What is it?
File transfer is a managed method of transferring data from one computer to another. As an alternative to email, file transfer is sometimes necessary to address security, size, and/or automation.
NDIT offers two options for transferring files:
- File Transfer Protocol
- Secure File Transfer System
What do you get with the Service?
1. File Transfer Protocol
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is the standard TCP/IP protocol that has been traditionally used to exchange files over the Internet. SFTP (also know as Secure-FTP and SSL-FTP) is an extension of FTP that adds support for data encryption.
To transfer files via FTP, an authenticated connection to the server needs to be made using a web browser or an FTP/SFTP client. FTP/SFTP clients (WinSCP, WS FPT Pro, etc.) have some extra features that make uploading/downloading files easy. The client interface is usually divided in two; the pane on the left shows the files and folders on your computer, and the pane on the right shows the files on the remote server. File transfers are made by simply dragging and dropping files from one pane to the other.
Additional features of the FTP/SFTP client include multiple file transfers at one time, auto-resuming of transfers, and file queueing.
2. Secure File Transfer System
The Secure File Transfer System (SFTS) is a web-based application that provides an easy and secure alternative method to email when you need to transfer files, especially those really large ones. Notifications or invitations are sent among individuals to initiate action.
SFTS allows Active Directory (NDGOV) users to upload files into the system. An invitation to download the file is sent to the intended recipients, who are not required to be authenticated users. Likewise, NDGOV users can also send unauthenticated users an invitation to upload files into SFTS. Agencies may also set up Service Areas to exchange files; however, this method requires public users to easily create a NDGOV account. Expiration dates are used to manage the retention of files uploaded into SFTS.
Key Features
- Files are scanned for viruses
- Data is encrypted via Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)
- Invitations are sent to specified individuals to download or upload files; authentication is not required through this method
- Expiration dates are used to automatically purge files
- Maximum file size is 2 GB
- Eliminates (File Transfer Protocol) FTP servers
How do you request Service?
NDIT’s Self Service Portal may be used to submit an “Managed File Transfer ” service request to securely transfer data from one server to another (FTP, SFTP, MoveIT).
To utilize the Secure File Transfer system, refer to the Secure File Transfer System Manual.