Review: File Transfer Appliance Aims To Deliver -- Securely

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Palo Alto, Calif.-based Accellion aims to deliver when it comes to secure file transfer.

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. If an e-mail has already been sent to the outsider, an account will have already been created for that person. Another alternative is to have the outsider log in to the appliance as a guest user and set up an account. The file will then be pulled off that person's system and transferred to the Courier SFTA.

The Courier SFTA provides complete security without bothering users with behind-the-scenes complexities. Users will no longer have to worry about mailbox quotas or attachment limits, leaving IT staff free to focus on more important matters. The appliance is accessed using a Web mail-like interface or e-mail client plug-ins for Exchange/Outlook or Domino/Lotus Notes. So the appliance can be deployed quickly, and users don't need a lot of training to get up to speed.

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