In the past, FTP provided a solution for remote access to files on a file server, but in today's modern technical environment, this is no longer sufficient.
A construction company in Canada has been in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) business for more than 30 years. The construction files CAD or SketchUp diagrams are quite large. Engineering workflows require uploading and transmitting documents for approval during a design project. For historical reasons, the company still relies on FTP to transfer these large files. As time goes on, the problem with FTP transfer becomes more apparent. Growing security concerns and a desire to improve productivity lead the company to look for a better alternative file access solution.
"Everybody globally has access to the same files which are all up-to-date and accurate, from a system that’s also secure and easy to implement. "
- CHRISTOPHER JESMAN
Director, Panorama Antennas
FTP does not provide a secure channel for file transfer. When data is transferred using this protocol, it is not encrypted so your sensitive data can be extremely vulnerable to attack. User names, passwords, and files are all transferred in plain text, which makes it easy for hackers to access your information.
Security is essential when it comes to transferring internal data. If data is not protected, it is vulnerable to brute force or spoofing attacks. Hackers can crack weak and commonly used passwords, and servers can be tricked into sending data to an unknown port on any authorized computer.
FTP is also cumbersome for users and the implementation is not seamless. FTP is a transfer protocol, so every action statement must be made explicit. This makes it not only unintuitive to use, but also counterproductive in many cases. It is also not mobile or web friendly.
FTP can only support a limited data size. This makes it difficult to process large amounts of data. Also, mass uploads of data are inefficient because you have to parse and aggregate the data files yourself. The protocol also does not allow simultaneous data transfers to multiple receivers.
Modern day enterprises leverage single sign-on, two-factor authentication, Active Directory identities, and NTFS permissions to control access to data and audit access to data. FTP does not have these up-to-date technology integrations that make it easier for businesses to control data access.
FTP solutions do not report the status of sent or received data. There is also no notification about the receipt or transfer of data and files. Consequently, users are unaware of possible interruptions or problems that may occur during file transfer. This makes it unreliable for managing high volume file transfers.
"You need to share internal files remotely. In the past, you used FTP as a solution for file access. However, FTP's many limitations prevent your organization from being productive.
You want a more user-friendly solution that takes full advantage of modern technology. You also want desktop clients, iOS/Android/Windows Phone/ RT clients so that access from mobile devices is easier."
Triofox solves the problems by combining solutions for file access, file synchronization and drive mapping.
File servers in different locations can contribute folders to a global distributed file system namespace in cloud storage within the user account. The global distributed file system namespace can be accessed from the web browser, desktop PC, mobile devices, or other file servers.
File synchronization solves the problem of accessing file servers. for local and remote users. Drive mapping solution solves the problem of access and file locking.
Web-based file access and sharing and file access and sharing via mobile devices further enhance the user experience.
The Triofox solution can also be integrated with your existing Active Directory, and you can grant users permissions to different folders.
You can access the files without installing a native client by going directly to a web browser client. The web browser client uses modern HTML5/ AJAX technologies to present a file manager with a native look-and-feel.
You can encrypt remote agent caches or revoke remote agent access privileges through a central management console.
You can share files and folders directly from the web browser, which makes things much easier.
You can access the file server not only through the traditional Microsoft network, but also through iOS/Android/Windows Phone/Windows RT mobile devices to the same file server content.
Triofox is not only an alternative to FTP, but has many features to meet the needs of your business.
Cloud backup and data protection with version control. On-demand synchronization minimizes storage and bandwidth consumption.
Full support for file locking from the cloud. Encrypt remote agent caches or revoke remote agent access privileges from a central management console.
An alternative for one or more of the following: VPN, DFS, FTP, Dropbox, Box, SharePoint, ShareFile, Anchor, Egnyte, etc.
Combines NTFS permissions, Active Directory users and drive mappings. Advanced reporting and usage auditing of file sharing activity from a centralized management console.
Simplified remote access from iOS/AndroidPC/Mac/Windows Phone/Windows RT mobile devices. From any location, using any device.
Eliminate the management costs of servers and VPNs. Avoid the cost of manually replicating files and folders or recreating NTFS permissions.
Integrates seamlessly with current file-based enterprise networks and workflows.
Choose different implementations according to your own needs. Simple process for setup.