Axway MFT: A Comprehensive Guide in '24

Managed File Transfer (MFT) plays a vital role within the file transfer solutions, catering to the secure and efficient movement of data across systems, crucial for businesses needing dependable, secure, and regulation-compliant data workflows. As business complexities and integration demands grow traditional protocols like FTP and HTTP fall short of current enterprise requirements.

This article provides an analysis of Axway Managed File Transfer (MFT), covering its functionalities, user experiences, strengths, weaknesses, and alternatives. It aims to offer an unbiased look for those considering updates to their file transfer solutions.

What is Axway Managed File Transfer?

Axway Managed File Transfer (MFT) is a software designed for the secure and efficient movement of data across different networks and systems. It addresses the challenges of transferring sensitive information by adhering to strict security protocols and data protection standards. This managed file transfer solution is recognized for its encryption capabilities, audit trails, and the automation of file transfer tasks, which work to minimize manual errors and enhance operational efficiency.

Figure 3. SecureTransport data flow protocols ¹

Axway MFT Capabilities

• SecureTransport: Axway SecureTransport designed to facilitate data transfers efficiently. It boasts fault-tolerance and availability features that are essential for meeting the demanding file transfer requirements of the organization.
• Transfer CFT: Axway Transfer CFT simplifies the task of linking applications across various platforms, operating systems, and geographical locations. It allows users to establish essential, high-volume data exchanges between applications using a versatile file transfer controller that supports multiple platforms and sites.
• Flow Manager: Axway Flow Manager centralizes the process of creating, managing, and overseeing data flows, reducing complexity and granting business users the convenience of a straightforward self-service interface for subscribing to and publishing data flows.
• Managed Cloud Services: Axway Managed Cloud Services provide the advantages of cloud technology, complemented by the expertise of a top-tier professional team. By entrusting the management of your MFT infrastructure to specialists in a secure cloud setting, you can significantly lower operational expenses.

Source: Axway MFT Website ²

Axway MFT Key Features

This segment outlines the principal services provided by Axway.

1. Secure Protocols Support: Offers support for secure file transfers such as SFTP, FTPS, and HTTPS to ensure data is encrypted during transit.
2. Automation Capabilities: Enables the automation of file transfer processes, including scheduling and event-triggered transfers, to streamline operations and reduce manual intervention.
3. Audit Trails and Reporting: Provides comprehensive logging and reporting features for full visibility into new file transfer flows, facilitating compliance with regulatory standards.
4. Data Encryption: Ensures data is protected both in transit and at rest, offering robust encryption methods to safeguard sensitive information.
5. Cloud and On-Premises Deployment: Deploy file transfers in managed cloud services or on-premises, offering flexibility based on organizational requirements and infrastructure.
6. Availability and Disaster Recovery: Ensures the system remains operational with minimal downtime, providing options for high availability setups and disaster recovery plans.
7. Compliance and Governance: Helps organizations comply with data protection regulations and internal governance policies by enforcing secure file transfers.

Source: Axway MFT Website ³

Recent Updates

• The tool’s Q2 2023 release showcases the company’s commitment to evolving the managed file transfer flows to meet modern integration needs, focusing on business users experience enhancements and technology adoption.​⁴
• Leveraging cloud technologies, the tool aims to modernize organizations’ data exchange processes, offering features like improved data visualization, self-service capabilities, and predictive analytics for data flow issues.⁵

Table 1. User ratings

Customer Reviews

Pros:

• Users commend the software for encrypted transfers, flexibility in file handling, and seamless integration with MFT solutions for secure, swift partner exchanges.⁶

• Users appreciate the software’s streamlined document transport and migration, ensuring ease, security, and speed, with straightforward UI and quick server setup.⁷

• Business users appreciate the tool’s ability to centralize communications, streamline security through simplified port management, and enhance safety by transitioning from FTP to SFTP.⁸

Cons:

• Users find room for improvement in the solution’s troubleshooting, citing limited error details for failed transfers and a basic scheduling system that lacks flexibility for complex MFT needs.⁹

• Users note the initial setup of the tool as complex.¹⁰

• Users experience challenges with logging and reporting, particularly in tracing and resuming failed steps in complex routing scenarios, indicating a need for enhanced diagnostic features.

Alternatives

Considering alternatives before finalizing the decision is an important step. This section introduces a variety of options that serve as alternatives, aimed at providing a broad perspective for those evaluating managed file transfer solutions.

JSCAPE MFT Server by Redwood

JSCAPE delivers a versatile and secure platform for managing file transfers, supporting a range of protocols to ensure efficient and safe data exchanges. Explore JSCAPE with a free trial.

Globalscape EFT

This alternative offers a secure and comprehensive managed file transfer platform, providing businesses with robust security features, and compliance with various regulatory standards.

Read: Top 4 Globalscape Alternatives in ’24 Based on 500+ Reviews

MOVEit by Ipswitch

MOVEit provides secure file transfer solutions designed to meet the needs of businesses requiring efficient management of sensitive data, with a focus on automation, compliance, and secure collaboration between internal and external parties.

Read: Top 5 MOVEit Alternatives in 2024 Based on 800+ Reviews

Fortra’s GoAnywhere MFT

GoAnywhere MFT optimizes file transfers with a focus on automated processes and adherence to regulatory standards.

Read: Top 10 GoAnywhere Alternatives in 2024 Based on 1,000+ Reviews

Cerberus FTP Server

Focuses on security and ease of use, offering encryption, event notification, and compliance with industry standards like PCI DSS and HIPAA.

Thru MFT by Dell Boomi

Known for its managed cloud services, offering secure file transfer with extensive integration capabilities across different platforms and applications.

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Further Reading

• What is Managed File Transfer? Use Cases & Benefits in 2024
• Top 8 Managed File Transfer (MFT) Solutions in 2024
• Top 6 AS2 Software Solutions in 2024: Picks from 400+ Reviews
• Top 8 SFTP Server Software in 2024 Based on 1,000+ Reviews

External Links:

External Links

• 1. “Concepts Guide”
• 2. “Axway MFT Services”
• 3. “Axway MFT Services”
• 4. “Release Q2”
• 5. “Axway Press Releases”
• 6. “G2 Customer Reviews”
• 7. “G2 Customer Reviews”
• 8. “Peerspot Customer Reviews”
• 9. “Peerspot Customer Reviews of Axway MFT”
• 10. “Peerspot Customer Reviews of Axway MFT”