Top 9 Managed File Transfer Software Tested: See the Best One

Based on our MFT benchmark, features, pricing, and market presence metrics of leading solutions, we selected the top 9 MFT Software. Click the links to learn why they were selected:

File transfers are used in ~50% of system integrations. Managed File Transfer (MFT) technologies offer a reliable alternative to traditional FTP and HTTP protocols. We listed solutions with features that go beyond basic file transfer protocols by incorporating security measures, compliance tracking, and workflow automation to ensure data is safely transferred.

Comparison of top MFT Solutions

*Ratings are based on Capterra, Gartner, and G2.

Sorting: The vendors are listed according to their number of reviews, except sponsors with links, which are listed at the top.

Selection criteria:

• Employee Count: Products need to be produced by companies with more than 300 employees.
• References: For a proven track record, products need at least one Fortune 500 company as a reference.

Top 8 Managed File Transfer (MFT) solutions analyzed

JSCAPE

JSCAPE by Redwood is a Managed File Transfer (MFT) solution serving healthcare, financial services, retail, and government industries.

Key features:

• Protocol Support: Handles a variety of protocols including SFTP, FTP/S, AS2, HTTP/S, and WebDAV, ensuring compatibility across different systems.
• Platform Compatibility: It operates on multiple operating systems, including Windows, Linux/UNIX, Solaris, and MacOS X, and is capable of deployment on-premises, in the cloud, or as a SaaS solution.
• No File Type Restrictions: Transfers any file type, including large EDI files like XML, without size limitations.
• Audit and Compliance: Provides full audit trails of user and administrative activity, supporting compliance with HIPAA, PCI DSS, SOX, GDPR, and more.
• JSCAPE Triggers: Allows automation of file transfer and business processes without the need for custom scripting, enhancing operational efficiency and SLA fulfillment.

Choose JSCAPE for an enterprise-grade MFT solution with multi-OS support.

Cerberus FTP Server

Cerberus FTP Server enables organizations to achieve cost-effective file transfers thanks to its:

• Affordable pricing
• Support for compliance to standards like HIPAA and GDPR
• Features like audit trail generation

Key Features:

• Security: It supports encryption for data in transit and at rest, offers features like two-factor authentication (2FA), virus scanning integration, and rogue transfer detection to ensure secure file transfers.
• Automation and Integration: It includes robust automation options for scheduling transfers, event triggers, and integrates with Active Directory, LDAP, and cloud storage providers, making it suitable for complex workflows.
• User Management: Cerberus FTP provides flexible user account and permission management, allowing businesses to configure file access and manage user groups efficiently.

Choose Cerberus FTP server for a cost-effective, Windows-based MFT software.

GoAnywhere MFT

GoAnywhere Managed File Transfer (MFT) is a software solution by Fortra. It is designed to streamline and secure data exchange between systems, employees, customers, and trading partners.

For more read: What is managed file transfer by GoAnywhere?

Key Features:

• Protocol Support: Supports a wide range of protocols including SFTP, FTPS, HTTPS, AS2, and more.
• Automation and Workflow Capabilities: Advanced automation features for streamlining file transfers and related processes.
• Security: Provides end-to-end encryption, secure email, and two-factor authentication.

Stonebranch

Stonebranch offers a workload automation solution that enables companies to organize, automate, and synchronize IT tasks through a single integrated platform. It simplifies the management of workflows across multiple platforms and applications, even when data is stored in disparate locations. Its user-friendly drag-and-drop interface allows users to easily create workflows and manage the entire organization’s workload.

Key features:

• Command Center-Style Platform: Allows users to manage and monitor the entire IT environment from a single interface, making it easier to execute changes and restore systems without disruption.
• SaaS and On-Premise: The solution can be deployed as a cloud-based service or on-premises, giving flexibility to meet specific organizational needs and preferences.
• Data Pipeline Orchestration: Supports large-scale data operations, ensuring efficient management of complex data workflows.
• Stonebranch Integration Hub: Provides access to a community-driven source of integration blueprints, allowing users to extend functionality and customize integrations.
• Low-Code User Interface: Enables users to create and manage workflows with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, reducing the need for complex scripting.

Explore Stonebranch for an automation platform with workload automation and MFT capabilities, delivered as SaaS.

MOVEit

MOVEit Managed File Transfer (MFT) is a software solution designed to manage, view, and control all file transfer activities within an organization. MOVEit MFT provides a secure and compliant way for organizations to exchange sensitive data internally and externally with business partners, customers, or employees.

Read: Top 5 MOVEit Alternatives Based on 800+ Reviews

Key Features:

• End-to-End Encryption: Provides encryption for data at rest and in transit.
• Automation: Workflow automation for routine file transfer tasks.
• File Integrity Checking: Ensures files are not altered during transfer.

ActiveBatch

ActiveBatch is designed for automating job scheduling and managing workloads. It enables IT teams to automate tasks and job sequences across different platforms. This solution aids in the automation of application workflows throughout the entire IT infrastructure, including multi-cloud and on-premise environments. It serves as a unified tool for workload automation.

Source: ActiveBatch Automation Dashboard

Key Features:

• Integrated Jobs Library: Offers pre-built Job Steps for common file operations like MoveFile, CopyFile, For-Each-File, and IfFile, allowing for easy construction of file transfer workflows.
• Super REST API: Enables integration with other MFT solutions for managing scheduled and ad hoc file transfers.
• Business Applications: These are compatible with Microsoft’s application suite, ERP systems, BPM, and BI tools.
• Data Warehousing: Works with a variety of data systems including the Hadoop Ecosystem, SAP, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle Databases, Informatica, and IBM.
• IT Infrastructure: Supports both on-premises data centers (Windows, UNIX, IBM iSeries, AS/400) and cloud environments like VMware, Amazon EC2, and Microsoft Azure.
• Event-Driven Architecture: Advanced scheduling features streamline high-volume and complex data transfers.
• Automation Features: Includes parallel transfer capabilities, automatic restarts, and built-in checks for file authentication to improve SLAs.

Solarwinds Serv-U 

Serv-U is a file transfer protocol (FTP) server software that facilitates secure file transfers over the internet or within a private network.

Key Features:

• Security: Provides secure file transfer with encryption and firewall protection.
• Customization: Customizable web interfaces for branded user experiences.
• Integration: Can integrate with Active Directory and LDAP for user authentication.

Thru MFT by Dell Boomi

Thru Managed File Transfer (MFT) is a software solution designed to securely manage, send, and receive files within and outside an organization.

Key Features:

• Cloud Integration: Connects with various cloud storage services for seamless operations.
• Technical Features: Flexible external storage, though node setup can be intricate. Improved error messaging is needed.
• Performance: Comparable to on-prem FTP servers, strong real-world metrics.
• Storage Provisioning: It does not provide its own storage; it relies entirely on the resources the users supply.
• Anti-Virus Feature: Good anti-virus capability integrated into the system.

IBM Aspera

IBM Aspera Managed File Transfer (MFT) is a solution that facilitates the secure, fast, and reliable transfer of large files and data sets across wide area networks. This product integrates Aspera’s patented FASP (Fast and Secure Protocol) technology with features typically found in managed file transfer solutions, like automation, monitoring, and control over file transfers.

Key Features:

• High-Speed Transfer: Utilizes Aspera FASP technology for ultra-fast file transfer regardless of file size or network conditions
• Cloud Integration: Seamless integration with major cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud
• Automation and APIs: Robust API support for integration and automation.

How do you choose the right MFT tool for your business?

If you need to share files:

• with a few parties,
  • non-confidential data: Use free versions of cloud file transfer services like Files.com.
  • confidential data: Paid versions of cloud file transfer services offer a cost-effective solution. However, these bring on 3rd party cybersecurity risk
  • highly valuable confidential information: On-prem solutions like GoAnywhere MFT minimize 3rd party cloud related risks.
• with tens of different parties (e.g. remote locations of your business), business-critical, confidential data of
  • low volume (e.g. up to 1 TB): SaaS MFT solutions like Aspera provide easy maintenance and volume-based pricing
  • high volume: On-prem MFT solutions like Solarwinds Serv-U or Cerberus MFT can help save costs but bring on maintenance and update tasks to the tech team.

MFT Benchmark: 3 Vendors Comparison

See how we calculated these prices for the given data transfer volumes, excluding software maintenance/upgrade costs:

Pricing

Scenario 1: 500 GB File Transfer

• Data Transfer Volume: 500 GB/month
• Number of Parties: 5

Cerberus FTP:

Pricing: Starting at $1,499 annually for Professional Edition.

For transferring 500 GB between 5 parties:

• Fixed Cost: The cost remains $1,499 regardless of the data volume.

IBM Aspera:

For transferring 500 GB:

• Pay-as-you-go: The cost would be 500 GB * $0.95/GB = $475.00.
• Standard Plan: Even though the plan is for 1 TB, the full annual cost of $717.60 applies.

Serv-U:

Pricing: The cost starts at $3,192 per server for unlimited concurrent sessions.

For transferring 500 GB between 5 parties:

• Fixed Cost: The cost remains $3,192 regardless of the data volume.

Thru:

Thru offers custom pricing based on specific requirements.

For transferring 500 GB:

• Annual Cost: $645/month * 12 = $7,740 per year.

Observations

Among the options compared here, IBM Aspera’s pay-as-you-go plan is the most cost-effective option for businesses transferring 500 GB of data per month, costing them $475.00 annually. This plan is especially best suited for businesses that require scalability and cost control, but no persistent high-throughput needs.

IBM Aspera Standard Plan, costing $717.60 per year, becomes economical at around 1 TB of monthly data volume, offering additional features and fixed billing to heavy users.

Serv-U Managed File Transfer, at $3,192 per server per year, is more expensive but worth the cost to organizations operating within extremely regulated industries.

Thru, costing an annual fee of $7,740, is the most expensive reviewed option. It is priced to serve large companies that need advanced file sharing and integration features, though the cost might be prohibitive to smaller companies.

Alternatively, Cerberus FTP Server offers an entry-level price of $1,499 annually for its Professional Edition, and it is, therefore, an economical solution for businesses that need simple secure file transfer capabilities and moderate user and session requirements.

Scenario 2: 2000 GB File Transfer

• Data Transfer Volume: 2000 GB/month
• Number of Parties: 10

Cerberus FTP:

$3,299 annually for Enterprise Edition, but customized enterprise solutions are available for high-volume needs.

IBM Aspera:

For 2000 GB/month, using the “Advanced” plan might be necessary as it includes higher transfer volumes with additional features.

2000 GB/month is 24 TB/year. Therefore, the cost is 24 TB * $1,848/TB = $44,352 per year, or $3,696 per month

Serv-U:

$3,192 per server for unlimited concurrent sessions

For transferring 2000 GB between 10 parties:

Fixed Cost: $3,192 annually, regardless of data volume

Thru:

For transferring 2000 GB:

Annual Cost: Estimated at $645/month * 12 = $7,740 per year

Observations

For transferring 2000 GB of data monthly between 10 parties, the following observations and recommendations are made:

For most organizations, Serv-U Managed File Transfer at $3,192 annually offers the best value with its security features and cost-effectiveness. However, if the need for flexibility and scalability is paramount, Thru, at $7,740 annually, is a strong contender. For very high-volume and complex requirements, IBM Aspera’s Advanced Plan at $3,696 per month is recommended despite its higher cost.

Methodology

The methodology for the Managed File Transfer (MFT) benchmark follows a structured approach to ensure accurate, repeatable, and meaningful results. The details are outlined below:

Benchmark Environment:

Hardware and Network Specifications:

• CPU: 4 x 2.90 GHz
• Memory: 8 GB
• Network: 12.5 Gbit
• Disk Size: 256 GB
• Disk IOPS: 16,000
• Disk Throughput: 10,000 MiB/s

Observations:

• High Fluctuation: Across all regions, there is a notable fluctuation in speed, indicating that network performance can be highly variable depending on the time of day, network load, and other factors.
• Network Bottlenecks: The minimum speeds recorded (1 MB/s) suggest that network bottlenecks or other issues can significantly impact transfer performance, particularly for larger files or during peak times.
• Infrastructure Dependence: Regions like Singapore show higher average speeds, highlighting the importance of robust infrastructure for achieving consistent performance in MFT solutions.

5 key capabilities of managed file transfer software

AIMultiple identified top Managed File Transfer (MFT) solutions along with the key features that they provide:

• Security features which include end-to-end encryption, secure file transfer protocols (e.g., SFTP, HTTPS), and compliance with regulatory standards like GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI
• Compliance with industry-specific regulations by providing detailed audit trails, logging user activities, and generating comprehensive reports
• Automating file transfers and integrating with existing systems (e.g., ERP, CRM, cloud services)
• A simple and intuitive UI and a responsive support service.

Figure 1: A MFT tool infrastructure.¹

1- Data security

When choosing a managed file transfer tool, data security can be an important consideration. Data security ensures that sensitive data is safeguarded during transmission and storage. This sensitive data can include personally identifiable information (PII) or sensitive personal information (SPI). Protecting such information can be important for all industries, especially for healthcare and finance. To protect sensitive information, file transfers can need to be secure and follow the rules such as: 

• HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).
• PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard).
• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)
• SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley Act).

Hence, when looking for a managed file transfer solution, it’s important to consider whether the tool offers strong security features such as:

• Authentication: This feature ensures that only authorized people can access the files.
• Digital signing: This feature checks a file’s authenticity and ensures it has not been changed.
• Encryption: This feature can encrypt files and the network used to transmit files. Encryption converts plaintext into unreadable ciphertext using a cryptographic key. Encryption can provide security for data during transfer, ensuring unauthorized parties cannot read the data.

2- Secure file transfer automation

Almost all companies transfer files over computer networks. However, some organizations, like retail businesses, can need automated file transfers for third-party audits and security.

Automation helps businesses set rules for handling different types of files and schedule file transfer. When looking at MFT tools, consider capabilities such as:

• Rule-based file handling: This feature allows you to establish rules for handling different files, such as automatically encrypting certain files or sending a notification when a specific file type is transferred. Rule-based file handling can be set up for:
  • Files with certain keywords or phrases in the file name or content.
  • Files that are larger or smaller than a specified size.
  • Specific IP addresses or email addresses send or receive files.
  • Specific file kinds, such as DOC, JPEG, MP4, PDF, etc.
  • Files are delivered at a specified time of day or weekday.
• Scheduling: This feature allows you to schedule file transfers on a specific day and time, which can help ensure that files are transferred at the desired time.

3- Secure file transfer: Transfer protocol support

It is important to evaluate the tool’s support for different transfer protocols, such as standard and secure protocols, as different organizations can have different transfer protocol needs. For example, for B2B file transfer, AS2 can be preferred.

Standard protocols

• FTP: FTP is a network protocol that transfers files from one server to another across a TCP-based network, such as the Internet.
• HTTP: HTTP is a data transmission protocol used on the Internet. It serves as the cornerstone of the World Wide Web, transferring data from web servers to web browsers.

Also, secure transfer protocols are crucial if sensitive files are transferred.

 Secure transfer protocol support

• AS2 (Applicability Statement 2): AS2 is a protocol for transferring data over the Internet safely. It is widely used in the retail and manufacturing industries for safe EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) document exchange.
• FASP (Fast and Secure Protocol): Aspera created FASP, a proprietary file transmission protocol. It is intended to transport large data across long distances at high rates. It combines TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol) to achieve optimal transfer efficiency.
• FTPS (FTP Secure): FTP is an extension to FTP that provides functionality for the cryptographic protocols Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). It allows for the safe movement of files across a network.
• HTTPS (HTTP Secure): HTTPS is an HTTP extension that provides functionality for the cryptographic protocols Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). It enables secure data communication via the Internet.
• OFTP2 (Odette File Transfer Protocol version 2): OFTP2 is a secure file transfer standard used in the automotive and logistics industries. It is built on the OFTP (Odette File Transfer Protocol) standard and includes advanced security features like digital signing and encryption.
• SCP (Secure Copy Protocol): SCP is a secure file transfer protocol that sends and receives files from a remote server. SSH (Secure Shell) can be used for encryption and authentication.
• SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol): SFTP is an encrypted variant of FTP. It secures file transfers over the Internet using the SSH (Secure Shell) protocol.

4- Error handling and recovery

When choosing a controlled file transfer tool, it is important to think about how to handle and recover from errors. These features ensure that the file transfer process can continue even if something goes wrong. When assessing MFT software, check for the following features:

• Error handling: This functionality enables the utility to automatically detect and handle file transfer processes.
• Recovery: This feature enables the software to recover from failures and automatically continue the file transfer operation.
• Resumable transfers: This feature allows resume automatically stopped file transfer processes.

Figure 3. An MFT software error handler architecture. Upon failure, the MFT tool transfers the file to the error folder at any step in the workflow. ²

5- Management and monitoring

Management and monitoring let administrators set policies and permissions and keep an eye on and control all file transfers. When judging MFT tools based on their management and monitoring capabilities, look for features like:

• Alerts and notifications: The system sends alerts when certain scenarios occur, such as when a file transfer fails and/or a threshold is met.
• Central management console: Administrators can use this function to view and manage all file transfers from a single location.
• Reporting and analytics: This feature allows for extensive tracking and reporting of all file transfers, which is beneficial for compliance and auditing.

Disclaimers

• Prices for MFT tools are not shown in the table since vendors can provide customized quotations.
• IBM Sterling File Gateway was considered during the screening, but we could not have been able to access documentation on the company’s website.
• Seeburger BIS (Business Integration Suite) is not included in the list. We could not find funding or revenue information from reliable sources such as Crunchbase.
• We may have overlooked some MFT software that met the screening criteria. Please post a comment if this is the case, and we will consider adding them.

For those seeking free SFTP solutions to securely transfer files, a curated list of software options is available at this link. This resource provides detailed information to help you select the right tool that meets your security and functionality requirements.

If you have any further questions about managed file transfer tools and best practices, please do not hesitate to contact us:

Further reading

MFT solutions rely on proxies to route data between different stakeholders. If you are looking for a company that provides rotating and static proxies, check out proxy providers.

External Links

• 1. What is Managed File Transfer (MFT) - Independent Expert Advice.
• 2. Secure Delivery Managed File Transfer Using RoboMQ - RoboMQ. RoboMQ