In the rapidly evolving landscape of business, where data serves as the lifeblood of organizations, the secure and efficient transfer of files has become paramount. As the demands for speed, scale, and compliance continue to grow, businesses of all sizes must embrace modern managed file transfer (MFT) solutions.
These solutions provide the necessary automation, visibility, and integration to ensure that data can be securely exchanged between systems and partners, enabling seamless operations and regulatory adherence. In this blog, we will explore the future of managed file transfer and its crucial role in driving the success of your business in today’s hyperconnected world.
Understanding Managed File Transfer (MFT)
Managed file transfer (MFT) is the bedrock for securely exchanging electronic data between systems and individuals, while adhering to regulatory and compliance requirements. It encompasses various data types, including sensitive information like ePHI (electronically Protected Health Information), payment processing data, large volumes of data, internal documents, and external files.
Without proper MFT software, your unstructured data, including reports, contacts, project data, and customer/employee information, is susceptible to loss and manipulation. Ensuring effective document transfer with a comprehensive audit trail between internal systems and external partners is vital for business success and compliance.
All Businesses Rely on File Transfer
Did you know that 55% of all systems integration is still done through file transfer? Whether your business is on the Fortune 100 or not, you exchange files every minute – whether internally between systems or externally with customers and trading partners. Additionally, the size and number of files being exchanged are expanding rapidly due to today’s business’s hyperconnected, fast-paced nature. These files must be secure at rest and in transit to ensure the safety of your data and your customers.
Companies Struggle with Managed File Transfer
Despite the critical role MFT plays, many businesses continue to use old or in-house developed technologies that hinder operational scalability.
Insufficient security standards and procedures in file transfer expose organizations to compliance risks, making it challenging to pass critical assessments.
In order to manage and maintain the code, teams must make excessively manual efforts, which leaves their MFT environment lacking in visibility, monitoring, and governance. Businesses experience poor customer service and face challenges in meeting the file transfer requirements of their trading partners.
Security Challenges Demand Change
This year, the cost of a data breach has reached an all-time high of $4.35 million globally and $9.44 Million in the U.S., according to the 2022 IBM and Ponemon Institute As security threats mount, so do compliance and governance requirements. The requirement to safeguard against previously unheard-of cyber security risks and threats coincides with the rising need for file transfer capabilities. Better governance of file exchanges is under strain as compliance standards and security regulations are tightened.
The number of endpoints businesses must manage grows each year, and devices have rapidly spread across the globe, increasing the complexity of monitoring and management. The interfaces of yesterday cannot support the transformational business needs of today.
Don’t wait for failure to adopt a secure MFT Solution
The size and volume of files being exchanged are increasing due to today’s hyperconnected environment, which frequently puts a burden on enterprises of all sizes. The proliferation of devices and endpoints around the world adds to this complexity. Business customers want straightforward and cutting-edge interfaces that complement their workflows as the needs of the workforce change, and they grow more technically advanced.
Despite the fact that file transfers are essential to operating a modern business, it frequently takes a compelling event, such as a failed security audit, a lost file, or a project that requires more speed and scale than FTP can provide, before most organizations consider implementing a true MFT solution.
Why trusted Managed File Transfer matters
To succeed in today’s competitive business climate, it is crucial to have the necessary security and governance capabilities to safeguard your company and earn the trust of your clients and business partners. By integrating data mobility across your on-premises, hybrid-cloud, and cloud systems, you can remove obstacles to modernization and streamline your operations.
IBM Sterling Secure File Transfer provides a unified file transfer platform to securely share and track mission-critical information movement within your enterprise and across your partner network. It affords you a trusted managed file transfer (MFT) solution on your journey to becoming an MFT Center of Excellence. Businesses can finally securely share and track important data movement in the cloud, hybrid cloud, or on-premises with secure managed file transfer solutions from IBM and Eliassen Group.
Every organization is now on an MFT journey
In the era of 24-hour commerce, there is now a vast amount of information being exchanged rapidly. Overnight file transfers are making way for an uninterrupted stream of vital information flowing to businesses worldwide. Organizations face the challenges of managing and securing a vast amount of important, time-sensitive data in various formats.
MFT brings security, reliability, and governance to the movement of files inside and outside your business. As demands increase and your business grows and matures, MFT becomes increasingly essential. With IBM Sterling Secure File Transfer, you gain access to a unified, secure file transfer platform. You get battle-tested security that secures files at rest and in transit to comply with regulations and safeguard their data.
Benefits of IBM Sterling Secure File Transfer:
By utilizing IBM Sterling Secure File Transfer, you can secure files at rest and in transit, meeting compliance requirements and protecting your sensitive data. This enterprise-grade security protects your most sensitive data using a proprietary system that has never been breached. With cybersecurity standards accepted by the world’s leading financial institutions, you can effortlessly meet regulatory compliance requirements.
IBM Sterling Secure File Transfer helps reduce risk proactively through end-to-end visibility and governance. With increased visibility provided by a single dashboard, your staff can receive early alerts and respond rapidly to any issues or outages. This unified system of record bridges the gap between diverse MFT systems, ensuring seamless integration and management.
Do you have questions about MFT?
Eliassen Group provides expert guidance and consultation before, during, and after the deployment of your Secure File Transfer solution. We are an IBM Platinum Business Partner with extensive experience with IBM Sterling Managed File Transfer solutions.
Regardless of the size of your business, we can provide you with the most effective, safe file transfer solution with our all-inclusive, end-to-end Managed File Transfer Consulting Services. We’ll collaborate with you to ensure a quick and efficient implementation and boost ROI.
We’re dedicated to our customer’s success and have services to help you at every turn.