities. 

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3. GoAnywhere

GoAnywhere is a secure managed file transfer software that enables file transfers between persons and servers. Users can run it on Windows, Linux, IBM i OS, and AIX and have centralized control over the whole process.

goanywhere-MFT

This tool can perform bulk file transfers according to enterprise requirements by load balancing. Its features like an intuitive interface and complete workflow are sufficient for your organizational needs.

To ensure complete flexibility, GoAnywhere offers multiple deployment options. Moreover, you can integrate it with different cloud and web apps your organization uses. As a disaster recovery measure, this tool offers active-active automatic failover.

Start GoAnywhere Trial

4. Progress MOVEit

Using MFT software Progress MOVEit, organizations can minimize enterprise mobility-related risks. This open-source framework comes with the necessary features, such as central access controls, data encryption, and tracking.

progress-moveit-MFT

All these attributes ensure that your organizational file transfer complies with SLA and becomes operationally reliable. Furthermore, using its collaboration capability feature, users can transfer files with internal and external users.

Progress MOVEit supports advanced automated workflow without scripting. This platform infrastructure also offers a customized solution for mobile device management if your company has many mobile device users who take part in file transfer.

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5. Diplomat MFT

If your company is looking for a reliable MFT solution that can reduce the time and effort in file transfer, Diplomat MFT is the tool you are looking for. It allows you to transfer files with HTTP, HTTPS, email, and SMB servers among people connected through a local network.

diplomat-MFT

This platform can be easily integrated with your day-to-day business processes. Also, you can automate your file transfer and have control over it if you use this MFT software. Therefore, there will be less business risk.

Other vital features of this tool include PGP encryption, report, alert notification, process automation, and auditing.

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6. ArcESB

ArcESB is a modern MFT software that lets you implement file-sharing strategies and centrally manage the processes. The robust and scalable platform supports the drag-and-drop feature, making file sharing simple and quick.

arcdata-MFT

Thanks to its full logging & auditing, you can enjoy real-time visibility into all the file transfers happening in your organization. ArcESB also supports different data privacy regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI.

It helps you get rid of manual file sharing and instead move to an automatic and scheduled workflow using conditional logic, webhooks, and API management. Moreover, it uses AES, Open PGP, and secure DMZ to fully secures data transfer.

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7. Kiteworks

Kiteworks offers you a security-first architecture that ensures large-scale file transfer. Users can streamline and manage the file-sharing operation from the graphical operations dashboard of this tool.

Kiteworks-MFT

Creating any workflow and having new partners onboard is super easy with this software. You can start a file transfer manually or schedule it at your preferred time.

The vault-to-vault transfer feature of Kiteworks ensures end-to-end security of the transferred files. You can access the data in folders, repositories, and the cloud. Furthermore, the software lets you develop visual workflows without coding with the help of a library of thousands of workflow functions.

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8. Axway

Axway offers a reliable and secure managed file transfer solution, especially for the healthcare, finance, and manufacturing industries. This platform facilitates file sharing between companies, employees, partners, and applications.

axway-MFT

Besides putting you in control of the file transfer needs of your organization, it also complies with the regulations such as HIPAA, PCI, DSS, and GDPR.

Get Axway

9. IBM Aspera

IBM Aspera is a highly flexible platform available on-premises or via the hybrid cloud. Instead of optimizing the file transfer, it utilizes 100% available network bandwidth to avoid underlying bottlenecks.

IBM-Aspera-MFT

It also supports large file transfer, data transfer automation, hybrid cloud workflow, and secure asset exchange using blockchain technology.

Get IBM Aspera

More MFT Software Options for you

When above listed solutions are not enough and need to compare with more options, try the following MFT tools.

  • 10. Titan MFT – On-premise and cloud solution, suitable for SMBs.
  • 11. Globalscape EFT – inbuilt folder monitoring.
  • 12. Kiteworks – offers end-to-end encryption and audit logs.
  • 13. Diploman MFT – integrates with cloud services like AWS, Google Cloud, Dropbox, etc.
  • 14. Stonebranch – offers visual workflow designing.
  • 15. Solarwinds Serv-U – get 14-days free trial.

Difference Between MFT and Other File Sharing Options

  • MFT vs. FTP: MFT solutions offer secure encryption. Geekflare do not recommend FTP as it does not encrypt your file in transit or at rest.
  • MFT vs. FTPS: It is better to choose MFT over FTPS as the latter needs both private and public key authentication in terms of decryption.
  • MFT vs. SFTP: In SFTP, the client setup and key management are more complicated than in MFT.
  • MFT vs. HTTP: Unlike MFT, HTTP protocol is also not recommended because it does not offer an encryption facility.

Benefits of Using Managed File Transfer Solutions

  • Visibility: MFT offers operational visibility through detailed transfer logs, allowing for the identification of bottlenecks, potential data loss, and proactive issue resolution, ensuring compliance with Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
  • Security: MFT provides a robust preventive security strategy, enforcing strong authentication and authorization protocols to prevent unauthorized access, and real-time monitoring of file transfers to detect and respond to security threats.
  • Budget-Friendly: MFT solutions offer flexible licensing and modular features, allowing you to tailor the software to your specific needs and budget, while also decreasing costs through automation of manual file transfer processes.

Conclusion 👩‍💻

Managed file transfer solutions are necessary to ensure security and stay ahead of the competitors, especially for companies with complicated file sharing requirements or multiple external stakeholders. These also play a significant role in a company’s success.

As business networks continue to expand globally that need quality service, only dedicated tools can offer the right kind of secure managed file transfer service.

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