Managed File Transfer for the Retail Sector - Protect Your Customers, Increase Your Sales

Jan. 26, 2011 - PRLog -- How to Handle File Transfers
There are several dozen methods to transfer files – from physical media to file transfer of various types.  What many people don’t realise is most have their drawbacks – MFT is emerging as the most secure and a solid method of transfer without the expected drawbacks.

•  Physical media – One of the problems with physical media of all types is two-fold.  One is that the media can be lost, creating an issue with security and poor publicity.  The other problem with physical media of all types is that it can be damaged.

•  Backups – One of the more important areas that people look at when considering data compliance and use is their backup systems – with MFT you can be sure that your backups and file supports are secure, and traceable.

•  FTP and email – FTP can be insecure, and email can cause problems with transfer – both can create issues with transfers, such as faults or interruptions.  Large files are also difficult to transfer.  FTP also has access risks – it can be hacked, passwords can be compromised, servers can be hacked.  MFT eliminates these from the table and can give seamless integration with your email systems.

Retail Industry Compliance
Issues in retail compliance can vary from the simple (storage of customer information in a secure environment) to complex (credit card information protection – or confidential information such as credit files) need to be managed and transferred appropriately.  In all cases, information transfer between two points should be handled by Managed File Transfer.  This technology allows for the secure transfer of data – in a more reliable and ‘safe’ way than FTP.

MFT is designed to ensure that your compliance and workflow are both documentable giving you a clear idea of what your company is capable of, and keeping your staff both accountable and rewarded.  

It’s also important to ensure that your compliance meets the current PCI standards.  While the PCI compliance standards group doesn’t enforce penalties for non-compliance, other organisations, such as your bank or insurance team will require them.

There are several solutions that work well with Managed File Transfers – depending on your needs, and the needs of your back end software will depend on what you integrate into your system.  These integrations are crucial to the success and ease of use of MFT, which, in turn requires consultation from an expert, and more research.

HANDD Business Solutions are independent specialists providing Secure Managed File Transfer and Data Security solutions to a wide range of organisations operating across all industry sectors. HANDD provide file transfer solutions from leading MFT software vendors including Messageway, IPWSITCH File Transfer, GlobalSCAPE and BOOLE Server. For further information about secure managed file transfer and data exchanges please visit www.handd.co.uk or call HANDD Business Solutions on +44 (0) 845 643 4063.

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The UK’s leading independent provider for Managed File Transfer, FTP and Data Workflow Solutions. Our customers trust us to provide consultancy and professional services, technical support and software solutions from the leading File Transfer Vendors