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In our last few blog posts, we’ve explored potential options and solutions for file transfer platforms. However, we wanted to specifically emphasize the comparison between MFT (Managed File Transfer)/MFTaaS (Managed File Transfer as a Service) and EFSS (Enterprise File Sync and Share).
Some key terms we hear regularly in IT conversations - specifically about data/information or file sharing/transfer - are MFT (Managed File Transfer), MFTaaS (Managed File Transfer as a Service) and EFSS (Enterprise File Sync and Share). Both MFT and EFSS can be implemented on premise, in the public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, while MFTaaS is marketed as a SaaS option where your organization is procuring the management and software from a vendor such as Sharetru to remove the additional management load of infrastructure, platform, configuration and monitoring from administrators. Additionally, all these solutions are going to be used for transferring or sharing data/information, files, etc. to/from multiple devices, locations, users, organizations, but EFSS stands in contrast to MFT/MFTaaS.
An additional concern for IT being burdened with the task of deciding if EFSS or MFT/MFTaaS is the more secure option. This is caused by the rise of external information security regulations and internal increases in security posture requiring more robust cybersecurity defense. There is confusion around the resemblance of these solutions. Can these solutions be used synonymously? When should you use one or the other? Do these solutions do the same thing? We wrote this blog to hopefully clear up some of these questions!
Yes - EFSS and MFT/MFTaaS have similar features. However, MFT/MFTaaS serves a primary purpose of securing and automating arrays of file transfers amongst customers, partners, and systems on a range of platforms, and can help an organization automate these transfers across multiple protocols.
Enterprise File Sync and Share (EFSS) demand is growing due to the increase of organizations employees – and their devices – being mobile. This solution seems ideal for team environments with the availability of free tools along with the convenience. Unfortunately, the regulatory fines could hinder operations when these tools are not used correctly. Additionally, EFSS platforms can be difficult to secure, and account for a large amount of shadow IT file transfer services as most users can get their own free accounts.
EFSS enables users to share and sync files, information, documents, etc. between devices and with partners, employees, and customers. Organizations can implement this solution using the cloud, on-premise or hybrid infrastructures based on the compliance or security requirements. Often, an organization will provide an EFSS solution to keep their employees from using consumer file sharing tools like Google Drive, OneDrive, etc. as these cannot be administered by IT.
Almost all the time, Enterprise File Sync and Share (EFSS) have features that allow users to comment, edit, and/or track version variations using workflow functionality – hence they are sometimes referred to as collaboration platforms They often include security features like encryption, containerization, and authentication. In some instances, IT can implement granular access policies that control who can access what. For manual work that requires a lot of changes across teams, an EFSS solution can be helpful.
This determination is based on the specific platform chosen for your organization but the most common features for EFSS are the following:
Collaborative team environments are usually when EFSS is most applicable. Your organization should think about choosing EFSS over MFT/MFTaas when:
Managed File Transfer (MFT)/Managed File Transfer as a Service (MFTaaS) allows organizations to reliably secure and automate the transfer of data, files, etc. across systems, processes, and users. These solutions provide more control over end-user access control and provisioning than a simple collaboration tool.
Managed File Transfer (MFT) means that IT administrators are not building their own security parameters from scratch, managing automation scripts, or configuring network protocols. MFT brings all these features into an easy-to-use software that streamlines enterprise organization file and data transfer. This solution can be on-premise or in the cloud.
When MFT is based in the cloud and your organization has hired a third party to manage the infrastructure, platform, patching, security updates, and development, it’s called Managed File Transfer as a Service (MFTaaS). This solution applies the software as a service (SaaS) concept to MFT. This can be accessed from any browser or computer connected to the platform via file transfer protocols such as FTP, SFTP, FTPS, or FTPeS, and perhaps older deprecated protocols.
The following features are typically included with most Managed File Transfer solutions:
Organizations ranging from Small, to Midsized, to Enterprise level businesses can benefit from an MFT/MFTaaS and should decide if choosing MFT/MFTaaS over EFSS is the best option when:
These are important questions to ask when deciding if your organization needs EFSS or a more secure solution like MFT/MFTaaS:
You want to ensure you get the best file sharing option for your business. To do that you must select the solution that provides the greatest level of security and support to ensure using either an EFSS or MFT/MFTaaS solution is easy for your employees, partners, and clients. To learn more about how Sharetru can enable your organization to Share with Confidence™ contact us today!
