Kyle Parris
Director of Product Management
nuBridges
There are, of course, a number of standouts in the new generation of managed file transfer (MFT) solutions. But there are also a number that may not meet the file transfer needs of organizations that require secure, reliable and integrated communication gateways.
Some of the things you should consider when vetting prospective MFT providers about an enterprise-class MFT are:
- The MFT must be pervasive. Ask providers what platforms they support (Hardware, OS, DB, etc); ask what protocols they support; what encryption algorithms, etc.
- Partner management can be difficult and time consuming. Understand the vendor’s capabilities around the set-up and maintenance of trading partners, customers, suppliers and other business partners. If you trade with numerous partners, consider a solution that allows them to manage themselves; taking the administrative burden off of your organization.
- A key component of MFT is centrality. Integration of a single solution to all of your back-end office systems and with your strategic partners is critical. Make sure you understand the provider’s integration capabilities. Are they web interface enabled? Do they require separate client applications at each end point, or can they integrate to existing applications?
- There are several considerations where sensitive data is being moved . . .
- In addition to the supported secure protocols and encryption methods, what other security features does the solution offer? This can be related to user authentication and authorization; as well as to the back-end protocols once the files have made it inside your enterprise. Consider every angle of security and ask the vendor how they address each concern.
- Proving compliance is a necessity. Dig into the provider’s reporting, alerting and notification capabilities. Make sure the solution meets requirements for compliance audits and risk management.
- Speaking of reporting, make sure you have visibility to vital transaction information as it happens. This can be delivered via a management console or dashboard.
- Some solutions, such as secure e-mail, have file size limitations. It is important to understand how these file size limitations can affect your ability to do business.
To help enterprises analyze the solutions that are currently available, nuBridges offers a white paper that explores the key best practices that define enterprise-class MFT solutions.
Download your free copy of “Best Practices in Enterprise File Transfer.” Once you read the white paper, we’d really like to hear from you! We’ll respond to your comments in our next blog.
Until next week,
Kyle
