Article  SFTP File Transfer: Moving Data Across the Internet Has Never Been Easier Using SFTP file transfer makes it easy to move very large files over the Internet. Client and server applications must be installed on the computers on each end to provide control and data connections. Through a graphical interface, the files can usually be moved around in a Windows Explorer-type fashion. On one side, the files on the computer are shown, and on the other, files on the SFTP server are represented. The files can be moved one way or the other with a mouse click on a control button or by using drag-and-drop. SFTP, otherwise known as Secure File Transfer Protocol, provides file transfers over data streams that are known to be reliable and secure. SFTP functions as a remote protocol, and when using it, it is possible for interrupted file transfers to resume after a disconnection or other error and for files to be removed remotely. Authentication and security are provided separately, not by SFTP. Internet SSH encryption standards are necessary for ensuring security, but anyone moving large files over the Internet should have some sort of security program installed or have some knowledge of online security systems. There are many resources for finding SFTP and other file transfer software. Some programs can be downloaded for free even. They all pretty much operate on the same principle. An easy user interface is the standard among them, and with so many competing with one another, a file transfer program that is simple to use is not hard to find. This also makes a newer program, which replaces one that may not be compatible with your operating system, easier to use. So long as the address of the remote server is known, you can put in that data and begin transferring files immediately after downloading or installing the program. Another option for SFTP file transfer is to find a provider of a hosted service and purchase a plan. There are quite a few of these as well. As is the case with telephone or Internet service plans, for example, many of these plans are available at different levels with different rates. Plans are differentiated by the amount of disk space offered and by how many users are supported. Rates can be set up for payment on a per month or per year basis. Such plans can even be purchased directly on the websites of the providers. In addition, service extras may be offered. These include services that provide automation to the file transfer process, virus protection, and data encryption. The inner workings of file transfer via the Internet are rather complex. With SFTP file transfer as with FTP file transfer, it is not necessary to understand all of the intricacies of how files are bounced around on the Web. Once the settings are programmed, there’s no need to think about ports, clients, protocols, proxies, or other things. The files can just be moved by using the simple interface, and then they appear on the desired computer. Delve deeper into the fundamentals, and it can be baffling. If you just take the program for the ease of the user interface, learning how it works and moving files is not difficult at all. Whether implementing SFTP file transfer via a program or hosted service, the benefits of its use are seen immediately. Data security is extremely important not only for businesses, but for individuals as well, and having any data transferred securely minimizes the worry that information will be seen by someone you don’t want to see it. The technology behind SFTP file transfer makes this all possible. With the size and storage capacity of files growing exponentially, such technology is welcome in today’s online environment. Category Internet Author WOA Member Add To Favorites Print This Article Email Article To A Friend Post Comments   Rate This Article (0) 1 - Poor2345 - Good678910 - Excellent Added On 26 September 2009