File Transfer Appliance Aims To Deliver -- Securely

By Marc Spiwak

January 29, 2007

(File Transfer Appliance Aims To Deliver -- Securely :  Page 1 of 1 )

Anyone who regularly transfers files via e-mail knows that the process can be troublesome, and the large attachments quickly fill up an inbox. FTP file transfers also can do the trick, but many users find that to be confusing. Another alternative is to burn a disc and overnight it. But that's expensive and takes a day for the files to be received. Accellion has found a better way with its Courier Secure File Transfer Appliance (SFTA).

The Courier SFTA allows large numbers of files to be consolidated into one folder, either for convenience or to preserve subdirectory hierarchy of a group of files. Files and folders as large as 10 Gbytes can be sent with one click. Folders are sent and received using a familiar e-mail-like interface, without needing FTP.

Another problem with FTP, e-mail and overnighting discs is that those methods don't meet secure file transfer regulations such as Sarbanes-Oxley and HIPAA. But with the Courier SFTA, files and folders are encrypted, fingerprinted, compressed and delivered via secure tunnels in a process that complies with such regulations. Auditing and tracking is made easy using detailed reports generated by the appliance. It also provides automated download receipts and automated file and account management.

The Courier SFTA works as follows: A user transfers a file to the appliance and then sends the recipient an e-mail containing a secure link to the file or folder. The recipient then simply clicks on the link to download the file. Users can set the amount of time for a file's availability, after which time it's automatically deleted.

The appliance also enables businesses to receive large files and folders, using one of several ways. One way is to send a proactive e-mail to the outsider, which sets that person up with an account and provides them with a secure upload link to the appliance.

 Page 1 of 1