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and in industries where compliance is of utmost importance, these clouds just might bring a storm down on you. Fortunately, email, FTP systems and cloud sharing solutions aren’t the only options available. File transfer platforms have evolved over the last decade, so modernizing file sharing doesn’t have to break the bank. For organizations in need of a more strategic approach to transferring files, there is managed file transfer (MFT) technology, which puts gateways between users, your organization’s network and the Internet. Here are a few key features to look for in an MFT solution: 1. Ability to address current data demands and handle growing demand in the future 2. Automation scripts so your IT team can spend time doing other things 3. On-premises file storage so you can leverage your existing security infrastructure 4. File transfer that is quick, reliable and monitored—even with big files 5. Integration of the latest encryption and authentication controls for compliance with internal and external security protocols With MFT, IT staff can see and manage all traffic that passes through the system. Where is it coming from? Who is it going to? Is there secure encryption on the file? Information like this will also help when an audit comes around because it provides visibility into what files went where and who sent them. One of the features mentioned above may seem like an outlier, and is an option people don’t often explore: an on-premises file access solution. This is an application that for users acts like a cloud application but keeps files on an organization’s hardware servers. So even though business data is accessible to users when they’re at home or on the road, the files never actually leave the organization, and all the organization’s security measures are still in place. When it comes to keeping your data safe and secure, it’s not a good idea to trust FTP or email systems that someone can hack, or a cloud that someone can break into. Instead, find a solution that you know is safe, and can leverage the security investments you’ve already made. Tom Scearce is a senior product marketing manager at Attachmate, a leading provider of advanced software for terminal emulation, managed file transfer and legacy modernization. Over the span of his career, Tom’s experience in marketing strategy, business development, sales operations and program management has helped companies grow revenue, predictably and profitably. Tom can be reached online on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/tomscearce, on Twitter at @ TLOTL and at the company’s website http://www.attachmate.com. " # % " $ " # ! !