Article updated this summer with 3 new software.
Managed File Transfer (MFT) ) is an essential technology for businesses that need to transfer files securely and centrally. MFT solutions offer advanced features for managing, automating and securing data exchanges. This article compares the main MFT solutions on the market, namely Axway, MOVEit, Cléo, Coviant, GoAnywhere MFT and Globalscape, analysing their key features and functions.
A few notes before reading this comparison.
We would like to point out that we have been a GoAnywhere MFT integrator and Fortra partner for over 12 years, but this article will remain neutral and transparent. The information comes from a variety of sources, all of which will be mentioned at the end of this article.
Please note that the list of features and file transfer solutions is not exhaustive.
Enjoy your reading!
Table of contents
The MFT market
According to Gartner, in 2019, the managed file transfer (MFT) software market grew by 4.8% in current U.S. dollars to reach over $1 billion — well below the application infrastructure and middleware market average growth of 13.1%. Despite this relative slow growth, organizations of all sizes continue to invest in MFT platforms that enable secure and private transportation of files — across size and volume levels — internally and externally. Key reasons for adoption include the following:
- Exponential explosion of data, information, devices, endpoints and channels being created today will continue. As a result, there is simply more information that needs to be transported.
- People and organizations are collaborating and sharing more information than ever before, and this is being facilitated by technology.
- Companies are increasingly struggling to manage scripts, including manually managing X.509 certificates used for Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) and FTP servers to move files. MFT suites manage and improve the transportation process.
- Pervasive integration, move to hybrid integration platforms continue to underscore the need for MFT technology.
- MFT vendors are starting to add data processing capabilities that compete with enterprise service bus (ESB)/extract, transform, load (ETL) software offerings.
- MFT technology is mature and relatively simple to use. Despite the growth of API-based realtime data integration patterns and modern messaging platforms, organizations are still finding the need for secure, bulk-and-batch orientated movement.
Increased data security regulations and standards. Government requirements and increased cyber-attacks are driving the development of file transfer software (MFT). Benefits such as modular architecture, business applications, cost-effectiveness, improved records management, integrated interfaces, and the adoption of advanced performance-enhancing technologies are also strengthening this market.
Increased adoption of the cloud. The rise in sensitive data is increasing the need for data security, driving the market. Cost-effectiveness and improved performance for end-users are other important drivers of growth.
There are a number of companies providing product comparisons based on the opinions and technical knowledge of users who are familiar with the products.
We will take a brief look at G2 and Info-Tech Research Group.
Info-Tech Research Group
Info-Tech Research Group is an IT research and consultancy company.
Through their tools, models, methodologies, benchmarking and diagnostic programs, training and executive coaching, the company helps businesses and IT departments improve their operations.
Info-Tech offers services and products that include research, consultancy and the tools needed to help IT managers and management teams make informed decisions and optimise their IT processes and strategies.
Info-Tech’s research reports focus on a variety of technology topics, such as project management, IT security, infrastructure, vendor management and more.
Here, we take a look at the ‘Data Quadrant’ of the ‘Top Managed File Transfer – Enterprise (MFT) Software’ report from March 2024.
The data in this report was collected from end users. Their views have been thoroughly verified and analysed, and presented in tabular and graphical form.
Each product is compared to all other products in the category to create a holistic and unbiased view of the product landscape.
Some products are not represented on this frame, but the opinions are detailed in the report, which includes supplier capabilities, satisfaction, performance and product features.
We can nevertheless see GoAnywhere MFT, Progress MOVEit and ShareFile at the top of the list.
You can find a comparison of the following solutions in the report:
The report is not available for free download. We can provide you with it and the previous reports (2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019). Send your request to marketing@bluefinch-esbd.com. You will receive the report within 24 hours.
G2
G2 is a software rating and comparison platform based on user reviews. G2 collects and publishes reviews of various software and technology services, helping businesses make decisions when purchasing software solutions.
G2 provides articles, guides, industry reports, case studies and educational resources to help businesses understand technology market trends and choose the solutions best suited to their needs.
There is no report as such, but the comparative grids are well designed, as is the website, allowing several solutions to be compared at the same time.
The first grid, G2 Grid®, shows the best file transfer software (MFT). G2 rates products and vendors based on reviews from our community of users, as well as data aggregated from online sources and social networks.
These include Progress MOVEit, Axway and GoAnywhere MFT.
The second grid, Momentum Grid®, identifies products that are on a high growth trajectory based on user satisfaction scores, employee growth and digital presence.
We find Coviant, Progress MOVEit and GoAnywhere MFT in this sphere.
File transfer solutions comparison
Axway Managed File Transfer
‘Axway Managed File Transfer (MFT) enables you to manage and control the way your business sends and receives data, while ensuring data protection and compliance. Axway has been defining MFT technology for over 20 years.
Today, you can grow your business with scalable, API-driven file transfer solutions that deliver speed, simplicity and security. Do more with Axway’s proven MFT gateway, controller and operational intelligence capabilities, or let us do it for you with our MFT Managed Cloud services.’
Features :
- Advanced Security: Axway MFT offers robust encryption options such as SSL/TLS and PGP to protect data in transit and at rest.
- Compliance: Supports a variety of compliance standards, including GDPR, HIPAA, SOX, and PCI DSS.
- Automation: Provides powerful tools for automating file transfer workflows, reducing manual intervention.
- Integration: Integrates easily with ERP, CRM and other enterprise applications.
- Audit and Monitoring: Provides real-time reporting and monitoring capabilities to track file transfers and generate audit reports.
Top 3 benefits:
- Excellent security and compliance
- Powerful automation tools
- Good integration with other systems
Disadvantages:
- Potentially high cost
- Learning curve for new users
Progress MOVEit
‘Progress MOVEit is file transfer management software that consolidates all file transfer activities into a single system to provide greater management control over critical business processes. It provides the security, centralised access controls, file encryption and activity tracking needed to ensure operational reliability and compliance with SLAs, internal governance and regulatory requirements.
Progress MOVEit Automation works with MOVEit Managed File Transfer or FTP systems to provide advanced workflow automation capabilities without the need for scripting. MOVEit Automation accelerates the deployment of new services and the integration of new external data sharing partners by reducing development time while significantly reducing the likelihood of errors.’
Features :
- Security and Encryption: Uses advanced security protocols such as SSL/TLS and PGP to guarantee the confidentiality and integrity of transferred files.
- Automation: MOVEit Automation allows you to create automated workflows to manage file transfers without manual intervention.
- Compliance: Ensures compliance with regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA and SOX.
- Ease of use: Intuitive user interface, making it easy to configure and manage file transfers.
- Integration: Integrates with network monitoring solutions, ERP systems, and other enterprise applications via RESTful APIs.
Top 3 benefits:
- Intuitive user interface
- Excellent automation capabilities
- Strong security and compliance
Disadvantages:
- Licence and maintenance costs
- Some limitations in integration with specific systems
Cléo Integration Cloud
‘Cleo Integration Cloud (CIC) is a cloud-based integration platform designed to design, build, operate and optimise integration processes for critical ecosystems. Each business ecosystem operates with different systems, applications and processes. The CIC platform provides complete end-to-end integration visibility across EDI, non-EDI and API integrations, giving technical and business users the confidence to rapidly onboard trading partners, enable integration between applications and accelerate revenue-generating business processes. This centralised, enterprise-level solution is accompanied by flexible options for self-service, managed services or a blended approach – ensuring ease and control of their integration strategy.
While expanding your enterprise network, this solution can help you save time and money, enhance data security and comply with unique integration requirements.’
Features:
- Cloud Platform: Cloud-based solution offering flexibility and easy scalability.
- Security and Compliance: Provides end-to-end security with advanced encryption protocols and supports key compliance regulations.
- Automation and Orchestration: Provides workflow automation and orchestration capabilities to simplify the management of file transfers.
- Visibility and Control: Provides complete visibility of file transfers with interactive dashboards and reporting capabilities.
- Integration: Integrates with a wide range of enterprise applications and data management systems.
Top 3 benefits:
- Flexibility and scalability thanks to the cloud platform
- Powerful tools for automation and orchestration
- High visibility and reporting capabilities
Cons:
- Dependence on internet connectivity for cloud services
- Potential complexity in advanced configurations
Coviant Diplomat Managed File Transfer
‘Coviant Software’s Diplomat MFT is a secure file transfer solution. We use standard secure protocols such as SFTP, PGP encryption, 2FA, and we deploy behind your firewall. We also automate essential security processes such as encryption/decryption, recipient confirmation, alerts, etc. And in over twenty years, Diplomat MFT has never let its customers down with a data breach. We prioritise ‘security by design’ to protect your data and your organisation.
Diplomat MFT supports most standard file transfer protocols and works with all cloud storage and service providers, including Amazon S3, Azure Files, Google Cloud Storage, Oracle Cloud Storage, Citrix ShareFile, Box, Dropbox and many more.
Diplomat MFT features an enterprise-class scheduler that combines alerts, audits and visibility to smoothly and reliably automate managed and secure file transfer workflows. With easy no-code integration and a simple user interface, Diplomat MFT incorporates two decades of experience in providing solutions to satisfied and loyal customers worldwide.’
Features :
- Enhanced security: End-to-end encryption using protocols such as SSL/TLS and PGP.
- Automation: Robust file transfer automation capabilities, with an intuitive user interface for creating workflows.
- Compliance: Supports compliance requirements such as GDPR, HIPAA, and SOX.
- Cost-effective: Provides a cost-competitive MFT solution, ideal for small and medium-sized businesses.
- Simplicity and Accessibility: Simple, easy-to-use interface, enabling rapid adoption and efficient management.
Top 3 benefits:
- Good value for money
- Simple, intuitive user interface
- Robust automation features
Cons:
- Limited functionality compared to more expensive solutions
- Fewer advanced integration options
GoAnywhere Managed File Transfer
‘Fortra’s GoAnywhere MFT is award-winning managed file transfer software that streamlines, secures and automates business-critical file transfers through a centralized, enterprise-level solution. It is the fastest growing MFT product in the world. It enables businesses to easily connect to internal and external systems and exchange encrypted data using standard protocols (e.g. OpenPGP, AES, FTPS, SFTP, HTTPS, AS2/AS3/AS4 and GPG).
GoAnywhere MFT goes beyond securing file transfers and works seamlessly with the applications you need every day, such as EDI and cloud integration. This solution can save you time and money, improve data security and help you meet compliance requirements, as well as securing data-centric and zero-trust architectures. With our MFTaaS option, we manage the infrastructure and implementation you leverage our enterprise MFT platform as part of a hosted deployment.’
Features :
- Security and Compliance: Advanced encryption protocol, support for compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, etc.
- Automation: Automation of file transfer processes and workflows.
- Integration: Integrates with ERP, CRM, databases and cloud platforms.
- Centralised management: Single interface to manage and monitor all file transfers.
- Extensibility: Connectors for various protocols and file formats.
Top 3 benefits :
- Robust security and compliance
- Easy integration with various systems
- Efficient automation and planning
Cons:
- Implementation can be complex and training may be required
- Performance can be affected by the underlying infrastructure
- Costly solution for small and medium-sized businesses
Globalscape Enhanced File Transfer (EFT)
Globalscape’s file transfer solution makes it easy to administer, schedule and monitor file transfers. Globalscape EFT can reduce the complexity of your file transfer infrastructure, increase operational efficiency and protect your most important data.
Features :
- Security: SSL/TLS, SSH, PGP, and other encryption methods for data protection.
- Compliance: Supports compliance requirements such as GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and SOX.
- Automation: Tools to automate file transfers and workflows.
- Integration: Easy integration with ERP, CRM, and other enterprise applications.
- Monitoring and Reporting: Advanced monitoring and reporting capabilities to track and audit file transfers.
Benefits:
- Robust security and compliance
- Powerful automation and integration tools
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- High cost for large enterprises
- Initial configuration can be complex
IBM Sterling Secure File Transfer or Data Exchange
“IBM Sterling Secure File Transfer offers a unified file transfer platform that allows you to share critical information within your organisation and your network of business partners and track its movement with complete peace of mind. Enjoy the benefits of an acclaimed managed file transfer solution.”
Features:
Security: Encryption of data in transit and at rest (TLS, SSH, PGP, etc.).
High availability and scalability: Cluster architecture with redundancy, suitable for large enterprises.
Workflow automation: Creation of business rules and scheduling of complex transfers.
Traceability and auditing: Detailed logs, time stamps, real-time alerts.
B2B/EDI integration: support for EDI, AS2, SFTP, FTPs, HTTPs, etc. protocols.
Centralised management console: web interface to monitor, control and administer all exchanges.
Regulatory compliance: integrated governance tools to meet requirements (SOX, HIPAA, etc.).
Secure internal/external sharing: user rights control and LDAP/AD integration for access management
Benefits:
- Widely used in large companies for massive volumes of critical transfers.
- High security, with authentication and identity management in addition to support for B2B protocols (EDI, AS2, etc.).
- Good integration capabilities with ERP and middleware.
Cons:
- High licence and maintenance costs
- Complex implementation with heavy integrations – specialised IBM skills required
- Despite a web console, the UX remains less modern and intuitive than some competing solutions
Thru
“From the outset, Thru’s cloud-native MFT solutions have been designed for businesses with security, integration, flexibility and scalability at their core. The web-based, code-free configuration and management application simplifies and accelerates integrations. Thru recently completed a SOC 2 Type 1 audit, building on years of rigorous third-party assessments to ensure the highest standards of security and compliance for our users.”
Features:
- Data protection: End-to-end encryption ensures data security during transfer and at rest.
- Authentication controls: Features such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) and role-based access controls (RBAC) enhance security by managing and monitoring access to sensitive information.
- Audit trails: Comprehensive logging and reporting for accountability and compliance.
- Compliance: Strict compliance standards, helping organisations meet requirements such as SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, and others.
- Infinite scalability: A Thru instance dynamically scales to meet growing file transfer needs. It is not tied to a single virtual machine.
- Continuous updates with zero downtime: Constant, transparent feature and security updates strengthen defences against emerging threats without disrupting operations.
- API-focused: Every feature has an API and can therefore be fully programmed for a connected IT landscape.
- Hybrid architecture option: On-premises MFT agents are controlled by the cloud.
Benefits:
- Intuitive, modern interface and powerful APIs
- Controlled cost for SMEs/mid-market companies
- Modern cloud-native solution
Cons:
- Less suitable for very large volumes or critical environments
- Limited or complex B2B features (EDI, AS2, etc.)
Files.com
«Files.com is the enterprise file platform that helps data, IT, and engineering teams simplify and automate file delivery across systems, teams, and partners, without code or servers to manage. Our cloud-native SaaS platform facilitates secure file transfer, sharing and integration at scale, so your critical business processes work every time. From large-scale data pipelines to partner file exchanges, Files.com connects everything — with powerful automation, instant integrations and built-in enterprise-grade security.
Data teams can eliminate manual file management with event-based triggers and scheduled automation, and can easily push, pull, or mount files as part of larger workflows. Create no-code workflows for common use cases or leverage advanced automation via our API, CLI, and SDKs.
With new iPaaS integrations, including Boomi, MuleSoft, and Terraform, Files.com also integrates seamlessly into modern infrastructure-as-code environments, making it easy to deploy and manage large-scale file workflows.»
Features:
- Secure cloud platform: Hosted SaaS (AWS), with AES 256 and TLS encryption as standard.
- Transfer automation: Scheduling, triggers, built-in scripts to automate workflows.
- Connectivity: SFTP, FTPS, WebDAV, Amazon S3, Azure Blob, Google Cloud, Dropbox, etc.
- Customisable user portal: Web interfaces for file upload and retrieval.
- Detailed auditing and logging: Comprehensive logs, alerts, real-time monitoring.
- User management: Integration with Active Directory, SSO, granular permission management.
- External collaboration: Secure links, expiry, sending to third parties without accounts.
- SDK/API and Webhooks: Full control via REST API and advanced automation.
Benefits:
- Excellente connectivité cloud & stockage hybride
- Déploiement rapide et sans infrastructure
- Expérience utilisateur fluide et interface moderne
Cons:
- Less robust and limited functionality for large volumes
- SaaS model only
Conclusion
The choice of MFT solution depends on the specific needs of each company.
Evaluating these solutions against your specific requirements for security, compliance, automation, integration and cost will help you select the most appropriate MFT solution for your organisation.
BlueFinch-ESBD works primarily with large and medium-sized organisations requiring a file transfer solution. We provide advice and assistance at every stage of your project. From the audit to the migration and knowledge-sharing with your staff, our teams will guide you to ensure that your teams get to grips with the system easily and efficiently.
If you’d like to find out more about GoAnywhere and arrange a demonstration, don’t hesitate to book an appointment online.
