Newsletter - October 2008

Aberdeen Group whitepaper on Secure/Managed File Transfer

Carol Baroudi, well known as the Internet for Dummies author, published a new whitepaper called Secure/Managed File Transfer: Why Best-In-Class Companies are saying it's a "Must Have". Aberdeen collects copious amounts of data from its readers and focus groups, and analyzes the growth and impact that file transfer has on companies. Aberdeen groups companies into Best-In-Class, Indstry Average, and Laggards. Carol's paper examines existing file transfer methodologies, including FTP and email attachments, and her research has fond that Best-in-Class companies are moving to a more managed file transfer approach, because of increased file transfer needs across the board, new regulatory requirements, larger files being transferred, and increased reliability and usability. Read

BDS Tech Tip of the Month

Web-based secure file transfer solutions often have one major drawback – selecting the recipients of your files. Web applications are convenient because they're accessible (usually any browser will do, including mobile devices), they're familiar (Web mail, Google, and other applications are so prevalent), and usually simple. Some of the complaints about Web applications vs. desktop clients, is the versatility and flexibility. While there are certainly limitations a Web application will have compared to a thick client, most thin client applications excel in ease of deployment, anywhere accessibility, and convenience. Because BDS uses Web mail as an operating model for sending files securely, it's immediately familiar to most users, including novices. Sending files is as easy as entering the email addresses of the recipients, uploading the files, and hitting send. Two features that BDS includes in all of its offerings, is integration with Microsoft Exchange, and drag and drop. Drag and drop support on Web pages lets users simply select files from their desktop and drop them into the files pane. This is a huge time-saver when trying to send a lot of files – no more open files/browse/select dialog boxes to uplaod one file at a time.

Integrating your Microsoft Exchange adds a critical feature -- automatically populating recipient email addresses as you type – start typing the name of a recipient, and BDS will automatically query the user's Gloabl Address List (GAL) and suggest matching email addresses. Also, you'll get automatic support for GAL distribution lists. Once you enable this integration through the System Configuration for Contact and Group settings, add your Exchange Server settings, and see your user productivity and file transfer processes incease dramatically.