GlobalSCAPE Managed Information Xchange

GlobalSCAPE Managed Information Xchange (starting at $299 per month) solves a very basic problem that still plagues many organizations today: how to securely transfer large files and sensitive data from one computer to another over the network without relying on consumer-focused storage services such as Dropbox. The hosted managed file transfer service makes it possible for businesses to remain compliant and track what files are being transferred through an easy-to-use and manage cloud platform.

It shouldn't be so tricky to transfer large amounts of data nowadays, but it is. For many businesses, emailing files isn't feasible, especially if the mail administrator blocks attachments, impose file size limits, or allocate smaller-than-desired mailbox quotas. (And considering how many malicious attachments masquerade as work-related files, reducing the number of attachments in your inbox is a good thing!) While cloud-based storage is an option, I don't think anyone advocates uploading patient data or customer lists to a personal Dropbox account. Burning DVDs and shipping them overnight is also possible, but not cost-effective or in any way efficient.

Businesses can always set up a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) server, but that network protocol is not secure (nor was it designed to be) and exposes the network to a range of attacks, including packet sniffing and brute-force attacks. FTP traffic is not encrypted and all transmissions are in clear text, making it easy for anyone to sniff login credentials and data being passed back and forth. Many organizations have shut down their FTP servers because it can be used by hackers as a backdoor into the network.

This is where managed file transfer comes in. MFT is a well-accepted method for employees to share business data directly, quickly, and securely because it protects the data while it is stored on the server as well as when it is being uploaded and downloaded. Businesses also have access to a plethora of administrative functions, including reporting, audits, automation, and performance monitoring.

Globalscape's MIX is a cloud-based MFT service taking advantage of secure infrastructure from Rackspace Hosting. With this service, businesses can outsource the entire file transfer infrastructure to a third-party and slash costs associated with setting up the servers and administering them. As a cloud-service, there is no client software for users to install and no server software for administrators to manage.

Features
MIX securely transfers files over public and private networks using encrypted file transfer protocols and securely stores files on the server using multiple data encryption methods. Administrators can create rules to track file transfer processes, log failed jobs, and detect new files as they are uploaded. The reporting module can create detailed reports on user and file transfer activity.

There are two interfaces in MIX: client and administrator. Users upload the files to the servers using the client interface. The two-panel layout is familiar to anyone who has ever used a graphical FTP client. The left panel has all the files located on the local machine and the right contains files currently saved on the server. Statistics for the transferred files are displayed on the bottom of the screen.

Administrators can use the management interface to create users on the system, use LDAP to import existing users, and manage their permissions. The system can generate a random password for the user or prompt the user to change it the first time they log in. The administrator can also define the user's default directory, as well as which directories the user has access to.

MIX supports multiple file transfer protocols including FTP/S, OFTP, SFTP, SCP, AS2, and HTTP/S. Pricing is pay as you go and starts at $299 a month.

For organizations that have to comply with specific compliance regulations, such as those in retail, healthcare, and financial services, the fact that data is transferred in a secured tunnel and protected is critical.

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