Article  SFTP File Transfer Is The Way to Go With Your Company’s Valuable Data The Internet is the greatest communications medium ever invented. Unfortunately, it is fraught with many perils. There are hackers and spies all over the Internet. So, while the Internet offers the convenience of easy access to your data for your clients, your precious proprietary information must be protected from the thieves, scammers, and malignant hackers who prowl the World Wide Web looking for anything that they can steal. You can’t let these folks stop you from taking advantage of the ease and convenience of transmitting data over the Internet. If you run a small business, you may not be able to afford the luxury of maintaining a full-time department devoted to preserving and safeguarding your data. One logical, affordable alternative is to farm out your data transmission needs to a company that can provide SFTP file transfer services. An FTP host will enable you to safely transmit all of your files, no matter how large, to a location anywhere in the world.   If you’re new to the world of SFTP file transfers, there are some things that you should know to look for when trying to select a service provider. You should find a provider that can handle all of your needs, from the most complicated data transfers and workflows to simple FTP file transfers. If you’re using a web-based interface, you’ll want to find one that is easy to use and doesn’t require extensive training for your staff. You also want to be wary of service providers who use bait-and-switch tactics, offering their FTP file transfer services at what seem like bargain rates but then adding fees at the end of the service period. Check around to see what kind of reputation a company enjoys with its customers before signing any kind of service contract.   Once you’ve narrowed down your choices to a handful of providers, there are some other features to ask about or look for on their website. If you pick a certain service provider, will other clients be able to see your data or files? What you want to find is a company that limits customers to looking only at their own files within a company folder. Of course, people within your own operation need to be able to see all of these files so that they can collaborate on projects but no one outside of your company should be able to access your proprietary files. With all of the nasty viruses floating around on the Internet, you want to have the best virus protection available to protect your data and any computers that access your FTP folders. Another feature to look for is branding. When customers visit the website for SFTP file transfers, they should be able to see your company’s name and logo on the folders they access. Don’t settle for working with an FTP file transfer service that can’t give you that sort of name recognition. If your customers go to the website and they can’t see your company’s logo, it might lead to confusion about who they’re actually dealing with. Complete ease of use for both customers and staff is one of the goals you should shoot for. Finally, you need to be able to get help 24/7 if there’s a problem with your FTP file transfers. Find a company that can provide that level of support and you should be in good hands. After all, software, hardware, and virus problems can strike at any time of the day or night, and you want to know that you can get help when you need it. Category Technology Author Anonymous Add To Favorites Print This Article Email Article To A Friend Post Comments   Rate This Article (0) 1 - Poor2345 - Good678910 - Excellent Added On 03-18-2010