File Transfer – A Key Piece of the Technology Puzzle
When it comes to moving large and complex files, File Transfer is a key piece of the technology puzzle. Whether it’s transferring batch transactions to an outsourced payroll provider or digital video files for a marketing campaign, the right File Transfer solution can streamline business operations while keeping sensitive data safe from exposure and fraud.
The File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is the most popular method of sending and receiving computer files online. It’s been around for more than 50 years and is considered an integral part of the Internet infrastructure, allowing us to access many of today’s web-based services like web-based email, social media, streaming content, and more.
While FTP can be used for a wide range of purposes, its biggest strength is in the ability to efficiently transmit terabyte-sized files. This is a feature that sets it apart from other methods of file transmission such as peer-to-peer servers, sending files as attachments in emails, or using instant messaging programs.
FTP works by creating two separate connections between hosts. The first, the control connection, is a management channel that sends commands from the client to the server. The other, the data connection, transfers the actual files. This process allows users to download and upload files in bulk and continue working while the data is transferred.
Originally created as a protocol to move data over the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET), a precursor to the Internet, FTP has since been revised several times to accommodate advances in technology and new requirements for the Internet. Today, there are a wide variety of FTP clients available including free open-source options like FileZilla and Cyberduck, as well as paid applications like WS_FTP and CrossFTP.
While the popularity of FTP has declined in recent years as businesses turn to more secure solutions like SFTP and HTTPS, it continues to be an important part of the Internet infrastructure. This is due to the ability of FTP to transmit a wide range of files without needing special permissions or requiring a dedicated server.
For example, if a user wants to transfer large files that would be too big for an email, they can use FTP to send the file to a special upload or download site. Alternatively, the file can be sent to a peer through a program such as WeTransfer, which offers an easy way to share files without the need for an account.
File transfer is essential to the operation of many businesses. Businesses need to be able to exchange a wide variety of file formats with customers, partners, and employees on a regular basis. With the increasing volume and variety of file types, it is important that File Transfer solutions offer high performance capabilities as well as enterprise-grade security features to keep data protected and provide visibility into what is being shared.