Choosing the most cost-effective AS2 software can be challenging given the many options available. To assist, we’ve compiled a list of top managed file transfer tools that support AS2:
| Software | Best For | |
|---|---|---|
1. | suited for organizations that require secure, reliable, and automated file transfer solutions. | |
2. | Companies needing to connect on-premises and cloud applications. | |
3. | best for organizations that require secure, reliable, and compliant managed file transfer solutions | |
4. | integrates into the Windows environment and supports features | |
5. | Provides automation tools for file synchronization. | |
6. | Advanced scheduling, workflow creation, and error-handling capabilities. | |
| Vendors | Rating* | Free Trial | Employee Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JSCAPE MFT by Redwood | 4.5 based on 38 reviews | ✅ | 533 | Starting from: |
| GlobalSCAPE Enhanced File Transfer | 4.5 based on 54 reviews | ✅ | 1,741 | Not shared publicly |
| Cleo Integration Cloud | 4.4 based on 581 reviews | ❌ | 482 | Not shared publicly |
| WinSCP | 4.6 based on 210 reviews | ❌ | 3 | Not shared publicly |
| Files.com | 4.5 based on 141 reviews | ✅ | 90 | Not shared publicly |
| GoAnywhere MFT | 4.8 based on 125 reviews | ✅ | 201-500 | Not shared publicly |
What are our criteria for choosing the top As2 Software?
- User Reviews: We preferred solutions that received feedback on B2B review platforms such as G2 and Capterra, indicating a significant market presence validated by real user experiences.
- Employee Size: Given the connection between a company’s income and its number of employees, we focused on businesses with more than 50 employees on LinkedIn.
| Vendors | Load Balancing | Single Sign-On (SSO) | Multi-Protocol Support | Deployment options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JSCAPE MFT by Redwood | ✅ | ✅ | OFTP2, HTTP/S | On-premise, Cloud, Hybrid |
| GlobalSCAPE Enhanced File Transfer | - | - | HTTP/S | On-premise, Cloud, Hybrid |
| Cleo Integration Cloud | ✅ | ✅ | HTTP/S | Cloud, Hybrid |
| Files.com | ✅ | ✅ | WebDAV | On-premise, Cloud |
| GoAnywhere | ✅ | ✅ | SCP | On-premise, Cloud, Hybrid |
Jscape MFT
JSCAPE MFT Server supports AS2 file transfers, ensuring secure and standardized B2B data exchange. It is Drummond-certified for AS2, providing encryption, digital signatures, and MDNs for data integrity and non-repudiation. For OFTP2, it offers high-speed transmission, compression, and encryption, making it ideal for automotive and manufacturing industries.
JSCAPE MFT server offers:
- Encryption for secure data transmission
- Multiple authentication methods for enhanced security
- Automation capabilities for streamlined workflows
- Support for various file transfer protocols ensuring compatibility
- Auditing and logging for compliance purposes
- High availability options for uninterrupted service
- Integration with other systems through APIs
- Security enhancements such as IP whitelisting
Pros1 :
- Other users mention that JSCAPE has been highly useful for powerful and easy business process automation, as well as for its ease of deployment.
- JSCAPE excels in transferring and managing files, offering a user-friendly and easy-to-use interface, with customizable encryption to suit business requirements.
- JSCAPE supports various protocols like FTP(S), SFTP, SCP, AFTP, OFTP, TFPT, HTTP/S, and is praised for its custom client and distinct and efficient web interfaces for both clients and administrators.
Cons:
- Some users find the UI challenging, and issues with large database management highlight the need for improved technological solutions.
- Users have experienced challenges in setting up a deployment pipeline for JSCAPE due to connection and server errors.
- One significant issue noted by users is managing a large database, over 6GB, with the only solution offered being time-consuming maintenance processes.
Cleo Integration Cloud
Cleo Integration Cloud offers business file transfer services, particularly for logistics, manufacturing, and wholesale. Cleo’s platform stands out for its ability to enhance business agility and improve partner relationships through end-to-end transaction visibility and proactive error resolution. Its user-friendly, low-code environment is designed for both IT and operations teams, offering pre-built integrations and an intuitive UI.
Pros2 :
- Cleo provides a user-friendly interface.
- The software’s reliability and responsive customer service are notable strengths.
Cons:
- Despite its user-friendly design based on standards and templates, the tool may limit customization for those requiring more code-based, tailored integration solutions.
- Other users report slowed processing with heavy data imports and reduced workflow efficiency; poor internet or server issues lead to automatic logouts without warning, and navigation within the software can be challenging.
Globalscape EFT
Globalscape EFT is distinguished by its workflow automation for secure file transfers. Fortra’s Globalscape Enhanced File Transfer (EFT) enhances operational efficiency and compliance, ensuring the safe exchange of sensitive files.
GlobalSCAPE’s EFT platform utilizes AS2, among other protocols, to ensure secure data transfers, featuring non-repudiation and message integrity checks. This makes it a choice for organizations looking to comply with various industry standards while maintaining secure and efficient data transfer processes.
Pros:3
- Users appreciate Globalscape EFT for its efficient file transmission capabilities, ensuring reliability and adaptability to meet the requirements of third-party applications through customizable workflows.
- Users value the platform’s seamless integration with third-party applications for file transportation, highlighting its comprehensive automation tools and secure document transfer capabilities.
Cons:
- Users report occasional complexities in integrating diverse systems, highlighting a need for improved compatibility and user-friendly configuration options.
- Users desire enhanced template creation features for more streamlined and customizable document and workflow management.
WinSCP
WinSCP is a file transfer solution tailored for Windows users. It supports protocols such as SFTP, FTP, WebDAV, and SCP. It excels in facilitating file transfers between local and remote systems, and its robust scripting capabilities and essential file management functions complement it.
WinSCP offers an intuitive interface that simplifies the complexity of file transfers, making it accessible for both technical and non-technical users. Whether for routine file management tasks or advanced automated operations, WinSCP provides a suite of features that enhance productivity and sensitive data, positioning it as suitable for Windows-based file transfer needs.
Pros:
- Highly useful for robust business process automation and offers easy and flexible deployment.
- Known for its user-friendly and easy-to-use interface, with customizable encryption to suit specific business requirements.
- Supports various file transfer protocols like FTP(S), SFTP, SCP, AFTP, OFTP, TFPT, HTTP/S, praised for its custom client options and efficient web interfaces for clients and administrators.
Cons:
- Some users find the UI challenging, indicating a need for a more intuitive design. 4
- Difficulties in managing large databases, especially over 6GB, requiring time-consuming maintenance processes.
- Users experience difficulty setting up deployment pipelines due to connection and server errors.
Figure 3: A user review for WinSCP 5
Files.com
Files.com offers a secure, cloud-based file transfer system, making it an ideal choice for both large and small-scale transactions. This versatile platform prioritizes the secure transfer of sensitive data and electronic business documents, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of your data. With its encrypted storage and customizable sharing options, Files.com provides a scalable solution that caters to diverse project needs.
Pros:
- Users are highly pleased with the dedicated developer team focused on cloud storage and file management.
- Users appreciate the ability to sync with Google Drive, facilitating easy sharing over the web and supporting efficient remote work.
Cons:
- Users perceive the platform’s speed as a result of a less cluttered UI, suggesting a limited range of features.
- Users find the frequent notifications, particularly during file deletions and renaming, to be overly persistent and annoying.
GoAnywhere MFT
GoAnywhere MFT is a secure file transfer automation software alternative that supports SFTP protocols. It enables users to automate file transfers efficiently and schedule workflows using either its built-in scheduler or existing scheduler software. The browser-based administrator enables the easy execution of authorized projects with a single click, streamlining workflow and file automation.
Pros:
- Users benefit from easy configuration and testing of AS2 and SFTP connections, simplifying troubleshooting and ensuring seamless connectivity.
- Tool simplifies file automation and administration with secure, latest protocols and user-friendly Project Workflow with drag-and-drop tasks.
Cons:
- Users may experience slow performance and difficulty implementing other programs due to the software’s large size and space requirements.
- Users may find it frustrating that certain functions require additional costs after purchase, despite initial expectations of a definite cost for all features.
What are the important features of AS2 Software Solutions?
- Data Encryption: AS2 software uses standard encryption methods to ensure that data is securely transmitted over the Internet, protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access.
- Digital Signatures: It employs digital signatures to authenticate the sender of the data, ensuring the integrity and non-repudiation of the transmitted data.
- Secure and Reliable Transport: AS2 operates over HTTPS, adding an additional layer of security through SSL/TLS. This ensures that data in transit is encrypted and secure from endpoint to endpoint.
- Interoperability: AS2 software allow for interoperability between different systems and software, facilitating seamless data exchange between businesses regardless of their underlying technologies.
- Asynchronous and Synchronous Communication: AS2 supports both asynchronous communication, where the response (MDN) is not immediately required and can be sent later, and synchronous communication, where the MDN is sent immediately after the message is received and processed.
- Payload Agnosticism: AS2 software are not limited to any specific data format, making it versatile for transmitting various types of documents, such as EDI, XML, JSON, binary files, etc.
Source: Advanced Systems Concepts6
FAQ
How does the AS2 software work?
AS2 software tools are instrumental in revolutionizing B2B communications, providing a high-quality, secure, and reliable method for exchanging sensitive information over the internet. These tools are built on the robust foundation of HTTP/HTTPS protocols, guaranteeing a seamless and high-quality data transmission process.
What are the benefits of using AS2 software?
AS2 software solutions provide businesses with valuable benefits, such as sensitive data, file server integration, and enhanced file integrity. They facilitate efficient EDI transmissions while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. AS2 prioritizes security, safeguarding sensitive files, and offers essential support for business operations.
What types of files can be exchanged through AS2?
AS2 was initially designed for the exchange of structured business documents, particularly Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) files. However, the AS2 specification does not limit itself to any specific file content. Businesses across various industries and sizes utilize AS2 for exchanging a wide range of file types, including XML, JSON, CSV, flat files, text files, and images, in addition to traditional EDI files.
What is AS2 protocol for managed file transfers?
The AS2 protocol is a secure file transfer protocol that leverages S/MIME capabilities for digital encryption, signatures, and non-repudiation. Unlike traditional FTP, SFTP, or FTPS, it operates over HTTP and HTTPS. AS2 is commonly used for exchanging files such as EDI files (e.g., X12 or EDIFACT) and various other formats including XML, JSON, CSV, flat files, text files, images, and binary files. It ensures file security through encryption and verifies authenticity via digital signatures. Additionally, signed receipts issued by the recipient provide legally valid evidence of non-repudiation. Similarly, the OFTP2 protocol is designed for secure data exchange, particularly in the automotive industry, and supports features like file compression, encryption, and digital signatures.
Are there limitations to AS2 tools?
Yes, there are limitations to AS2 software. While they excel in secure file transfer using popular file transfer protocols and digital signatures for EDI documents, they require both parties to have compatible systems, which can be a barrier in data exchanges.
Further Reading
- What is Managed File Transfer? Use Cases & Benefits
- Top 8 Managed File Transfer (MFT) Solutions
- Top 4 Globalscape Alternatives Based on 500+ Reviews
- Top 8 SFTP Server Software Based on 1,000+ Reviews
External Links
- 1. JSCAPE Reviews 2025. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra.
- 2. Cleo Integration Cloud Reviews 2025: Details, Pricing, & Features | G2.
- 3. Intuitive and Reliable | TrustRadius. TrustRadius
- 4. WinSCP Reviews 2025: Details, Pricing, & Features | G2.
- 5. WinSCP Reviews 2025: Details, Pricing, & Features | G2.
- 6. What Is AS2 And SFTP? Benefits And Use Cases Of EDI Protocols. ActiveBatch by Redwood
- 7. “Aayu Technologies” Aayu Technologies.
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